PAROKYA NG OWWA SA BARANGAY AT PAMILYANG OFWS SA NAVOTAS CITY!

Buong puwersa ang OWWA National Capital Region sa pagbaba ng mga programa at serbisyo ng OWWA sa komunidad sa naganap na Parokya ng OWWA sa Barangay at Pamilyang OFWs kahapon sa Barangay Tangos South, Navotas City.

Pinangunahan ni Regional Director Ma. Teresa B. Capa ang talakayan kung saan binigyang linaw ang mga katanungan ng mga residente patungkol sa iba’t ibang programa at serbisyong hatid ng OWWA sa ating mga OFWs at kanilang mga pamilya.

Sa kaniyang mensahe ay kinilala ni Dir. Capa ang mahalagang tungkulin ng lokal na pamahalaan sa paghahatid ng mga impormasyon sa mga residente nito, “Gusto namin na lakasan ang ating relasyon sa mga barangay officials dahil sila ang ama o ina ng inyong barangay, kaya kami nandito ay upang bigyan kayo ng oryenstasyon—bigyan kayo ng impormasyon kung ano ang mga programa at serbisyo ng OWWA”.

Mahigit 200 residente ng Barangay Tangos South sa pamumuno ni Punong Barangay Salvador “Jojo” Miller Jr. ang nakiisa sa programa. Sa kanyang mensahe ay ipinahatid ni PB Miller ang pasasalamat sa hakbangin na ito ng OWWA, ipinabatid din niya ang suporta sa pagigiging tulay sa pangagalaga ng kapakanan ng mga OFWs, “Dito po sa Navotas ay maraming grupo po dito ang OFW na umaasa, kung sakaling magkaroon po ng problema ay nandidito po ang barangay natin upang makipagugnayan sa OWWA, nagpapasalamat po ako sa OWWA sa pakikipagtulungan sa amin. Malaking bagay po na nakarating sa atin ang OWWA”.

Dumalo din si City Councilor at Presidente ng Navoteñong OFW Family Circle Federation, Analiza “Liz” Lupisan na nag nagpahatid din ng kanyang pasasalamat, “Naririto po sila upang ibaba ang serbisyo ng OWWA kung ano man po ang isyu ay nariyan sila handang tugunan ang inyong pangangailangan at karaingan”.

END/ ALWEANE T. ILANG-ILANG

PRESS RELEASE: OWWA, City Government of Parañaque ink MOA to establish OFW Helpdesk

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration

Regional Welfare Office – National Capital Region

February 14, 2024

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the City Government of Parañaque ink a memorandum of agreement (MOA) formalizing the establishment of the OWWA OFW Help Desk and forging a partnership in delivering OWWA Programs and Services closer to the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and their families in Parañaque City on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.

OWWA Administrator Arnaldo “Arnel” A. Ignacio and Mayor Eric De Leon Olivarez signed the MOA with Ms. Eva Nono representing the office of Congressman Edwin L. Olivarez, City Administrator Atty. Voltaire C. Dela Cruz, City Councilor Maria Kristine G. Esplana, City Councilor Nina Celine R. Sotto, Officer-in-Charge Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Amalia E. Martin, and OWWA NCR Regional Director Ma. Teresa B. Capa witnessing the event held at the Parañaque City Hall.

Under the agreement, the OWWA and City Government shall undertake joint information and advocacy to facilitate the swift delivery of OWWA Programs and Services closer to the OFW clientele and their families.

The collaboration is also aligned with Administrator Ignacio’s strategic initiative to provide legitimate information and assistance to OFWs and their families that are closer to the community—down to the barangay level following the launching of “Parokya ng OWWA sa Barangay at Pamilyang OFWs” in 2022.

Speaking during the event, Mayor Oliverez was grateful for the partnership, “I would like to thank OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio for our signing of the MOA it’s a good partnership with OWWA and the LGU of Parañaque, the creation of the (OFW) Helpdesk in the PESO Office”.

At the same event, OWWA NCR also facilitated the awarding of livelihood assistance amounting to Php20,000.00 each to 20 OFW resident-beneficiaries of the Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program.

Mayor Olivarez extended his gratitude on behalf of the 20 recipients of the livelihood assistance. “Ensure that you utilize this money to start off a business or if you already have a business, to make sure that you improve or progress the business to make it bigger and that it would be self-sustaining, self-independent, and it will help out in your family; support your family”.

For his part, Administrator Ignacio reiterated the important role of the local government in bridging opportunities to OFWs and their families in the local community

“Hindi po sapat na mayroong OWWA na magbibigay sa inyo ng tulong pinansyal, mayroong kailangang nagbabantay, walang ibang nakakakilala sa inyo kung hindi ang local government, from your mayor hanggang doon sa kagawad, so ito nirerecognize ko ang halaga nito, we cannot do that alone, the synergistic result of this partnership would be awesome”.

END/ Alweane T. Ilang-ilang

PRESS RELEASE: OWWA EXTENDS AID TO OFWS FROM NZ AFFECTED BY COMPANY BANKRUPTCY

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration

Regional Welfare Office – National Capital Region

February 13, 2024

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration – National Capital Region extends Special Financial Assistance to two (2) displaced/distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from New Zealand following ELE Group of Companies’ declaration of bankruptcy on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.

Displaced OFWs Rene K. Laroda and Jeffrey D. Rodavia who worked together as carpenters under the ELE Ltd. received a financial assistance amounting to Php30,000.00 each.

Rene, 35 and Jeffrey, 28, from Quezon City and Makati City respectively, were shocked upon hearing the announcement. “Shocked! Shocked po kami talaga kasi maganda naman po yung patakbo ng company, siya nga po eh (Jeffrey) pag-uwi niya (ng Pilipinas) kinabukasan nagdeclare sila ng bankruptcy”, Rene shared.

The two were grateful of the assistance they received, “Malaking pasalamat po namin sa OWWA  kasi malaking tulong din po ito para sa pamilya namin. Thank you so much po sa pag tulong ninyo para sa mga katulad naming OFWs. Sana po ay hindi po kayo magsawa tumulong pa sa mga kababayan natin”, Rene mentioned. “Nagpapasalamat po ako sa OWWA kasi marami po silang natutulungan na tulad naming mga OFWs, Maraming salamat po sa tulong, sana po ay marami pa po kayong matulungan na OFW katulad namin”, Jeffrey added.

END/ Alweane T. Ilang-ilang

FULFILLING PROMISES, ONE STEP AT A TIME

“I promise to be the student that you will be proud of in the future, Insha’Allah. I will in turn, serve my country with the professional degree that I promise to attain to improve the living conditions of many”.

Hassan Pierre B. Arceno, an aspiring Orthodontist, son of Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Pedro Jr. C. Arceno, and one of the new scholars under the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) for S.Y 2023-2024. He is currently a freshman pursuing a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the National University of the Philippines.

Eldest among the four children of Pedro and Ainor, young Hassan admittedly finds it difficult to adjust growing up away from his father. From waiting for his father’s pasalubong every night after work to waiting months or even years to hold his father again when he returns home for vacation from his work abroad, he recalls, is one of the major differences he vividly remembers as a child left behind of an OFW. Despite this, he understands the role his father has to play to support their family. The strong family ties cultivated by Ainor, their mother, also became instrumental in keeping the family glued despite the proximal distance of their padre de pamilya. 

In 2015, Hassan and the rest of the family had the opportunity to live together with his father in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Initially, he finds this new chapter unfamiliar and frustrating. It was reading that helped him embrace this brand-new life ahead of him, “the experience was only challenging at first… I engage myself in reading, I always find myself losing track of time and because of how absorbed I am in the story… but ultimately as time grows, we find love, joy, and comfort”.

After the COVID-19 Pandemic and restrictions were lifted, the whole family decided to return to the country for vacation. This time, Hassan was left in the Philippines to begin his college journey, while the rest of the family returned to KSA.

Hassan’s dream of becoming a doctor was rooted in his experience as a patient himself. Being caught in an accident as a child, resulted in him having abnormal teeth development. Having numerous specialists examining him, the procedures remained ineffective until he met the doctor who would not only cure him but would also ignite his passion to become one.

For him, the EDSP Scholarship provides a sense of security for the grantees so they can focus more on their studies, “The OWWA [scholarship] program, with its equal opportunities for all, aids the students and families with this financial burden… The time and effort that the student spends on working to provide for themselves financially can now [be] focus[ed] more on what is important like aiding their families, improving themselves, and especially, to focus on their education”.

Hassan first heard about the scholarship program when he was still in KSA, “I first heard about the scholarship program in my school in KSA where several of my upperclassmen similarly took and passed the exam before us. Our school is a Filipino curriculum in KSA where many OFWs children took education, and that is one reason why they encourage us in this program”.  

As most students embark on a new chapter of their lives, be it academic or in life in general, they are all bound towards one destination—their “dreams turn into reality”. One would say that ten years from now, Hassan had already achieved his dream and had already been successful in his chosen profession, but for him, success has a different definition, “My dream is to become an Excellent Orthodontist in the future, but my bigger dream is to repay my parents for all the love and goodwill that they have given me…. Another dream of mine is to be the best kuya to my siblings, I am the oldest of the four siblings and I want myself to be an example to my siblings just like my parents were to us. I want myself to be their biggest supporter and continue to look out for their health, well-being and future”.

Extremely grateful for the opportunity to be chosen as one of the OWWA Scholars, he promised to utilize the scholarship not only to aid his studies but to reciprocate the opportunity by becoming an instrument to serve the Filipino People, “I promise I will repay the favor in return once I achieve my chosen profession and will be of excellent service to our country”.

END/ ALWEANE T. ILANG-ILANG

A MEANINGFUL FAREWELL

_{Mary Rose C. Cado, a scholar under the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program for Dependents of Deceased Member-OFWs (ELAP) obtained her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education major in English at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig on July 27, 2023.}

“I have a big ambition for my children and this motivates me a lot to succeed in life”,

These were the words of the late OFW Joseph P. Cado, father of Mary Rose C. Cado, a scholar of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) under the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) for dependents of deceased member-OFWs.

Mary Rose obtained her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education major in English at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig on July 27, 2023. OFW Joseph, 46, of Pasig City, a loving father to his four children and wife, Gina, who worked as a driver in Saudi Arabia had suffered a Cardio-Respiratory Arrest leading to his demise in 2020.

_{The Cado family posing with the picture of late OFW Joseph P. Cado}

The unexpected passing of his father, a then sophomore college student, Mary Rose believes in the power of her dreams— she have to be strong and understand how to navigate a world where his father doesn’t exist anymore, “Upon hearing the unexpected news of the death of my father, literal na ang dark ng paligid, as in. Parang hahantong sa point na ayaw na namin magpatuloy mabuhay… laking pilay na naranasan ng aming pamilya sa pagkawala ni papa kaya napakalaking bagay po na napabilang ako sa isa sa mga programa ng OWWA which is this ELAP Scholarship”, she shared.

The educational assistance has helped alleviating the expense of sending Mary Rose to college, “I would like to thank your programme for allowing me to be a part of it for almost three years. This scholarship has helped me to support my education (po) and other expenses while I am in college”.

Aside from the ELAP Scholarship, Joseph’s dependents received the death benefit of PHP 100,000.00 and burial assistance of PHP 20,000.00. Gina also received a livelihood assistance worth PHP 15,000.00. Under the ELAP Scholarship, Mary Rose received an educational assistance amounting to PHP 10,000.00 per school year until she completed her bachelor’s degree.

Despite the unfortunate experience that the Cado family has endured, Mary Rose is certain that his father is proud of her achievement, “I know po na sadiyang kay galak po ang nararamdaman ng aking ama kung siya po ay nabubuhay pa. Maraming salamat po talaga”.

Lastly, Mary Rose extended her heartfelt gratitude to OWWA for helping bridge this opportunity for her,” Again, thank you so much OWWA FAMILY. I hope, marami pa po kayong program na ma-implement to help and color the dreams of every Filipino dreamers”.

_{ELAP Scholar Mary Rose C. Cado together with his late father OFW Joseph P. Cado.}

For Mary Rose, even though his father haven’t had the chance to join her on stage to receive her diploma or even walk her down the aisle on her wedding someday, she will always carry her father’s memories in her heart.

END/ALWEANE T. ILANG-ILANG

SERVING BACK

FROM OWWA SCHOLAR TO HELPING DISTRESSED OFWs

A unique sense of fulfillment comes from repaying those who have aided in your journey. Like most scholars wish to repay the people who helped them through their education, Marielle Saoquillo, an Education Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) scholar, now serves as an Administrative Assistant in the Post Repatriation Assistance Unit of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office (RWO)-National Capital Region (NCR) to provide assistance to the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.   

Ms. Marielle Saoquillo graduation photo

As an OFW Child

When Saoquillo was just in 2^nd grade, her father began working on a cruise ship as a security supervisor. Just like the struggles of most OFWs’ children, Saoquillo longed for his father, especially during important occasions. Nevertheless, she focuses on the brighter side, such as valuing every moment when their father was on vacation, having their mother by their side, and becoming more financially stable. However, as the eldest of three children, she needed to become independent and help her siblings, as she knew that her parents’ responsibilities were already big enough.  

Being an OWWA Scholar

Saoquillo pursued a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Pamantasan Lungsod ng Maynila. Her choice was rooted in her desire to understand people, especially those with mental health problems. Furthermore, she aspires to help combat the stereotypes surrounding mental health in the Philippines. Over time, she recognized the benefit of her studies in developing empathy for her father’s challenges as an OFW.

With encouragement from her father, she applied and took the qualifying exam for the EDSP. As she became an OWWA scholar, she is thankful as it relieved her family of the financial liability of her college education. Additionally, she is grateful for the activities and programs organized by the Education and Training Unit, as they helped her become a well-rounded person.

Marielle Saoquillo in OWWA Scholar’s Outreach Program at the Friendship Home Father Luis Amigo, Inc. in Espiritu, Manila, on 21 December 2018.

As she embarked on her journey in college, she remembers her clinical internship as one of her most unforgettable memories because she learned about the process of interviewing and administering psychological tests, which made her realize the value and capability to help others with mental health problems.

She then decided to take the Psychometrician Licensure Board Exam despite being employed by a private company during that time. Indeed, it was difficult for her since she was balancing between being enrolled in a review center and her work. She thus needed to make sacrifices by quitting her job to focus on preparing for the exam. It eventually paid off when she saw her name on the successful passers.

Marielle Saoquillo’s Name on the Official Roll of Successful Examinees in the Psychometricians Licensure Examination

Working with OWWA RWO-NCR

Currently, Saoquillo is an Administrative Assistant in the Post Repatriation Assistance Unit in OWWA RWO-NCR. Though she has just started, she hopes to one day be able to help the OFWs and their families who are going through a difficult time.

Pieces of Advice

Saoquillo reminds her fellow OWWA scholars that doing their best to study and finish their education is enough to give back to their parents. She also advises others studying Psychology to develop empathy, the foundation for becoming a competent Psychology student. Finally, from a Psychology graduate, she said, “You’re allowed to feel things and express your feelings” because we are all human and capable of different emotions.  

-End-

Written by: Vivienne Monta

“ITO ANG PAHINGA KO”

THE STRESS RELIEF AND OTHER BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF THE OFW CHILDREN’S CIRCLE

Being a college student is challenging, especially when one of your parents is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), making you constantly worry about their situation and safety. Though technology gives people the convenience of more accessible communication, it is still difficult for an OFW’s child to cope with the belongingness and loneliness of having a parent miles away from you.

For Angelo Jhoren “AJ” E. Boren, an Education for Development Scholarship Program scholar, this has been his life for almost 19 years as his OFW father has been working abroad. He initially longed for the presence of his father, especially during significant occasions such as Christmas, recognitions, and school contests/performances. As he grew up, he got used to the situation and finally understood why his father had to work overseas to provide for the family and the opportunity to enjoy finer things in life that they could not afford if his father chose to stay in the Philippines.           

With these difficulties and per the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to provide a program for the welfare of the family of OFWs, particularly their children left behind, the Overseas Welfare Workers Administration (OWWA) launched the OFW Children Circle (OCC) last July 2022 to offer various programs aimed at ensuring the well-being and safeguarding of OFWs’ children left behind.  It is now initially being implemented in the OWWA Regional Welfare Offices in the National Capital Region (NCR), Region I (Ilocos), Region IV-A (Southern Tagalog), Region VII (Central Visayas), and Region XI (Southern Mindanao). Soon, this will be fully implemented in all RWOs.

The activities organized for the OCC are considered by AJ, OCC-NCR vice-president, as his stress relief amidst the hardship of studying Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Taguig as he described, “Ang OCC ang pahinga ko” during the World Bank World Development Report Team Forum with Migrant Children event last 11 July 2023.

AJ socializing with Ms. Soonhwa Yi and his fellow OCC members.

AJ learned about OCC when he participated in a leadership seminar of OWWA to finally meet new people after the long absence of personal social interaction because of the restrictions brought by the 2019 Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) Pandemic. It was unexpected for him as he was unaware of the mentioned initiative. Nevertheless, he joined and stayed because of the inclusivity, connection, and sense of community it provides. Despite having a smaller circle of friends within the OCC compared to the total population of OCC NCR members, he can still be at ease whenever he is with them, just as a true circle of friends should be.

Aside from this, OCC has been beneficial for AJ in many aspects. Socially, he said, helped him meet different people with different stories and aspirations, which changed his perspective in life. Moreover, he built camaraderie with people of the same age group, which was surprising as they rarely saw each other. Mentally, being with the members made him feel he belonged and could have fun. Educationally, AJ was able to practice his hosting and event-organizing skills during the Christmas party event. Additionally, he learned about community issues and the efforts of the government to mitigate them.

Members of OCC NCR pose with guests, Deputy Administrator Atty. Mary Melanie Quino, Director Ma. Teresa Capa of OWWA RWO-NCR, Ms. Yi, and Ms. Ana Liza Estrada, Educational and Training Unit Head of OWWA RWO-NCR

With all these, AJ recommends to OFWs’ children to join OCC to help them expand their social circle and hone their social skills while having fun during the activities.” He also hopes to get more of them and advises them to “Have fun and be yourself. Make every moment of the event count and make the most out of your experience here.”

-END-

Written by: Vivienne S. Monta

“THE FIRST STEP IS ALWAYS THE HARDEST.”

THE EXPERIENCE OF APPLYING FOR THE EDSP SCHOLARSHIP

For most things, the application is always the starting point. Of course, it is not a walk in the park whether it’s seeking employment, obtaining a passport or visa, and for every high school graduating student, the nail-biting college application. This is a crucial point for individuals seeking a spot in a prestigious university or college in the Philippines.

Many documents are needed, including entrance exams to study and, for some, scholarship qualifications. With all of these, in addition to the projects, assignments, and clearances to graduate from high school, one must be dedicated and work hard to balance everything.

These are what Ms. Alex Clyde SJ. Badayos, a recent graduate of the Pasig City Science High School, went through to be qualified for the Education for Development Scholarship Program offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). These qualifiers took the nationwide examination conducted by the Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) last March 18 to 19, 2023.

From Left to Right: Ms. Alex Clyde SJ. Badayos, OWWA Administrator Arnaldo A. Ignacio, Deputy Administrator for Operations Atty. Mary Melanie Quiño, Director for Regional Operations Coordination Service Benny I. Reyes, and OWWA RWO-NCR Director Ma. Teresa B. Capa

Ms. Badayos’ parents were the bridge for her awareness of this scholarship. When she was in grade 12, they started researching different scholarships that could help lessen the financial burden of a college education. Having an OFW parent, she knew that she was eligible to apply.

From Left to Right: Ms. Alex Clyde SJ. Badayos, her mother, together with OWWA RWO-NCR Director Capa, Programs Services Division Chief Mr. Mohammad Victor of OWWA RWO-NCR, and Education and Training Unit Head Ms. Ana Liza Estrada

Then after, she prepared the requirements, submitted them, and prepared for the examination. She said, “The application process was quite straightforward; all I had to do was submit the required documentation and prepare for the test.”

Knowing that the EDSP qualifying exam is one of the most competitive, as Badayos knew it had the same high standards as the DOST scholarship, she felt a little pressure. As previously mentioned, every student needed to balance everything: entrance exams, workload, and other responsibilities. But for Badayos, “It is certainly achievable with enough hard work and dedication.”

 A relieving moment was for them right after her high school graduation when they received a call from the Education and Training Unit of OWWA Regional Welfare Office-National Capital Region that she was one of the scholarship recipients. She said, “Being a recipient of this scholarship removes a barrier and brings us a step closer to achieving our goals and using the skills and abilities we’ve gained to give back to our community.”

She advised her fellow OFWs’ children not to take education for granted, to work hard, and try their best to repay their parents’ sacrifices, specifically of being away to work abroad. On the other hand, she reminded them to always take care of their health, especially their mental health, and not to be pressured too much.

END// By: Vivienne S. Monta

Applause to the new EDSP Scholars from the National Capital Region

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office-National Capital Region (RWO-NCR) conducted an orientation for the new Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) scholars for School Year 2023 to 2024 from the region on 26 July 2023 in the OWWA Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila. These new scholars were among the top 400 qualifiers who took the nationwide examination conducted by the Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) last March 18 to 19, 2023 in various testing centers.

The EDSP scholars and their parents attending the discussion of the scholarship agreement.

Director Benny Reyes, Ms. Llante, Director Capa, Administrator Arnell Ignacio, Deputy Administrator for Operations Atty. Melanie Quiño, and the new EDSP scholars with their Notice of Award.

As OWWA RWO-NCR Director Ma. Teresa Capa warmly welcomed the scholars and their parents; she gave them inspiration and motivation by sharing that most of the scholars from the region graduate with flying honors. Encouraging the new batch of scholars, she challenged them to aspire the same achievement when they complete their studies in four or five years’ time.

Director Capa attends to a question from the new scholars and their parents.

 On the other hand, OWWA Administrator Arnaldo “Arnell” Ignacio uplifted the scholars with the touching proverb “A child without education is like a bird without wings” to remind them to value their education as it is the greatest inheritance, they can receive from their parents not the latest iPhone nor a new house.

Admin Arnell Ignacio speaks to the scholars.

Ms. Jeneza Manguera Llante, a Magna Cum Laude graduate EDSP scholar from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and now a top financial advisor in PruLife UK, was a guest who shared her journey as an OWWA scholar from the struggles she experienced from the day she submitted her application until the day she graduated. Ms. Llante remembered how she felt like the world was giving her signs such as missing the jeepney, forgetting her transcript of records, and the weather, to not push through her scholarship application. Yet despite this, she still tried to pass her application because she wanted to help her family in lowering their expenses. She reminds her fellow scholars to always search for the reason behind what they are doing until the moment there are no more whys every time they think of giving up.

Ms. Jeneza Manguera Llante, a former scholar, shares her experience with the new scholars.

During the event, the responsibilities of OWWA and the scholars as stipulated in the Scholarship Agreement were thoroughly discussed before the ceremonial signing. Moreover, each scholar received their Notice of Award for the said scholarship. There was also an open forum led by Ms. Anna Liza Estrada, the Education and Training Unit Head of OWWA RWO-NCR, to accommodate the questions and clarifications about the program. Ms. Estrada reminded the scholars that minimum maintaining grades and active participation in OWWA activities, and other learning support activities are some important factors to remain as an EDSP scholar.  

Most questions were from scholars who have yet to decide their course and university. One of the most focused questions was about taking the Leave of Absence (LOA) where Mr. Mohammad Victor, the Programs Services Division Chief of OWWA RWO-NCR, told them to file the Leave of Absence first before the leave. He reminded the new scholar not to hesitate to inform the ETU staff if they have problems with their studies and even personal ones because as long as they are a scholar of OWWA, they will do everything to take care of them not only financially but also emotionally as he said: “Wag niyong solohin ang mga problema dahil nandito ang OWWA.” Moreover, Sir Victor prompted that there are psychologists available to help the OFWs and their families in dealing with mental health issues or other problems that can affect the scholar’s academic performance.

Ms. Estrada answers a question from a scholar who has yet to wait for the results of her chosen university.

Mr. Victor accommodates a scholar’s query about taking a Leave of Absence.

The signing of the Scholarship Agreement.

The Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) is a scholarship grant to qualified dependents of OFWs consisting of a maximum of Php 60,000.00 per school year until the completion of a baccalaureate course (4-5 years). For incoming freshmen, the selection of scholars is determined through the DOST national examinations. Only the top 400 passers are considered for entry as freshmen; 600 slots are for those who are already enrolled in college. To learn more about this program, please visit OWWA’s website: https://owwa.gov.ph/?page_id=3622. 

-END-

Written by: Vivienne S. Monta

Behind every “Just focus on your study” is still a child worrying about his family: The journey of Kean Moises Buenaventura as an OWWA scholar

Have you ever wondered how many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) each airplane we see as it departs? How many children would say
“Hi, Dad/Mom/Kuya/Ate!” as they watch the plane soar by? Then again, how many children have been encouraged with the words “Basta’t mag-aral ka lang” in the face of the financial struggles their family endures?

This was the opening question of Mr. Kean Moises Buenaventura, an Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) scholar who graduated Magna Cum Laude on Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of the Philippines-Diliman during the World Bank World Development Report Team Outreach Event to migrant children led by Senior Economist Ms. Soonhwa Yi and Lead Economist Mr. Quy-Toan Do in the OWWA Center, Pasay City last 11 July 2023.

Mr. Kean Moises Buenaventura as he shares his story with the guests and participants

            According to his story, he was only in 2^nd grade when his father had to migrate seven thousand kilometers away to assure them of a bright future. At the same time, his mother had to quit her job as she stood both as mother and father. These were his parents’ sacrifices so that he could focus on his studies. Yet, despite this, difficulties arose as his father shifted from different work because his previous employer shut down.

Guests and participants of the “World Bank World Development Report Team Outreach Trip to Migrant Children” event

As he reached the 12^th grade, like all the other students, he experienced the pressure of college approaching. Though his parents supported him in taking as many college entrance exams as possible, he knew his family could not afford to send him to some universities. Moreover, his parents also encouraged him to take the qualifying examination for the scholarship program offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The moment he saw his name on the list of passers was relieving for them as their financial burden would lessen, and their lives would move forward without significant obstacles.

 Despite choosing and studying in a state university, Buenaventura and his family were astounded by the expensive cost of living in Metro Manila, from the house rent to the everyday expenses. Thus, he was very thankful to OWWA as their scholarship program was able to help them financially.

Now as an esteemed graduate, he reminds his fellow OFW children of the sacrifices made by their parents, which requires intense mental and emotional capacity as they endure the time difference and the everyday concern of the possibility of unfortunate events to their loved ones. Consequently, Buenaventura is also thankful for OWWA’s care through their programs for the families left behind by the OFWs.

 Concluding his speech, he uplifts his co-scholars of the bright future ahead of them and reminds them of the importance of the steps they took throughout their journey by saying, “I know, sometimes we may feel that the goal is still miles away from us but don’t forget to look behind you, and you will see that you’ve come far away from where you started. That’s progress.

The Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) is a scholarship grant to qualified dependents of OFWs consisting of a maximum of Php 60,000.00 per school year until the completion of a baccalaureate course (4-5 years). For incoming freshmen, the selection of scholars is determined through the DOST national examinations. Only the top 400 passers are considered for entry as freshmen; 600 slots are for those already enrolled in college.  To learn more about this program, please visit OWWA’s website: https://owwa.gov.ph/?page_id=3622.

END/ Vivienne S. Monta