Question & AnswerQ&A (OWWA Resolution NO. 038, S. 2003)
The main purpose of OWWA is to protect the interests and promote the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), facilitate the government's responsibility to promote their well-being, provide social and welfare services, ensure sound fund management, conduct research to enhance their welfare, and support specific welfare projects.
OWWA was created and governed by Letter of Instructions No. 537 (1997), Presidential Decree No. 1694 (1980) and its amendment PD No. 1809 (1981), Executive Order 126 (1987) renaming the Welfare Fund for Overseas Workers to OWWA, Republic Act 8042 (1995) enhancing the functions and board membership, and Executive Order 195 (1994) for compulsory Medicare coverage.
The Board of Trustees is a tripartite body composed of 12 members representing government (various secretaries and officials), management sector, labor sector including sea-based and land-based OFWs, and the women sector.
The Board adopts policies and rules, approves programs and projects, formulates financial transaction rules and yearly appropriations, ensures efficient collection and sustainable fund management, and performs acts necessary to attain OWWA objectives.
The Board meets regularly every last Friday of the month, with special meetings as needed. Proceedings include proper notice at least three working days before meetings, quorum rules, proxy attendance rules, presiding officers, resolutions signing, possibility of executive sessions, and confidential record keeping.
Membership is obtained either by compulsory enrollment during POEA contract processing or by voluntary registration at overseas job sites. Membership takes effect upon payment of the membership contribution and lasts until contract expiration (for voluntary members, coverage does not exceed two years).
The membership contribution is US$25.00 or its equivalent, collected on a per contract basis by authorized collecting officers at designated centers including POEA hubs and OWWA offices. Official receipts are issued upon payment.
The Fund is a single trust fund composed of contributions and earnings. It is safeguarded and invested primarily in government securities for optimum earnings and protection. The Board sets policies and approves investments, while portfolio management can be outsourced to government financial institutions. All investments are inventoried and safeguarded under custodianship agreements.
Benefits include insurance and health care (life insurance, disability/dismemberment, total disability, burial benefits), loan programs (pre-departure and family assistance loans), education and training scholarships, social services such as repatriation and reintegration programs, and workers assistance and on-site services.
Administrative sanctions and disciplinary measures including recall from post, suspension, or separation from service may be imposed on collection officers mishandling funds, in accordance with accounting and auditing rules.