The Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) is one of OWWA’s outstanding scholarship benefit programs for OFWs, as it offers their qualified dependents a chance to fulfill their future through financial assistance amounting to a maximum of PhP 60,000 per academic year.
But similar to the previous grants that we have discussed in the previous features, the EDSP also entails certain responsibilities and procedures to follow. Worry not, though—consider this your guide to applying for the OWWA EDSP grant.
Also Read: OWWA Programs Benefits Services for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
Please be guided on the steps in applying for this specific OWWA scholarship and the things you should know about EDSP program.
Contents
Overview
The EDSP scholarship is a great scholarship project from OWWA intended for college/university students. They get a maximum of PHP 60,000 cash grants for a year and this is really great for Filipino students who are very far from their families. There are different requirements and responsibilities an applicant should do which will be discussed in detail below.
This article aims to provide guidance on how you can avail of the OWWA education grants (EDSP) for your studies whether you are a first-year student or even a fourth-year student.
Benefits
Eligible OFW dependents who qualify for the scholarship are entitled to financial assistance amounting to PhP 30,000 per semester, or a maximum of PhP 60,000 per academic year.
Moreover, they are also free to choose their 4-to-5-year degree program to pursue, and even regardless of the OFW relative’s membership status after application, as long as the Scholarship Agreement is agreed with, the scholarship will continue.
Qualifications
To be considered an eligible beneficiary of EDSP, the dependent:
- Must be a Filipino citizen
- Must be a child of an active OWWA OFW member upon application, if the OFW member is married or a single parent. Otherwise, the dependent may be a sibling of an active OWWA OFW member.
- For applicants who are incoming freshmen, they must be an outgoing Grade 12 student not older than 21 years, with a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 80% or equivalent and part of the upper 20% of the graduating batch.
- For second to fifth year applicants, they must be not older than 30 years, and with a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 85% or equivalent.
- Must be in good overall health and of good moral character.
- Must NOT have received any other government-funded grant.
Requirements
Eligible dependents may start with their application by completing the following requirements:
- 2 copies of duly filled Application Form
- 2 copies of recent, identical 2×2 photos.
- Any of the following documents to certify a relationship with an OWWA OFW member:
- Original, PSA-issued birth certificate, if the applicant is a child of the OFW
- PSA-issued birth certificate of BOTH child and OFW, if the applicant is a sibling of the OFW
- Copy of Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) of OFW, if the OFW is unmarried.
- For incoming freshmen, a sealed copy of Form 137; For enrolled college students, a sealed copy of Transcript of Records.
- Official receipt of OWWA membership or OFW Verification Sheet
- Health certificate
- Certificate of Good Moral Character, issued by the principal or guidance counselor
- A sworn statement certifying that the beneficiary/applicant meets the qualifying grade aforementioned and is part of the upper 20% of their batch.
- A sworn statement certifying that the beneficiary/applicant has not taken any post-secondary units (if incoming freshman), is not a recipient of any government-funded grant and has not undergone the EDSP qualifying exam upon the time of application.
- A sworn statement certifying that the beneficiary/applicant is not a dual citizen, and has no resident immigration application in progress for any country, duly signed by a parent or legal guardian.
- Duly accomplished Scholarship Agreement Form
How to Process EDSP Scholarship Program
Upon completion of requirements, applicants may opt to pursue their application by following these steps:
- Download and/or print the EDSP Application form on the OWWA official website at www.owwa.gov.ph or by clicking the link below: https://owwa.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/APPLICATION-FORM-FOR-EDSP-FOR-REGIONS.pdf
- Fill in all required information and attach all documentary requirements.
- Submit your application online or to the OWWA Regional Office near you via courier service.
- Wait for a call, text or email from an authorized OWWA representative confirming your slot for the grant.
General Reminders
- Keep in mind that filing of applications for EDSP, along with other scholarship grants like ODSP, begins every June until the first week of August, or as per advisory of Responsible Outgoing College Students (ROCS) based on the schedule of the qualifying examination by the DOST.
- All applications are subject to review and assessment by OWWA and all concerned agencies. Hence, it is strongly advised that applicants ensure the completeness of their requirements, since applications with incomplete documents will not be processed.
- Approved applicants will still have to take the DOST national assessment, which shall determine whether or not they qualify for the grant.
- Beneficiaries are to receive their grant in the form of non-transferrable vouchers.
- Beneficiaries must be able to maintain their good scholastic standing and moral character to continue availing of the scholarship grant. Exemplary scholars who graduate will be recognized and rewarded.
Video: EDSP Program Updates
Check out this video uploaded on YouTube which details the EDSP scholarship project from OWWA. This will hopefully give you a better idea of what the program is all about.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions and answers about the EDSP scholarship:
1. What is the OWWA EDSP scholarship?
The Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) offers scholarships to qualified beneficiaries/dependents of active members who intend on enrolling in 4-5 year baccalaureate course at any preferred colleges/universities.
2. How much is the EDSP scholarship grant?
The EDSP entitles its beneficiaries to monetary assistance worth up to PhP 60,000 every academic year, for 4 to 5 years, depending on the beneficiary’s degree program.
3. How is EDSP different from ODSP?
Both EDSP and ODSP are educational grants catering to active OWWA OFW members whose qualified dependents are incoming freshmen or currently enrolled in college. However, unlike ODSP which specifies that beneficiaries must be enrolled in a state university or college (SUC), EDSP beneficiaries need not be enrolled in an SUC. With regards to the grant, ODSP provides up to PhP 20,000 per academic year, while EDSP provides up to PhP 60,000 per academic year.
4. Where can I apply for this OWWA scholarship?
You may opt to apply to your nearest OWWA Regional/Satellite Office or through their website at www.owwa.gov.ph. However, in light of the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the country, it is recommended that you apply online to avoid crowding in offices.
5. If my OFW spouse has applied for EDSP for one of our children, can I apply for another child too?
No, you may only apply on behalf of one child if you are a married OFW member with children.
Summary
The Education for Development Scholarship Program is OWWA’s means to bring you one step closer to your family’s dreams. The program provides full scholarship grants to qualified student dependents of OFWs who need financial assistance.
The OWWA EDSP scholarship grant is given to a student pursuing a graduate degree. Do note that this is a benefit for active OFW members, so if you haven’t renewed your membership yet, then we hope this has convinced you to do so.
Contact Details
For more information on EDSP or other OWWA scholarships and projects, visit their website at www.owwa.gov.ph or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OWWAofficial. You may also opt to download the official OWWA Mobile App on Google Play or App Store to stay updated on announcements and news.