OWWA has two loans that aim to assist Filipinos to stop dreaming and start their own profitable business without being subjected to a very high-interest rate. These include the HEROES Loan Program and the EDLP Loan program.
Also Read: OFW Guide: Become an OWWA Member
OWWA is extending its capabilities to help OFWs and seafarers achieve their dreams – even those who are repatriated from jobs due to crisis. The said government institution is providing different types of loans wherein OFWs can start their own business.
Since OFWs are supporting their families in the Philippines, the government has come up with OWWA programs and services that can support OFW-families in the Philippines as soon as they decided to stop working abroad.
Contents
Overview
- HEROES Loan – Helping the Economy Recover thru OFW Enterprise Start-ups (HEROES) Loan is part of the P3 Fund of Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This OWWA loan program aims to help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, especially those owned by OFWs.
- EDLP Loan – This loan is formerly OFW Reintegration Program (ORP), and is now being called Enterprise Development and Loan Program (EDLP). This loan aims to enable OFWs to earn profit so that in the future they could stay with their loved ones and make profits out of their chosen business/industry.
Common OWWA Loan requirements you must prepare:
- (2) valid IDS (Photocopy)
- It can be a government ID such as TIN, Passport, PRC, or any ID with your photo and signature.
- Supporting documents of your OWWA contribution, it can be an OWWA information sheet, passport with POEA-LAC stamp, E-card, or POEA attested employment certificate.
- Proof of billing address
- Barangay Certification as proof of residency (Photocopy)
- Income Tax Return for at least three years
- Mayor’s permit where the business will be located
- Collateral or security documents
- Statement of Assets and Liabilities
- Birth Certificate for single loan applicant
- Certificate of Marriage for married applicant
- Sketch of your place of residence
Let’s admit it, many OFWs don’t have investments for their future, in fact, many solely rely on their monthly salary. OWWA has seen many stories of struggles from their members even right after working abroad for decades, and now they are introducing these loan programs to finally help their kababayans have a bright future.
HEROES Loan
The SB Corporation who is assigned to manage this program said that they have allotted PHP 100 Million for this program, which can help a lot of repatriated OFWs who lost their jobs because of this pandemic.
Who are eligible for this loan?
Repatriated OFWs are the people eligible to apply for HEROES Loan program.
How much you can borrow?
- Minimum of PHP 10,000
- Maximum of PHP 100,000
Arrangement: OFWs can borrow money without interest or even collateral. The HEROES loan program also gives 12-month grace period which is inclusive of all of their repayment terms.
- For loans under the 24-months repayment term, there will be a 6% service fee.
- For loans under the 36-months repayment term, there will be an 8% service fee.
Requirements
- Scanned copy of your passport
- Certificate of PTTC Training as proof of completion
- Business Model Canvas (This is exclusive for loans amounting above PHP 50,000)
- Video Presentation
How to apply for HEROES Loan?
Step 1: Go to http://bit.ly/HEROESRegistrationForm to register for a PTTC or Philippine Trade and Training Center.
Step 2: Complete the one-day online training. No funds will be collected since it’s totally free.
Step 3: After completing the said training, this is the perfect time to complete all the requirements for your application. For a loan application, you need the follow:
- Passport copy (Scanned)
- Video presentation (Don’t worry because you will be given instruction during the training on how you will prepare the said presentation.)
Step 4: Go to your browser and search https://brs.sbgfc.org.ph/heroes to proceed with your application.
OWWA EDLP Loan
The Enterprise Development & Loan Program (EDLP) is formerly OFW Integration Program. This loan will not be directly funded by the government or OWWA, all funds will be disbursed by Landbank. Therefore, all qualified OFWs must show a certificate from OWWA as a proof that they are a member of the institution regardless of whether they’re active or inactive.
Who are eligible for EDLP loan?
- All OFWs that are certified by OWWA (active or inactive)
- Those who have completed the Enhanced Entrepreneurial Development Training (EEDT)
Note: If the OFW is still abroad, the latter must be represented by “Spouse if Married.” If the borrower is Single, he/she must be represented by a parent, not more than 60 years old or Children at least 18 years old.”
How much you can borrow?
- Minimum of PHP 100,000
- Maximum of PHP 2,000,000
Arrangement: Unlike other OWWA loans, this one taps interest at a rate of 7.5% per annum for the entire duration of the loan. The loan amount will depend on the project needs and the amount of equity participation of the borrower
- For Single Proprietorship borrowers- PHP 100,000 to PHP 2,000,000
- For Group Loans borrowers- PHP 100,000 to PHP 5,000,000
Loan Repayment
- Short (1 year)
- Term (7 years)
Both have a 2-years grace period.
Loan Security/Collateral: Object of Finances
- Mortgage able project
- Assets (Machines or Equipment)
- Other assets of the borrower
Requirements
Here are the following requirements:
- A business plan for the specific project that will generate revenue for the OFW and his or her family.
- Registration Certificate from the DTI
- OWWA certification that the borrower is an active overseas worker who has completed EDT
- OFW applicant’s biodata
- Income tax return (for the previous three years, if applicable)
- Financial statements (last three years, filed with the BIR, if applicable)
- If applicable, the most recent interim financial statement
- Assets and Liabilities Statement
- Permission from the mayor
How to apply for EDLP Loan?
Step 1: You need an OWWA Registration Verification. This is for OFWs who are still working abroad.
- Inquire and get information about the EDLP loan through the Embassy of your employment country.
- The Officer will then confirm your registration as an OWWA member.
- They will now refer you to an assigned officer of the OWWA office in the Philippines.
- As soon as you return to the Philippines, you need to go to the OWWA office to get a certification.
- Present the said certification to Landbank.
Step 2: Training for Business Development. As an eligible OFW, you need to attend the EDT or Enterprise Development Training from OWWA, DTI, and Landbank. As part of the requirement, you must present the certificate of attendance on the EDT to Landbank.
Note: This EDT training will teach the OFW how to run a business.
Step 3: Preparation of a business plan and other requirements
The OFW must prepare the business plan and other Landbank requirements.
Step 4: You are now in the Submission, Review, and Inspection process.
- Submit all your requirements to Landbank, the latter will then review your application.
- If the business is already established, inspection will be performed.
Step 5: If your loan has been approved, Landbank will release the funds to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may check the following questions and answers about getting a loan from OWWA as an OFW or seaman:
1. Does EDLP require collateral?
Yes.
2. Does EDLP give a grace period?
Yes, a 2-year grace period will be provided.
3. Can I still get a loan from OWWA if my business was already established?
Yes, you can.
4. Where can I get a business plan?
You can make your own business plan or you can also hire a professional to help you construct a better one. The better the business plan that you have the more chances of getting approved by the bank.
5. What is the best OWWA loan for repatriated OFWs?
Of course, it’s the HEROES Loan.
6. Are there any chances of getting declined?
Just like any other loan program, you might still get rejected. So make sure to submit complete requirements for more chances of getting approved. You also need to be eligible to get approved.
7. What if I wasn’t able to pay the loan?
If your chosen loan required collateral, they will get those assets as collateral for your unpaid loans.
Summary
If you’re an OFW who still wants to get a better future and life for your family, but you are repatriated due to the pandemic crisis, there are OWWA loans that can help you. These OWWA loans are not just exclusive for repatriated OFWs because there are also programs intended for those who really want to build their dream business and become an entrepreneur.
Many OFWs are dreaming to go home to the Philippines and stay with their family for good. And the only thing that stops them from doing so is their finances. Since most don’t have their savings or investments, they need to keep on working to send money to their families in the Philippines. But now that these loan programs are being pushed by the government, there’s no reason to freeze those dreams of having your own business and staying with your family for good.
Get the chance to become an entrepreneur and generate an income without living in your home country. Inquire and complete all the necessary documentation of your chosen loan now and never go back abroad!
The approval rate will still depend on your provided requirements and business plan. Make sure to make every step in order.