The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) launched today, 06 November 2018, the OFW e-CARD for Membership and Benefits, as proof of membership to OWWA pursuant to Republic Act No. 10801 or the OWWA Act.
“This OWWA OFW e-CARD is a response to the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to further serve our modern economic heroes – the OFWs. “ DOLE Secretary and OWWA Board of Trustees Chair Silvestre H. Bello III said.
The OFW e-CARD provides easy access to OWWA programs, including welfare services, scholarships, training programs, social benefits. The OFW e-CARD has a digital version through the OWWA Mobile App and may also serve as a valid government ID. To prevent data breach, it also contains a unique OFW membership number and QR code as security features.
“The OWWA is the only agency under the Department of Labor and Employment that has a legal mandate to provide an e-card for OFWs. Through this OFW e-CARD, member-OFWs will have an easier access to our programs and services, as it allows instant verification of OWWA membership and reduces documentary requirements.” OWWA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac said.
The OFW e-Card is available for free to all Balik- Manggagawa OFWs with an active OWWA membership, a valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or Exemption Number, and a valid passport.
OWWA members who wish to apply for an OFW e-CARD may visit the OWWA website at www.owwa.gov.ph. OFWs may claim their e-CARD upon return to the Philippines or through their family member, provided that they present an authorization letter and a copy of the OFW’s passport identification page.
When availing of OWWA programs and services, OFWs may present the OFW e-CARD at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office in the country or at the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) and Embassies/Consulates in their jobsites.
An estimated of 250,000 Balik-Manggagawa workers will benefit in Phase I of the OWWA OFW e-CARD project.
“We will soon be working on its next phase as we envision this OFW e-CARD as a means of bringing other government services closer to our OFWs” Secretary Bello said.
OWWA has set up OFW e-CARD Help Desks in all its regional offices in the country and overseas posts across the globe, to cater to queries and concerns of OFWs applying for the OFW e-CARD. (END)
NEWS RELEASE
OWWA Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
06 November 2018