Qualified dependents of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been encouraged by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-Palawan to apply for scholarship opportunities that provide financial assistance of up to ₱60,000 a year for college education.
Speaking during the Kapihan sa PIA on July 29, OWWA-Palawan Family Welfare Officer Adignita A. Elijan said the agency continues to support the education of children and siblings of active OWWA members through two scholarship programs designed to help students finish their degree programs.
The Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) offers qualified Grade 12 graduates up to ₱60,000 per academic year, or ₱30,000 per semester. Applicants must pass a qualifying examination administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to receive the grant.
Meanwhile, the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) provides educational assistance of ₱20,000 per school year, equivalent to ₱10,000 each semester, for eligible beneficiaries.
According to Elijan, around 70 new scholars from Palawan joined OWWA’s scholarship program in 2025, excluding students who were already receiving assistance from previous batches. She added that the province has produced many scholarship recipients over the years who later became doctors, engineers, and other professionals.
She also shared that two scholars from Palawan successfully passed the EDSP qualifying examination and are now receiving scholarship benefits under the program.
To be eligible, applicants must be single and have a parent or sibling working overseas with an active OWWA membership at the time of application.
Elijan explained that once a student is admitted to the scholarship program, financial assistance will continue until graduation even if the OFW parent eventually stops working abroad.
OWWA also reminded overseas workers to keep their memberships active. Newly deployed OFWs are automatically enrolled during the processing of their overseas employment through the Department of Migrant Workers, while membership remains valid for two years or for the duration of the employment contract before renewal is required.
Interested applicants are advised to watch for the opening of the online application period through OWWA’s official website, as scholarship slots are limited each year and only qualified applicants with complete requirements and active memberships will be considered.
