The Project EASE (Educational Assistance through Scholarship in Emergencies) is another OWWA educational assistance project that caters to college-level dependents of active OWWA OFW members who have been repatriated or displaced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Approved beneficiaries will get PHP 10,000 per year for 4 years in cash to be used for their education.
Also Read: OWWA Programs Benefits Services for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
In the previous articles, we have talked about some of the many ways OFWs can maximize their efforts through the projects of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the recent one being Tabang OFW. Here, we are yet to uncover another beneficiary project that is Project EASE and how OFWs and their dependents can be part of it.
Contents
Overview
In many cases, Filipino workers abroad save a big chunk of what they earn from working away from home so their children and families can have a better chance of fulfilling their dreams. However, due to the pandemic, many OFWs have lost their jobs. The Project EASE will help finance the education of the dependents of these affected Filipinos.
Although different from Tabang OFW scholarship which is a one-time grant, Project EASE assures its beneficiaries of an annual grant of up to four (4) years. Nonetheless, both projects are not loans—meaning, you don’t have to worry about paying back.
So whether you are an OFW who has lost employment or been sent home in this crucial time, here’s how you can still avail of Project EASE.
Benefits
Approved applicants are entitled to an annual scholarship grant of PhP 10,000 for four (4) years for one (1) college-level OFW dependent.
Qualifications
Project EASE caters to college-level dependents of active OWWA OFW members. Inactive members or those whose membership has expired will have to renew their membership prior to applying for the grant. Eligible dependents of OWWA OFW members include:
- Children under 30 years of age, if the OFW member is married or a single parent, or;
- Sibling, child or nephew/niece under 30 years of age, if the OFW member is single.
Furthermore, to apply for the program, the dependent must:
- Be a Filipino citizen;
- Be enrolled in a state university or college (SUC), a CHED-accredited local university or college (LUC) or a private higher education institution (HEI), and has NOT exceeded the maximum residence therein;
- Meet the university’s or college’s current admission and retention criteria, and has NOT been subject to expulsion;
- Be a dependent of an OFW who has been repatriated or displaced in the time of COVID-19 pandemic.
- NOT be a recipient of any other government-funded scholarship.
Requirements
Applicants must be able to present the following documents for screening and approval:
- Accomplished application form
- Passport of OFW member
- Proof of arrival, such as a boarding pass or arrival stamp
- Proof of dismissal/repatriation
- An official receipt or any proof of active OWWA membership
- Proof of dependent’s relationship to OFW, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate, and;
- Copy of dependent’s grades from the previous/last semester enrolled in.
How to Process Project EASE Program
In light of the recent surge of COVID-19 cases, Project EASE applications are to be filed online in order to prevent congestion in OWWA offices.
- Accomplish the application form at: https://ease.owwa.gov.ph/
- Attach all documentary requirements.
- Verify all entered information.
- Submit your application via email of your respective OWWA Regional Office. Should your internet connectivity not allow you to do so, you may save and print your application along with all documentary requirements and mail them to your local OWWA office via courier service.
- Once submitted, a reference/tracking number shall be sent via text or email. This can also be used in tracking the status of your application.
- You will be notified via text, email or call, should your application be approved.
- Once your application is approved, a downloadable Scholarship Agreement will be sent via email for your signature and notarization.
- Return the signed and notarized Scholarship Agreement to your local OWWA office via courier service. You will then be notified via text or email as to how to claim your grant.
Project EASE Application Form Online
You can easily access the OWWA EASE application form online and register your details in the dedicated portal here – https://ease.owwa.gov.ph/.
Below is a screenshot of the form for your reference:
How to Track Status of Project EASE Application
If you need to inquire about the status of your EASE application, you may also opt to track your application online, via https://easetracker.owwa.gov.ph/.
Simply input your name and email in the form then click “Search.” and you should be able to check the status of your application.
Below is a screenshot of the EASE status inquiry form:
As per the latest update, applications for Project EASE will be screened alongside those from Tabang OFW, hence the same form. This is in order for OWWA and concerned agencies for both projects to assess whether you are qualified for both or either project.
Video: Project EASE Scholarship for OFW Dependents
Here’s a video guide which shares a Filipino talking about the OWWA Project EASE. he explains what this Educational Assistance through Scholarship in Emergencies and who it is for. May you get an idea about this scholarship project:
Project EASE Infographics
Check out this infographic which features the Project EASE project and everything you need to know about it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions and answers about the Project EASE program for OFW dependents:
1. Who is qualified to apply for Project EASE?
College-level children of married or single parent active OWWA OFW members and are under 30 years, or college-level children, siblings, or nephews or nieces of single active OWWA OFW members and are under 30 years of age, are both qualified to apply for Project EASE.
2. How much is the scholarship grant?
Approved applicants are entitled to an annual grant of PhP 10,000 for four (4) years.
3. If we are both OFWs, can we have separate applications?
No, married OFWs are only entitled to one (1) slot for Project EASE, even if they are both active OWWA members.
4. Can a dependent be a beneficiary of Project EASE and another grant?
No; should the dependent be a recipient of another OWWA scholarship, such as the Education for Development Scholarship (EDSP), OFW Dependent Scholarship (ODSP) or Education for Livelihood Assistance (ELAP), he or she shall then be ineligible for Project EASE.
5. Once I apply for the grant, will it be guaranteed?
No, applying for the grant does NOT guarantee you a slot, as all applications are to be screened and assessed by OWWA Regional Office along with representative partner agencies.
6. How will I receive the grant?
Approved applicants must have and include in their application an active bank account in THEIR name to which the grant will be sent. Otherwise, it will be sent to that of their OFW contact or relative.
Summary
Like the Tabang OFW and other OWWA scholarship grants, Project EASE aims to be that one step for OFWs and their dependents to be closer to their dreams—a testament that the hard work of our Filipinos abroad will always bear fruit with OWWA in touch.
It is good to apply for these OWWA scholarships because of the many benefits they offer. If you have been affected by the pandemic and you have children or dependents going to college/university, it’s good to take advantage of this OWWA EASE project.