DOLE invites OFW dependents to avail of scholarships

By Geraldine G. Dumallig

Friday 31st of August 2012

TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Aug 31 (PIA) -- Dependents of active Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are encouraged to avail of the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) for school year 2013-2014.

Dr. Avelina Manganip, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Kalinga chief, said, interested applicants in the province are advised to apply at the DOLE Kalinga office not later than September 19.

The EDSP are for those interested to take up a four- to five-year baccalaureate course. It is available for OFWs with active Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) membership.

The CMWSP, on the other hand, is for the OFW returnees or children, regardless if OFW is with active or inactive OWWA membership.

This offers baccalaureate courses in priority fields in science and technology identified by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI).

Legible applicants will undergo a qualifying examination of OWWA-EDSP, to be conducted by the DOST on November 18.

Aspiring scholars, said Manganip, are encouraged to submit their accomplished application forms before the deadline so that applicants would have time to put in order all the needed documents.

“Let us avoid rushing during deadlines so bring your documents early for our staff to check all your documents and be advised early in case you need to accomplish a lacking document,” she said.

She said the educational assistance is as high as P60,000 per school year. She urged all concerned to grab this opportunity being offered by the government to help augment the expenses of OFWs working abroad.

“Take advantage of this privilege to lessen the burden of parents and relatives going abroad to earn a living,” she said, as she also advised those who would be able to pass the qualifying examinations to maintain a good performance in school to sustain the benefits of said scholarships. (JDP/GGD-PIA CAR, Kalinga)