The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is encouraging more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to register as members to ensure they can receive government benefits and assistance in times of need.
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne M. Caunan shared that many OFWs and their families fail to receive burial and other benefits because they are not registered OWWA members. She cited a case of an OFW who passed away abroad but could not fully receive burial assistance since the worker was not an active member.
As of December 2025, only around 2.6 million out of more than 5 million OFWs worldwide are active OWWA members.
Benefits of OWWA Membership for OFWs and Their Families
Registered OWWA members are entitled to various welfare and support programs, including:
- Health and medical assistance
- Free medicines
- Repatriation assistance in times of distress
- Reintegration programs and access to capital funds
- Livelihood grants and business support
- Skills training and upskilling programs
- Scholarship programs for OFWs and their dependents
- Discounts in partner restaurants, hotels, airlines, courier, remittance services, clinics, and hospitals through the OWWA e-card
OWWA also provides repatriation and reintegration support for OFWs who choose to return home for good, including access to training, workshops, and livelihood opportunities.
25,000 Scholarship Slots for 2026
In a major announcement this February, Administrator Caunan confirmed that OWWA is expanding its scholarship program due to its record-high ₱21.3 billion trust fund.
Tip: If you do not qualify for OWWA’s specific membership requirements, you may also apply for the PCSO Educational Assistance Program 2026, which is open to a broader range of students in need.
The agency is adding 10,000 new slots to its existing 15,000 scholars, bringing the total to 25,000 beneficiaries for the year. Furthermore, the monthly income threshold for eligibility has been raised from $600 to $1,000, allowing more middle-income OFW families to qualify for educational aid.
OWWA Membership Fee and Validity
OWWA membership is voluntary, but the agency is pushing for wider participation to ensure OFWs are protected. The OWWA membership fee is USD 25 (around PHP 1,400) and is valid for two years.
OWWA is also strengthening its information campaigns to raise awareness about the benefits of becoming a member. According to the agency, lack of awareness is one of the main reasons many OFWs are still not registered.
Workers can easily renew or register via the DMW Mobile App (available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store) or by visiting the official DMW Online Services Portal
Financial Literacy and Skills Training for OFWs
OWWA continues to conduct financial literacy programs for OFWs and their families to help them manage their income properly. The agency also plans to establish an OFW Academy focused on skills training and upskilling, which will help workers access better job opportunities abroad.
According to OWWA, Filipino workers are highly valued overseas because of their strong work ethic and soft skills, making them preferred by many foreign employers.