OWWA Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program for Seafarers

The Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) program is the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s (OWWA) program that assists Filipino engineers who want to be seafarers. From the word “dugtong” or “bridging”, the MDA aims to help Filipinos who have bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering (BSME) and electrical engineering (BSEE) to go across to marine engineering (BSMarE) to become marine officers.

The Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) program offers a scholarship worth Php 38,120 and Php 15,000 for a 3-month allowance which you can receive through bank remittance, straight to the beneficiary’s bank account. Once they have finished the course, they need to pass the licensure examination for marine officers.

The monetary assistance that OWWA will provide through the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) program is not meant to cover the beneficiary’s tuition fee. It is for other educational expenses such as books and other school supplies.

owwa mariners dugtong aral bridging benefit program

Qualification

For aspiring mariners, here’s the list of qualifications you must meet before you can apply for the program.

  • Must be a Filipino citizen
  • An active OWWA member and OFW-seafarer
  • A beneficiary of an active OWWA member
    • For single OFWs, their siblings or nieces/nephews below 30 years old can apply.
    • For married OFWs, only their single child under 30 years old can apply.
  • A former OWWA member
  • Graduates of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE).

Requirements

If you want to be a marine officer someday, check out the list of requirements you need to secure to apply for the OWWA-Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) program. 

  • Application form
  • 2 copies of 2×2 ID picture with white background
  • Proof of relationship to the OFW
    • Birth certificate for the child of an active OWWA member if the OFW is married
    • CENOMAR of the OFW for relatives of a single OFW
  • Transcript of Records
  • Diploma in:
    • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)
    • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)
  • Proof of Residency
  • Proof of being an active OWWA member (official receipt of OWWA)
  • Declaration form of no pending scholarship applications with OWWA or any other NGAs/NGOs
  • Passport, Seafarer’s ID, or Record Book

Application

After securing all the documentary requirements, you can now apply for the OWWA-Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) program. Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Go to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) to your permanent address.

Step 2: Get an application form and fill it out.

Step 3: Submit the application form together with the requirements listed above. You will receive a serial reference number or a tracking number via SMS or email. You can use that number to track and follow up on your application status.

Step 4: Wait for the OWWA officers to evaluate and approve your application.

Step 5: If your application has been approved, you will receive a copy of the Scholarship Agreement Form in your email.

Step 6: Download and print the file. Sign it and notarize it.

Step 7: Go back to the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) where you sent your application for confirmation.

Please note that every OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) may have different rules when it comes to walk-in applicants. Make sure to call them first to know if you need to have an appointment ahead of time to save money, time, and effort.

Notice of Award

The Notice of Award is given to those applicants who passed the OWWA’s assessment. This is a proof of your scholarship and you must submit it to the training center upon enrollment. All training centers are aware of the OWWA-Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) program and will accept it once it is presented. However, the Notice of Award has a validity of forty-five (45) days after receiving it. If you fail to submit it in the training center after 45 days, you will have to wait for the next application, so make sure that you will use the time wisely.

Video: OWWA MDS Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Scholarship Application

If you want to know more about the OWWA-Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) program from an OFW, watch this video by RICROD-PH.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m not a graduate of engineering but I have a degree in a different field, can I still apply for the  OWWA-Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) program?

The program is particularly designed for OFWs and their beneficiaries who have a degree in Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE).

How much will I receive if I apply for OWWA-Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) program?

You can receive a maximum of Php38,120 and Php 15,000 for a 3-month stipend.

Can I use the cash assistance from OWWA-Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) program as payment for my tuition fee?

No. The cash assistance is only meant for books, school supplies, and other expenses that the student needs.

If my spouse and I are both OFW, can we send applications for 2 people?

No. Married OFWs can only have one (1) slot for the program.

Does the Notice of Award have a number of validity?

Yes. The Notice of Award is only valid for 45 days. 

What would happen if I wasn’t able to use the Notice of Award after 45 days?

If you didn’t use the Notice of Award within 45 days, you need to wait for the next scheduled appointment.

Summary

To OFW-Seafarers, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) beneficiaries who want to become marine officers, and former OFW members who want to go back to work in the sea, here’s your chance to not only upgrade your educational degree, but to also give yourself a chance to have a higher job position and, therefore, higher salary.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) created the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) program to help Filipinos achieve their dream of becoming a marine. This program provides scholarship grants and allowances that will help them sustain their needs in school. So if you’re qualified and interested, what are you waiting for? Take advantage of this program and reach for your dreams!

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