Question & AnswerQ&A (OWWA MEMORANDUM OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 014)
The main purpose of SESP Phase II is to provide scholarships in collegiate courses leading to baccalaureate degrees (not exceeding five years) to less fortunate and deserving dependents of overseas contract workers (OCWs) to alleviate their financial condition and provide placement assistance after graduation.
Eligible dependents are the legally recognized children of OCWs who are single and not more than 21 years old.
The program prioritizes 1) Dependents of deceased OCWs, 2) Dependents of OCWs who sustained work-related injuries at the jobsite rendering them permanently disabled.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens to qualify for the scholarship program.
Applicants must: 1) Be Filipino citizens; 2) Be single; 3) Be of good moral character; 4) Be physically and mentally fit; 5) Be deserving, which includes academic qualifications such as ranking in the top ten of their graduating class or meeting specified percentile ranks in the NCEE; 6) Belong to families with incomes within the poverty threshold as determined by NEDA; 7) Be willing to enroll in courses prescribed by the program; 8) Be full-time students.
High school graduates must have a general average of not less than 85% in their fourth year of high school.
Applicants must submit: accomplished application form, two 2x2 ID pictures, authenticated birth certificate, police clearance, high school card or transcript of records, principal's certification on class rank, NCEE result, medical/health certificate, OCW’s death or permanent disability certificate, passport or seaman’s service record, proof of OCW’s welfare fund contribution to OWWA, latest income tax return of parents, and certification that neither the OCW nor dependents are prior scholarship grantees.
The Selection Committee consists of the Directors of the Benefits and Programs Department, the Seafarers and Welfare Department, and the Reintegration Program Department of OWWA.
Benefits include free tuition and standard school fees, a monthly allowance of P500 for ten months annually for the duration of the course, clothing allowance of P750 every semester, and allowance for books and school supplies amounting to P750 every semester.
Awardees must meet the continued eligibility requirements specified in the agreement with OWWA, maintain their academic standing, be enrolled full-time until graduation, and obtain prior approval for any transfer to another school within the same category.
Yes, an awardee can transfer to another school of the same category specified in their educational plan, but only with prior OWWA approval, the transfer must be done in the second semester of the first year, and the awardee must shoulder tuition fees for any additional subjects due to the transfer.
Awardees and parents must attend an orientation conducted by the Regional OWWA Unit, sign an agreement with OWWA, receive the educational plan and referral slip, report to the company of origin for enrollment instructions, and enroll in the designated college or university.
The agreement is an integral part of the Memorandum of Instructions and is enforceable as a legal document governing the rights and obligations of both parties in relation to the scholarship.
The Memorandum of Instructions governing SESP Phase II took effect immediately on its adoption date, September 18, 1992.