Deadline of applications for OWWA scholarship set on Sept. 15

The deadline for the submission of applications for the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has been set on September 15, Tuesday. The EDSP is a scholarship grant offered to qualified beneficiaries or dependents of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who are OWWA members. The scholarship is given in the form of a financial assistance amounting to P60,000 per school year. OWWA said it pays the tuition directly to the school and releases the remaining amount upon the scholar’s submission of grades for the semester. The welfare agency said the scholar may choose his or her desired course offered by a college or university accredited by the Commission on Higher Education. It said the financial support shall continue until the completion of the course, regardless of the status of the OFW’s membership. OWWA chief Carmelita Dimzon said there will be 150 slots open for the coming school year. "The 150 scholars will be chosen from the roster of those who pass the nationwide DOST-SEI competitive examination scheduled this November," she said. Interested applicants are expected to be graduating high school students and enroll in any four to five-year baccalaureate course. The other eligibility requirements are as follows, the applicant must be: 1. A child of a married OWWA member or sibling of an unmarried OWWA member 2. Not older than 21 years old 3. A Filipino citizen 4. In good health and with good moral character 5. A student with an average grade of at least 80 percent and belongs to the upper 20 percent of the graduating class The ESDP documentary requirements include: 1. Accomplished application forms (2 sets) 2. 1" x 1" ID pictures (2 copies) 3. Proof of relationship to OWWA member (copy of birth certificate of applicant and of the member if related as brother or sister that is duly certified by the Local Civil Registrar or NSO) 4. Form 137 or transcript of records with principal’s certification on scholastic standing 5. Proof of OWWA membership (i.e. official receipt of OWWA contribution or certification from OWWA membership processing center) 6. Health certificate attesting to physical fitness of applicant (Form B) 7. Certificate of good moral character issued by the school principal or guidance counselor (Form C) 8. Certification that applicant belongs to upper 20 percent of graduating class issued by school principal (2 sets) 9. Statement of applicant that he or she has not earned units in any post-secondary or undergraduate course (Form E) 10. Sworn statement that he or she has no pending application for resident immigrant status in any country and does not have dual citizenship signed by parent or legal guardians (Form F) Those interested in applying for the EDSP scholarship grant may get in touch with the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office. They may also ask information through OWWA’s 24/7 Operations Center at Globe hotline 2917 (Press 3 for OWWA); telephone numbers (632) 8917601 to 24, (632) 8336992 (833OWWA), (632) 5516641; fax numbers (632) 8917601, (632) 5516651; cellular phone numbers (63917) 8986992 (63917 TXT OWWA); and e-mail address opcenter@owwa.gov.ph. - GMANews.TV