Scholarship for OFWs kin open

By Marcelo L. Lihgawon

AGUINALDO, Ifugao -- Kins of active Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs) in the province were enjoined to avail the scholarship program of the government through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

In her letter to Department of Labor and Employment Ifugao provincial director AvelinaManganip, OWWA-Cordillera regional director Manuela Pena said the  OWWA is now accepting applicants for the OFW dependents scholarship program (OFWDSP)leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree for school year 2013-2014. Ifugao is allotted 12 slots.

“This scholarship started in 2010 and is intended for one of the qualified dependents of OFW who are active members of OWWA fund with a monthly salary of not more than 400 US dollar or its local currency equivalent during overseas employment,” she said.

Pena stated that the OFWDSP is open for graduating high school students or those who have graduated high school but never been enrolled in college. Applicants should be a child or dependent of an unmarried OFW who is an active OWWA member and not more than 21-years old and graduating high school student this school year.

An applicant must not be a recipient of any scholarship award from any government or private institution, in good health and of good moral character.

Application forms are available at DOLE or the Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) in the different municipalities. Deadline for submission of applications will be on April 1, 2013.

Qualified beneficiaries will receive a maximum educational assistance of P20,000 per school year.