Latest news with #OverseasWorkersWelfareAdministration
Filipino Times
5 days ago
- Filipino Times
Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey is new OWWA ambassador; joins Serbisyo Caravan in Saudi
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has officially named Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey as its new ambassador. The Filipina beauty queen, currently based in Dubai with her husband Jeremy Jauncey, was chosen to help promote the government's programs and services for overseas Filipino workers. As part of her new role, Wurtzbach joined the 'Bagong Bayani ng Mundo: OFW Serbisyo Caravan' in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia earlier this month, which brought together 12 government agencies offering on-site services for Filipinos, including social security, health coverage, legal aid, and repatriation assistance. 'Al Khobar welcomed us with open hearts. Grateful to be part of the Serbisyo Caravan with [OWWA] and [LoveYourself]. Always a privilege to serve our fellow Filipinos abroad,' Wurtzbach wrote on Instagram following the visit. As a long-time ambassador of HIV advocacy group LoveYourself, Wurtzbach delivered a message on mental health awareness and self-care — topics that are often left undiscussed but, according to OWWA, are essential to the well-being of OFWs. She also visited the Bahay Kalinga Center in the host country, which serves as a temporary shelter for distressed OFWs undergoing repatriation or reintegration processes. Wurtzbach is also featured in OWWA's latest campaign urging overseas Filipinos to secure their e-Card, which serves as proof of active membership and provides easier access to government services. 'Si Pia nga, may OWWA e-Card na… Ikaw, papahuli ka ba?' OWWA said in a Facebook post. 'Bilang bagong OWWA Ambassador, hinihikayat ni Pia ang ating mga OFW na kunin na rin ang kanilang e-Card.' E-Cards are currently available at the DMW Center Building, OWWA NCR Regional Office, and the OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3, with more distribution sites to be opened soon.
Daily Tribune
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Filipino Students Showcase First Dressmaking Project
Filipino dressmaking students proudly presented their first creative project—a balloon skirt—during their third hands-on training session at the Majestic Hotel in Bahrain. The project marked a significant milestone for the trainees enrolled in the Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN) dressmaking training programme, which is run in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO). The unique outfits demonstrated the students' perseverance, creativity, and growing technical mastery in fashion design and creation. Having become proficient in the skirt expose technique, participants have now moved on to pattern making and cutting square pants, a more complex garment design. The project encouraged trainees to incorporate their own personal interpretations of modern fashion trends, showcasing not only skill but also artistic expression. Personal Journey of Growth Among the most motivated trainees is Cristina Coscolluela, a 58-year-old from Miag-aon, Iloilo, who currently resides in Bahrain with her daughter and youngest son. The training marks the sixth batch of the ongoing PIN programme, which empowers Filipino women in Bahrain with sustainable skills and career opportunities in the fashion industry.
GMA Network
21-07-2025
- GMA Network
Ilonggo seafarers who survive Red Sea attack return home
Three of four Ilonggo crew members of a cargo ship attacked by Houthi rebels at the Red Sea in Yemen have come home to Iloilo. Their families met them along with officials of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) 6 and Public Employment Service Office-Iloilo. One of them is Rodmel Canto from the Municipality of Oton, while the others are from San Miguel and Iloilo City. The Ilonggo crew members of MV Eternity C survived the attack on July 8, 2025. The fourth Ilonggo seafarer from San Miguel has chosen to stay in Metro Manila yet, as of this writing. However, the three Ilonggo seafarers refused GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas an interview. According to OWWA 6, they will continue to coordinate with the three for psychosocial counseling. Meanwhile, the search for four other crew members from Western Visayas who are among 13 missing persons continues, as of posting time.
Filipino Times
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos makes historic visit to Bahay Kalinga in Riyadh
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos made a historic first visit to Bahay Kalinga in Riyadh, personally meeting distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), mothers, and children awaiting repatriation. During the emotional gathering, she announced that their long-awaited return to the Philippines had been secured, drawing tears, applause, and relief. The repatriation of 43 OFWs and 8 children, including those with medical needs, was facilitated by the Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and Department of Social Welfare and Development under President Bongbong Marcos' directive. Each repatriate received financial and reintegration aid, travel essentials, and support for onward transportation. One returnee, Ana M. Dimalen, expressed gratitude: 'Pumunta po si FL sa shelter. Tuwang-tuwa po kami kasi nakita po namin siya ng personal at nagpapasalamat kami kay PBBM at natulungan nila kami makauwi sa Pilipinas.' The First Lady also attended the Bagong Bayani ng Mundo Serbisyo Caravan, which gathered government agencies in one venue to provide on-site services for OFWs in Saudi Arabia. Her visit concluded with the Serbisyong May Saya event, celebrating the resilience and unity of migrant workers. OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan called the visit 'a mother's embrace,' reminding OFWs they are never alone and reaffirming the government's commitment to genuine, heartfelt service for Filipinos abroad.
Filipino Times
16-07-2025
- General
- Filipino Times
OWWA opens online scholarship application for OFW dependents
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has opened the online application period for its scholarship programs, offering financial assistance to qualified dependents of OFWs for the academic year 2025–2026. From July 16 to 31, 2025, students may apply for the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) Category 2 and the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) Categories 1 and 2. These programs offer assistance ranging from Php 20,000 to Php 60,000 per school year to eligible students enrolled in Philippine-based colleges and universities. EDSP Category 2 provides up to Php 60,000 per school year to dependents currently enrolled from 2nd to 5th year college. Eligible applicants must be single, under 30 years old, have a general weighted average (GWA) of at least 85%, and no failing grades. Requirements: Proof of identity for OFW (copy of valid passport bio or info page) and dependent (valid school ID or any valid ID, plus birth or baptismal certificate) Proof of grades from the previous school year 2×2 ID photo of applicant with white background, name tag, and signature Meanwhile, the ODSP Category 1 grants P20,000 per year to dependents entering 1st year college. Applicants must be single, 21 years old and below, with passing grades, and the OFW must have a monthly income not exceeding USD 1,000. Meanwhile, Category 2 also provides P20,000 per year to dependents enrolled in 2nd to 5th year college with the same qualifications. Requirements: Proof of identity for OFW (copy of valid passport bio or info page) and dependent (valid school ID or any valid ID, plus birth or baptismal certificate) Proof of OFW income (e.g., OEC, payslip, employment certificate) 2×2 ID photo of applicant with white background, name tag, and signature
