The Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) holds significant importance in the context of the Philippines, addressing the educational and socio-economic upliftment of OFW families. Established under Republic Act 8042, and further bolstered by RA 10022, CMWSP is designed to recognize the substantial economic contributions made by overseas Filipino workers, who, as per the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), remitted over $30 billion in 2019 alone. This financial influx represents a considerable portion of the nation’s GDP, highlighting the important role OFWs play in the Philippine economy.
By providing financial aid of up to Php 60,000 annually for studies in science and technology fields, the program administered by the OWWA aims to ensure that the next generation has better career opportunities, potentially leading to more skilled professionals in the workforce. This strategic focus on education supports not only individual family stability but also national growth, as these fields are essential to the country’s development and global competitiveness.
What is the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program?
The CMWSP was established under Republic Act (RA) 10022 to aid children of OFWs in obtaining a baccalaureate degree from accredited Philippine institutions, focusing on programs in science and technology. This aims to equip students with the skills necessary to contribute significantly to the nation’s development while supporting OFW families in securing a prosperous future through education.
Significance of this Scholarship Program
The Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP), established under Republic Act 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, recognizes the major contribution of Filipino migrant workers to the Philippine economy. Data from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), which funds the program, shows that billions of pesos are remitted by overseas Filipinos annually. The CMWSP aims to empower these workers and their families by providing financial aid of up to Php 60,000 per year for science and technology degrees, as administered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). This helps address the educational needs of Filipinos who may not have been able to pursue higher studies due to financial constraints, creating a ripple effect of progress within families and potentially increasing future skilled Filipino workers.
Benefits of CMWSP
The not only supports the educational aspirations of migrant workers’ children but also alleviates financial burdens on OFW families by providing:
- Financial assistance of up to ₱20,000 per academic year.
- Coverage for four to five years of undergraduate studies.
- Opportunities to study in priority areas that are in high demand in the job market, especially in science and technology fields.
Who is Eligible for CMWSP?
Eligibility for the CMWSP is specifically designed to cater to families of OFWs. The main qualifications include:
- The applicant must be a direct descendant of an active OFW.
- Children of OFWs must be under the age of 21 and have a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 80% or higher, ranking in the top 20% of their class.
- Family gross income must not exceed ₱76,000 annually.
- Proof of OWWA membership is mandatory.
Required Documentation
To apply for the CMWSP, candidates need to prepare the following documents:
- Completed application form (2 sets)
- Two 2×2 ID pictures
- Academic records (Form 137 or certified true copy of Form 138/Transcript of Records)
- Passport ID of the OFW and proof of their OWWA membership
- Official receipt of OWWA contribution
- Proof of relationship to the OFW (e.g., birth certificate authenticated by PSA)
- Proof of family income, such as an Income Tax Return or Overseas Employment Contract
How to Apply for CMWSP: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the Official OWWA Scholarship Portal: Start your application by visiting OWWA’s Scholarship Portal.
- Eligibility Check: Select the ‘Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP)’ and mark the appropriate boxes to confirm eligibility.
- Choose the Nearest OWWA Regional Office: Register by selecting your nearest OWWA regional office from the provided list.
- Submission and Waiting: After submission, await the release of the master list of qualified applicants.
- Award Notification: Successful candidates will receive a notice of award and details about the scholarship orientation.
- Orientation and Agreement: Attend the orientation and participate in the formalization of the scholarship agreement.
Recent Updates
DOST-SEI Administers Qualifying Exam for Education Scholarship Programs in Davao Region
The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) recently conducted the qualifying exam for the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) 1 and Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program in the Davao Region. A total of 456 pre-qualified applicants participated in the exams, which were held at various testing centers across the region.
The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) recently facilitated the qualifying exams for the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program. A total of 456 pre-qualified applicants took the exams across various testing centers in the Davao Region. This underscores the commitment to providing educational opportunities to deserving students in the region.
OWWA Regional Office 4A, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), recently completed the Pre-Qualifying Examination for the 1st batch of OWWA Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP). The successful examination marks a significant step towards providing educational opportunities for deserving scholars. The second batch of the pre-qualifying examination is scheduled for Sunday, April 7, 2024.
OWWA Region 4A has recently distributed test permits to students who will be taking the pre-qualifying examination for the OWWA Education for Development Scholarship Program and Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. With over 1000 students from the region set to participate, the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) is actively supporting the administration of the exams.
OWWA Regional Welfare Office 02 is actively responding to inquiries regarding examination schedules for 1st-year college students in Region 2. They are also providing information about OWWA membership in selected provinces, addressing questions about staying in an OWWA center in Cagayan, and clarifying the eligibility and application process for OWWA scholarships. The office aims to assist and guide individuals in accessing the necessary support and opportunities provided by OWWA.
Video: OWWA CONGRESSIONAL MIGRANT WORKERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM / OFW ( ACTIVE OR INACTIVE OWWA) OR DEPENDENT
The OWWA Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program offers valuable educational opportunities for both active and inactive OFWs, as well as their dependents. This serves as a support system, providing financial assistance to eligible individuals who aim to pursue higher education. Whether an OFW is currently active or inactive, or if they have dependents, they can explore the benefits and opportunities provided by this program.
Summary
The Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program is a shines a ray of hope for many OFW families, providing significant financial support and encouraging the pursuit of higher education in important fields. If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, don’t hesitate to apply and take the first step towards a brighter future through quality education. Good luck, and keep striving for excellence!