THE OVERSEAS Workers Welfare Administration in Soccsksargen is now accepting applications for two baccalaureate scholarship programs for qualified dependents of overseas Filipino workers.

Regional Director Marilou Sumalinog said that the financial assistance is under the Education for Development Scholarship Program and the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program.

“We highly encourage our beloved OFW beneficiaries to avail of these scholarship programs because it will be of great help financially to the encumbrances of your OFW family member especially now that we were confronted by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic,” Sumalinog said.

To qualify for the grant, an applicant must be a sibling or a child of a single OFW with no failing grades; must have a general weighted average not lower than 80 percent equivalence in all academic and non-academic subjects during last year’s attendance in full load; and must be willing to enroll in Philippine-based colleges and universities.

“EDSP scholars who want to enroll in 4-5 year baccalaureate course in any preferred colleges or universities can avail of a yearly assistance of P60,000 to cover their tuition and other miscellaneous fees,” Sumalinog said.

Meanwhile, the CMWSP is intended for children or siblings of unmarried OWWA members with no failing grades. They must have a GWA of not lower than 85 percent; must be willing to enroll in Science and Technology courses in any Philippine-based colleges and universities; and a family income that does not exceed 2,400 US dollars or its equivalent.

“Former OFWs who want to continue their education provided they are 45 years old upon application can also apply as CMWSP scholar,” Sumalinog said.

“Qualified applicants are entitled to P60,000 worth of scholarship per school year. The program shall benefit deserving migrant workers and/or their immediate descendants who intend to pursue courses primarily in the field of science and technology as identified by DOST,” she added.

The deadline for submission of requirements for both scholarship programs is on February 18, 2022.

Applicants were advised to visit the OWWA-Soccsksargen office while those in other areas in the region can ask help from the OFW desk officers in their city or municipal halls.