The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has a lot of various programs and services for all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and seafarers. One of their benefits is the OWWA Rebate Program which allows OWWA members to get a portion of their membership fee back.

The OWWA Rebate Program was created under Republic Act 10801 or OWWA Act which enables OWWA members that have a minimum of ten (10) active years of membership to receive a rebate based on the number of paid OWWA contributions.

Qualification

The OWWA Rebate Program applies to all land-based and sea-based Overseas Filipino Workers. To apply for the OWWA Rebate Program, an OFW must meet the qualifications below.

• An Overseas Filipino Worker must be a member of OWWA for a minimum of ten (10) years.
• An Overseas Filipino Worker must have at least five (5) membership contributions.
• An Overseas Filipino Worker or his/her beneficiaries have not received any services, programs, or benefits from OWWA.

If the OFW is already deceased, his/her legal beneficiaries can still apply for the rebate program given that they meet all the qualifications above. If the OFW is still in his/her host country, he/she can apply online and give the legal beneficiaries authorization to claim the OWWA rebate in their chosen OWWA Regional Office (RWO). 

Benefits

OFWs can receive a rebate ranging from Php 941.25 up to Php 13,177.50 depending on the amount of their contribution. Here’s the list of rebate amounts you can receive based on the number of years of your contributions.

• 5 years – Php 941.25
• 6 years – Php 1,129.50
• 7 years – Php 1,317.75
• 8 years – Php 1,506.00
• 9 years – Php 1,694.26
• 10 years – Php 1,882.50
• 20 years – Php 3,765.00
• 30 years – Php 5,647.50
• 40 years – Php 7,530.00
• 50 years – Php 9,412.50
• 60 years – Php 11,295.00
• 70 years – Php 13,177.50

Requirements

The requirements for the OWWA Rebate Program for OFWs are very simple. 

• Membership ID (inquiry purposes)
• One (1) valid government-issued identification
• Active bank account

If the OFW is still in his/her host country, his/her legal beneficiaries must have the following requirements:

• Appointment Code
• An authorization letter from the OFW
• One (1) valid government-issued identification both of the OFW and the representative.
• Proof of relationship (birth certificate or marriage contract)

If the OFW is critically ill and can’t apply on his/her own, he/she can authorize his/her family members. The authorized representative must have the following:

• Appointment Code
• Medical Certificate
• An authorization letter from the OFW
• One (1) valid government-issued identification both of the OFW and the representative.
• Proof of relationship (birth certificate or marriage contract)

OWWA Rebate Online Application

To apply for the OWWA Rebate, you need to have is your computer or mobile phone, internet connection, and follow these steps:

1. Go to the OWWA website at https://owwa.gov.ph/ and click the OWWA Rebate Portal to check your eligibility.

2. Fill out the Rebate Verification Form carefully and truthfully. Then click “Inquire”.
3. If you are qualified, then you will see the amount you can receive on the screen.
4. Book an appointment to the nearest OWWA Regional Office (RWO). Use the OWWA Appointment Scheduler on their website. Make sure to provide an active phone number when booking an appointment.

5. Wait for the text message confirming your appointment schedule and code. Save the message.
6. Go to your chosen OWWA branch on your scheduled appointment and show the people in-charge in OWWA the appointment code you received and a valid government issued identification card.
7. Give your bank details where you want the rebate to be deposited.

Video: New OWWA Act provides rebate program for OFWs

If you want to hear more about the OWWA Rebate Program, watch this video of OWWA Administrator Rebecca Calzado by HKPinoyTV explaining the new law called OWWA Act 108001 or OWWA Rebate Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can I ask if I want to know more about the OWWA Rebate Program?

If you have any inquiries regarding the OWWA Rebate Program, you may directly call the OWWA Rebate Hotline at 1348 or message them in their official Facebook page or you can also visit the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) near you.

What kind of identification should I bring on my appointment day?

You can bring any government-issued ID with a picture such as passport, SSS, Voter’s, GSIS, PRC, Driver’s License, Senior Citizen’s ID, etc.

If I can’t process my OWWA Rebate application on my own, can one of my family members process it on my behalf?

Yes, but all OFWs’ representatives need to bring an authorization letter from the OFW, ID card of the representative and the OFW.

When will the OWWA Rebate reflect on my bank account?

The OWWA Rebate will be credited on your account the next day after your appointment day.

How much can I get in the OWWA Rebate Program?

The amount of money you can receive depends on the total number of contributions you have. You can receive from Php 941.25 up to Php 13,177.50.

Can I set an appointment in POLO-OWWA for Rebate?

No. You can only set an appointment to any OWWA Regional Welfare Offices (RWO) and provincial Distribution Centers.

After applying in OWWA Rebate, can I still avail other OWWA programs?

Yes, but every program and service has its own guidelines and policies you need to follow. It is advisable for you to check all the programs and services that may apply to you.

Summary

The OWWA Rebate Program is another financial support by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for those Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have been a diligent member for at least ten (10) years. The requirements and the process of getting the OWWA Rebate is very simple and easy to follow. 

The amount of money you can get in the rebate program will be beneficial to your family. But if you think you don’t need it, you may also donate it to Tuloy Aral Project (TAP) of OWWA and help beneficiaries in continuing their education and reaching their dreams.

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.

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!