In pursuant to the programs and services for OFW clienteles and their families, a Memorandum of Agreement(MOA) between the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration(OWWA) Regional Office and City Government of Candon was signed recently.

Esperanza C. Cobarrubias, Office-in-Charge of OWWA, San Fernando City, La Union and City Vice Mayor Alfonso D. Singson represented the two parties, respectively.

Also present during the MOA signing were City Administrator Grace G. Singson, SP Secretary Jerry B.A. Malamion, and Peso Manager Doris G. Manzano.

Manzano was eventually assigned to take charge of the OFW Migrant Desk.

The said MOA aims to develop and implements responsive programs and services towards the protection of the interest and the promotion of the welfare of its member OFWs and their families.

Stated also under the MOA is the responsibility of the OWWA to orient the assigned OFW Migrant Desk personnel the programs and services of the agency, the procedure and processes of the programs and other guidelines for the fast delivery to its stakeholders.

The City Government on the other hand shall coordinate from time to time to OWWA on its programs and services and to refer OFWs and their families directly to OWWA for them to avail such.

The OWWA is an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the lead government agency tasked to promote the welfare and well-being of OFWs and their families. Its programs and services include the following:

Social Benefits

1. Insurance Benefits
2. Disability and Dismemberment Benefits
3. Total Disability Benefit
4. Medical Rehabilitation

Education and Training Benefits

1. Skill-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)
2. Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)
3. Seafarers’ Comprehensive Education and Training Programs

• Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP)
• Maritime Dugtong Aral (MDA)
• Cadetship Program for Top 200 Maritime Cadets
• Martime Educational Development Loan Program (MEDLOP)

4. OWWA TULAY Project
5. Tuloy Aral Project (TAP)
6. Pre-Departure Orientation Program (PDOP)
7. Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP)

Social Services and Family Welfare Assistance

1. 24/7 Operations Center
2. Reintegration
3. Loan Guarantee Fund

• Pre-Departure Loan (PDL)
• Family Assistance Loan (FAL)  *under review
• OWWA--NLDC Livelihood Development Program

Workers Assistance and On-Site Services

An immediate assistance extended to OFWs and their families through the OWWA Regional Welfare Offices and Overseas Posts. Services includes: locating whereabouts of OFWs; providing information and guidance; conducting psycho-social counseling and conciliation services; medical and para-legal services and outreach missions, among others.

Repatriation Assistance Program

The program provides services including negotiations with employers, agents, and host country authorities to facilitate the immediate repatriation of OFWs who are distressed or physically/mentally ill and human remains. They are given airport assistance, domestic transport, temporary shelter, medical/rehabilitation services, coordination with families, etc.

For more information on programs and services of OWWA, please visit its official site at www.owwa.gov.ph