Philippines urges OFW dependents to apply for college scholarships worth up to Dh3,600

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 3, 2026

The Philippine Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is inviting children and siblings of active OFW members to apply for two scholarship programs offering financial aid for college education. These scholarships help alleviate educational costs for qualified dependents and have supported numerous scholars in Palawan and beyond, with ongoing assistance even if the OFW ceases working abroad.

The Philippine government is urging the children and siblings of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to apply for college scholarships aimed at easing the financial burden of higher education. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), a bureau under the Department of Migrant Workers, administers two scholarship programs designed for eligible dependents of OFWs with active OWWA memberships.

The first program, the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP), provides annual financial assistance of up to 20,000 Philippine pesos (approximately 1,200 dirhams) to qualified students. The second, the Education for Development Scholarship Programme (EDSP), offers up to 60,000 pesos (around 3,600 dirhams) each year to Grade 12 graduates who succeed in a qualifying exam conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

In 2025, two students from Palawan have already qualified for the EDSP and are benefiting from the scholarship, the Philippine Information Agency reported. At a forum held on July 29, OWWA-Palawan Family Welfare Officer Adignita Elijan highlighted the agency’s track record in supporting many scholars through to graduation. Some beneficiaries have gone on to pursue careers as doctors, engineers, and other professionals.

In the province of Palawan alone, approximately 70 new scholars were admitted into OWWA’s scholarship programs this year, in addition to those continuing to receive assistance from prior years. Eligible applicants must be single and have an OFW parent or sibling with an active OWWA membership at the time of application. Elijan clarified that once accepted into the scholarship program, the financial support continues even if the OFW relative ceases working abroad.

The agency also emphasized the importance of maintaining an active OWWA membership to remain eligible for the programs. Newly deployed overseas workers are automatically enrolled during the processing of their overseas employment through the Department of Migrant Workers, with membership validity extending for two years or the duration of the employment contract, whichever is longer.

Prospective scholars are advised to monitor the official OWWA website for announcements on the opening of the online application period. Given the limited number of scholarship slots available, applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents in advance and ensure their OFW family member’s membership status is current before applying.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.