Less than half of the estimated five million overseas Filipino workers are currently registered with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), prompting the agency to intensify its call for enrollment to secure access to government-backed assistance.
Speaking at a press conference held in a hotel on Friday, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne M. Caunan underscored the limits of the agency’s support for non-members, recounting a recent case involving an OFW from Batangas who died abroad.
“May kababayan akong OFW sa Batangas, namatay abroad. Natulungan naming ma-repatriate ang katawan at gustung-gusto kong tulungan siya para makatanggap ang pamilya ng burial assistance, hindi ko nagawa dahil kasi siya OWWA member at hindi ko basta pwedeng gamitin ang OWWA fund dahil pera iyan ng members (I have an OFW province mate from Batangas who passed away overseas. We were able to help repatriate the remains but as much as I wanted to help some more because the family was supposed to get a burial benefit of an OFW but the person was not an OWWA member and it is not allowed to just use the OWWA fund as it is owned by the members),” Caunan said.
She noted that only about 2.6 million OFWs are active members, leaving millions without access to the agency’s programs. OWWA membership costs USD25, roughly PHP1,400, and covers two years.
Registered members are entitled to a range of services, including medical and health assistance, provision of medicines, repatriation support during emergencies, and reintegration initiatives such as access to capital funding, skills training, and business-related workshops. Educational support is also available for OFWs and their dependents, alongside scholarship grants and partnerships that provide discounts in restaurants, hotels, airlines, courier services, remittance centers, and medical facilities through an electronic card system.
“The benefit is also available to families of OFWs. We have about 15,000 scholarship slots, which will be increased by 10,000 more slots and another 25,000 more slots,” Caunan said.
She also disclosed that repatriation support for distressed workers and those choosing to permanently return home may be connected to financing options to help them start income-generating ventures.
While enrollment remains optional, Caunan expressed hope that membership could eventually be integrated into the requirements of the Balik Manggagawa program.
“OWWA membership is voluntary but we hope it comes among the mandatory requirements under the Balik Manggagawa program so that everyone becomes a member.”
Beyond financial and welfare services, the agency has been conducting financial literacy sessions for workers and their families to encourage better management of earnings sent from overseas.
“Lack of awareness of the benefits of becoming members is one of the identified reasons there are a lot who have not listed as a member. We are doing more information campaigns using different channels online, through other OFWs and through lectures and engagements with the media,” she said.
Caunan also cited the global demand for Filipino workers, attributing it to qualities she described as valued by foreign employers.
“Amid difficult situations, we still smile and continue to work because of our dedication to our jobs and our love for our families who are relying on us. This is a characteristic foreign employers love in us,” she added.
In line with efforts to strengthen worker competitiveness abroad, she revealed plans to set up an OFW academy focused on upgrading skills to open more employment opportunities overseas.
