PHILIPPINES: Families of overseas Filipino workers are being encouraged to use scholarship programs that can help pay for their dependents’ college education.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration office in Palawan said qualified children and siblings of active members may apply for two major scholarship grants.
Palawan welcomed around 70 new scholars
Family Welfare Officer Adignita Elijan said around 70 new scholars from Palawan entered the programs in 2025.
This figure did not include students who were already receiving support from earlier batches.
During the July 29 Kapihan sa PIA, Elijan said previous scholars from the province have completed their studies and become doctors, engineers, and other professionals.
Two grants offer different amounts
The OFW Dependents Scholarship Program provides up to PHP 20,000 per school year.
This is equal to PHP 10,000 per semester and can support eligible students taking associate or four- to five-year college courses in the Philippines.
The Education for Development Scholarship Program offers a larger grant of up to PHP 60,000 per school year, or PHP 30,000 per semester.
For incoming first-year college students, scholars are selected through the national qualifying examination administered by the Department of Science and Technology.
Two students from Palawan passed the qualifying process and are now receiving benefits, Elijan said.
Full program details are available on the OWWA baccalaureate courses page and its online scholarship portal.
Membership must be active before applying
Applicants must be single and must be a qualified child or sibling of an OWWA member.
The OFW’s membership must be active when the application is filed.
Newly deployed workers normally gain membership while their overseas employment documents are processed through the Department of Migrant Workers.
Membership generally covers the worker’s employment contract but does not go beyond two years, according to OWWA.
It must be renewed when needed to retain access to member programs.
Elijan clarified that an approved scholar may continue receiving educational support until graduation even if the parent later stops working overseas.
Families should prepare before applications open
Scholarship places are limited and applications are not open throughout the year.
Interested families should monitor the official OWWA website and scholarship portal for the next application schedule.
They should also check membership status early and prepare school records, proof of relationship, identification documents, and other requirements announced for the application period.
