The Tabang OFW Program is a special educational assistance project by OWWA intended for dependents of OFWs who are studying in college. This can be availed if the OFW worker has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic situation wherein they have lost their jobs, passed away, or have been repatriated.
Also Read: OWWA Programs Benefits Services for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
The dependent of the OFW will receive a Php 30,000 cash scholarship aid. You may opt to apply for Tabang OFW through their website or by visiting the OWWA Regional Office near you. Please be guided on the details on how you can apply for the Tabang OFW project below.
Note: There is also an existing scholarship project by OWWA intended for those affected by the pandemic. This is called the Project EASE scholarship. If you apply for OWWA Tabang OFW, you will automatically apply for the Project EASE. The approval of your application will be verified once your situation is applicable for both scholarships (subject to evaluation).
Contents
Overview
For many Filipinos, the choice to work abroad lies in the hope of providing a better future for their families. However, working abroad does not always bear good fruit, and it’s not always the case when OFWs come home. You may have heard of stories of those who were forced to go home due to maltreatment, unjust working conditions, or retrenchment when their employers lose business.
It is in these circumstances that government agencies like the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) play a crucial role to protect millions of OFWs and their dependents.
Among their means include the Tabang OFW, a collaborative project between the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through OWWA, and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in response to the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act (UNIFAST).
It aims to provide educational grants to dependents of OWWA OFW members who are in college. The project was launched in 2020, where a one-time grant of PhP 30,000 was given to college-level children of COVID-19-affected OFWs. 32223
Whether you are a repatriated or dismissed OFW, or if you know a fellow OFW who has passed away, know that the genuine Filipino is still within reach, especially for your children through the Tabang OFW project.
Benefits
Qualified applicants are entitled to a one-time grant of PHP 30,000 for their educational expenses.
Keep in mind that this is a scholarship grant and not a loan. Therefore, there’s no need to worry about paying back, because this is one of OWWA’s projects targeted to assist OFWs and their dependents.
Qualifications
To be deemed eligible for the Tabang OFW project, the dependent must:
- Be a Filipino citizen;
- Be qualified for admission and retention as per the requirement of state universities and colleges (SUCs), CHED-accredited local universities and colleges (LUCs), and private higher education institutions (HEIs), and has NOT exceeded the maximum residency requirements therein;
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate, post-secondary program offered by a state university or college, CHED-accredited local university or college, or a private higher education institute under the CHED registry, and has NOT been expelled therein;
- Be a dependent of an OFW who has been dismissed from employment, repatriated, or passed away due to COVID-19, and;
- NOT be a recipient of another government-funded scholarship grant.
Requirements
To apply for Tabang OFW, you must submit the following documents upon application, as required by OWWA and UNIFAST:
OWWA Requirements:
- Passport, including any other travel documents
- Proof of arrival
- Proof of displacement, such as a letter from the company, POLO office or affidavit
- Death certificate or similar documents, for deceased OFWs
- Proof of dependent’s relationship to OFW (i.e: dependent’s birth certificate)
- An affidavit stating that the dependent is not a recipient of any other government-funded scholarship or grant.
UNIFAST Requirements:
- Dependent’s proof of enrollment (i.e: assessment form, admission results, etc.)
How to Process Tabang OFW Online Application
The best way to apply for this program is via the online application form. You only need to fill out your personal details and other necessary data and wait for the message regarding the status.
- Fill in the application form at https://ease.owwa.gov.ph/.
- Attach the documentary requirements.
- Submit your application.
- Wait for a message from DOLE or OWWA confirming your slot.
- Once approved, a text or email notification will be sent to you.
In times of the pandemic, it is better to just follow the online procedure and avoid physical contact with others. It is also more convenient as you can apply at the comfort of your home.
Tabang OFW Application through OWWA Regional Office
You may also inquire about this program through the OWWA Regional Welfare Office in your province. Here are the steps:
- Go to your local OWWA Regional office for a copy of the application form. You may need to set up an appointment before your visit.
- Fill out the required information, and attach the documentary requirements
- Submit your application for screening. The OWWA Office will endorse screened applications to DOLE, which in turn, will form the master list of beneficiaries to CHED-UNIFAST for approval.
- If approved, a text or email notification will be sent to you, indicating instructions to claim your grant.
However, due to the surge of COVID-19 cases in the country, it is recommended that OFWs or dependents apply online for easier transactions. You may be able to inquire about this program if you have an existing OWWA appointment scheduled.
Either way, the grant will either be directly sent to the applicant or the OFW through bank transfer or be claimed at authorized money remittance centers.
Tabang OFW Application Form
You can easily access the 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 the Status of Tabang OFW Application
You may also opt to track your application upon submission through the following steps:
- Access the Tabang OFW Tracker through the link: https://tabangtracker.owwa.gov.ph/
- Fill in the beneficiary’s name and email then click “Search”. The name and email must match the one entered in the application form.
Below is a screenshot of the Tabang OFW Tracker:
Video: How to Claim Tabang OFW Application
Here are video guides from fellow Filipinos about this project. It provides more details on how you can apply and claim the PHP 30,000 cash assistance for education:
Tabang OFW Infographics
Check out this infographic which features the Tabang OFW project and everything you need to know about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers about the Tabang OFW program for OFW dependents:
1. Who are the beneficiaries of Tabang OFW?
The Tabang OFW project aims to help college-level children of OWWA OFW members who have been dismissed from employment, repatriated, or deceased due to COVID-19.
2. Who can be considered “dependents” of OFWs?
A dependent of an OFW can be either:
- A child, single and not older than 30 years, if the OFW is married, or;
- A child, sibling, or godchild (nephew or niece), single and not older than 30 years, if the OFW is married.
3. What are the benefits of the Tabang OFW project?
A one-time monetary assistance of PHP 30,000 is granted to qualified applicants.
4. Can I apply for more than one child?
No, you can only apply for one (1) college-level dependent for this project. Married OFW applicants may opt to select one of their children to be a beneficiary of the program. Otherwise, they may opt to apply for their sibling or godchild, given that they are all under 30 years of age.
5. Once I apply for the project, am I guaranteed the grant?
No, applying for the project does not guarantee you the grant, as all applications are screened prior to approval.
6. If approved, when will I receive my grant?
Approved applicants may receive their grant via bank transfer or electronic payment, or claim them via authorized remittance centers within two (2) weeks after approval of the application.
7. Until when can I apply for Tabang OFW?
The project only runs until all funds have been used, so there is no definite date as to when you can apply.
8. If I did not qualify, are there any other OWWA grants I can apply for?
The Tabang OFW project caters to dependents whose OFW relative has deceased, been repatriated, affected by COVID-19, or dismissed for the same cause. For OFWs who are still employed, you may opt to apply for other scholarship programs for your dependents, such as the Educational Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP), the Educational Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP), and more.
Summary
With the great uncertainty in overseas employment, OFWs would need additional support, especially for their families who may be expecting from them. It can be equally worrying for both parties, but with OWWA’s Tabang OFW project, we can rest assured that our future is in safe hands.
For OFWs, make sure to have your OWWA membership renewed and active in order to avail of and maximize this beneficiary project for your loved ones.
Contact Details
For more information and further inquiries on Tabang OFW and other OWWA projects, visit the OWWA official website at www.owwa.gov.ph or their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/owwaofficial.