BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Cordillera Regional Office reminds Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) to renew their membership to ensure continued access to essential benefits and services.
Floribel C. Sales, OWWA -CAR Officer II and program focal on repatriation, emphasized the importance of active OWWA membership to the welfare of OFWs and their families during a radio program interview.
OFWs are covered by life insurance and other social benefits, scholarship programs for their families, medical and welfare assistance, as well as livelihood assistance program, provided their OWWA membership status is active.
“Dapat active ang membership ni OFW at the time of availment for medical assistance, and human remains kasi meron po tayong tinatawag na death and burial benefits. So, if active po ang membership ni OFW, at kapag ang OFW po ay namatay due to natural cause makakakuha po siya ng P100,000 plus P20,000 burial benefit, at kung accidental death naman ay P220,000. Aside from that, we also give scholarship sa panganay na anak ng OFW,” Sales explained.
In case the eldest child is not qualified for the scholarship, he or she can waive the scholarship to the next child, provided the child is of school age. And if there is no qualified child for the scholarship, OWWA can give livelihood assistance to the spouse of the OFW in the amount of P15,000 starter kit, she elaborated.
OFWs can renew their OWWA membership and pay at any OWWA regional offices. If the OFWs are abroad, they can visit the Philippine Embassy or consulate office located in their job site.
Membership fee is based on $25 USD exchange rate and valid for two years for each contribution regardless of the duration of their contract or any changes in their job or employers, Sales said.
Elaborating on the benefits available for active OFWs, Sales said if an OFW is medically ill, he or she can apply for medical assistance depending on the medical record . A medical doctor will evaluate the case. The maximum medical assistance is P20,000.
In case of human remains, OWWA provides domestic transport assistance and bring it to the OWWA partner funeral parlor for service, and afterwards to the house of the deceased OFW.
OWWA also offers repatriation assistance to distressed OFWs to avoid affected workers from being stranded and left without means of ensuring their safety and sustenance.
She shared that repatriation depends on the situation of OFWs such as medically, physically or mentally ill including human remains coming from overseas.
Among the assistance being extended include domestic transport assistance, medical assistance/referral, airport assistance, half-way home accommodation, and psychosocial counseling. (JDP/MAWC, PIA-CAR)