Extended to Feb 2-16 air tickets! PHP10,000 for stranded OFWs. Including Taiwan-bound.

Call OWWA to confirm, as info changes every minute. Phone: 00632 88340721

*As of 12nn Feb 11, up to FEB 16 tickets are eligible.

*Mainland China Work Visa is a valid Proof of Employment. Technically employers must cancel CN Work Visa if you're not an employee anymore.

*Taiwan-bound OFWs are now included in the temporary travel ban.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is giving cash assistance to OFWs bound for China, HK, Macau, or Taiwan with flight tickets from February 2 to 15, 2020; who are unable to return to work due to the temporary travel ban for all Filipino citizens flying to China, HK, Macau or Taiwan.

This is part of the OWWA CARE (Cash Relief) Program, a one-time cash assistance to OFW-members and their dependents who were displaced or laid-off en masse due to economic/political/health situations.

More OWWA Benefits, read here: https://owwa.gov.ph/index.php

WHERE TO CLAIM?

A. METRO MANILA

Feb 12, 2020 onwards (double check location, info keeps changing)

OWWA RWO-NCR STWLPC Building, 2nd Floor,

#336-342 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Pasay City

Phone: 00632 88340721

8am to 5pm, but cut-off time was around 4pm. Cut off time varies on the crowd, so come early.

B. REGIONAL OFFICES

The cash assistance is ready nationwide. Go to your nearest OWWA branch to inquire. You need to go there anyway to submit the paperworks.

WHAT MUST YOU BRING TO CLAIM?

1. Passport and a photocopy

2. Print out of Air Ticket from Feb 2 to 9, FINAL destination must be China, HK, Macau, or Taiwan

3. Print out of a Proof of Legal Employment (such as an OEC, work contract, work permit, or valid work visa)

4. Fill out a form, which you'll be given once you've registered on site

Bring a pen, snacks, water, and perhaps a book. Mask and alcohol may come handy if it gets crowded. Waiting time was 2 hours for us, it may vary per location.

WHAT CAN YOU CLAIM?

10,000PHP One-Time cash assistance (confirmed)

Some say there's transportation allowance for those going back to their province (claim success rate varies)

Read here for More OWWA-member Benefits, ie scholarships for dependents, OFW reintegration, TESDA and IT Trainings, Medical benefits, Death benefits. https://owwa.gov.ph/index.php

This article is based on personal experience. Do your due diligence in fact-checking in your nearest OWWA office