In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency's Performing and Informing online program, which airs every Wednesday via its regional and provincial Facebook pages, OWWA Regional Director Christelyn Caceres reaffirmed that active OWWA members are entitled to receive medical assistance and life insurance benefits, among other assistance from the agency. (Photo by PIA Region 12)
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has paid over P2.2 million in social benefits to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and their families in the Soccsksargen region.
Christelyn Caceres, regional director of OWWA, said the amount includes P1,415,000 in death and burial benefits for survivors of 10 deceased migrant workers and P835,000 to 75 medical claims under the agency’s Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) for the calendar year 2023.
Caceres explained that active OWWA members are entitled to receive life insurance benefits amounting to P100,000 for natural death or P200,000 for death by accident, and additional burial assistance of P20,000.
Also, disabled OFWs due to accidents at work may also get P7,000 to P10,000 in compensation and a maximum of P20,000 as a form of medical assistance for work-related illnesses.
“For the medical assistance, nagkaroon ng sakit o nadisgrasya meron pong matatanggap na financial assistance na hindi hihigit sa P20,000 depende sa sakit na natamo o disability or impairment na nakuha para po makatulong sa kanilang mga gamot at paggaling,” she added.
[For medical assistance or those who have had an illness or an accident, there will be financial assistance of not more than P20,000, depending on the illness, disability, or impairment acquired, to help with their medications and recovery.]
OWWA in the Soccsksargen region has urged OFWs to renew their membership with the agency upon expiration, which they can undertake with any OWWA desks in the host country they are located in and via its online app, citing the many privileges and benefits of being an active member. (Photo courtesy of OWWA Region 12)
Meanwhile, for inactive members or those who opted to not renew their OWWA membership, the agency is implementing a "bereavement assistance program," in which survivors of deceased OFWs are given P20,000.
Caceres clarified that the program started in 2017, meaning only OFWs from 2017 to present are qualified to avail of the benefits.
“As long as there has been at least one membership in OWWA since 2017, at hindi siya naka-avail ng [and he did not avail of] any assistance, they are qualified to receive P20,000,” the official said.
Caceres also reminded OFWs to renew their membership to allow them to avail of the maximum welfare assistance that is available for them and their families.
An OWWA membership offers two years of coverage for only $25 (or P1,405.50) and remains valid even if an OFW's contract ends, the employer changes, or the job sites switch.
“Sa mga active members ng OWWA, mas marami po kayong makukuha na programa at serbisyo sa ating ahensya as compared doon sa mga inactive,” Caceres told OFW members.
[As active members of OWWA, you can avail of more programs and services from our agency as compared to inactive members.]
An OFW can renew their membership through the nearest regional welfare office, OWWA desks in their host countries, or via the online OWWA Mobile App. (ORVR - PIA Region 12)
