The Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) is an initiative by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) aimed at aiding the families of deceased Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This comprehensive program is designed with a dual-purpose approach, providing both educational grants for the children of the OFW who died and livelihood support for the surviving spouse or parents. Specifically, it offers financial assistance to cover educational expenses from elementary through to college level for one child, usually the eldest, of the deceased OFW. Furthermore, it extends a livelihood grant to help the surviving family members start a business or undertake any income-generating project to support their needs, ensuring a means for sustainable living.
Targeted at the dependents and spouses of deceased OFWs who were active OWWA members at the time of their demise, ELAP serves as a support system to alleviate the financial burdens faced by these families. Beneficiaries can expect educational assistance varying from Php 5,000 for elementary, Php 8,000 for high school, and up to Php 10,000 for college education annually. Additionally, a livelihood assistance grant of Php 15,000 is provided to help establish a small business or livelihood project. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria, including being a Filipino citizen, under the age of 21, and not a recipient of any other scholarship award, with a minimum academic achievement. The process to apply involves obtaining and submitting a completed application form along with the necessary documents to the nearest OWWA Office. This program underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the educational and economic wellbeing of the families of OFWs, ensuring that the dependents can pursue their education and that families have the opportunity to rebuild their lives financially.
Understanding ELAP: A Dual-purpose Program
ELAP is specifically designed to assist the dependents of deceased OFWs, offering both educational grants and livelihood support. The program is divided into two main components:
- Educational Assistance: This is tailored for the children of the deceased OFW, usually benefiting the eldest child. It encompasses financial aid to cover educational expenses from elementary to college level.
- Livelihood Assistance: Aimed at the surviving spouse or parents, this grant supports starting a business or any income-generating project to sustain the family’s needs.
Significance of the Program
The Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) supports Filipino families impacted by the loss of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), who often serve as primary breadwinners. By offering financial aid for education and, in some cases, aid in establishing income-generating activities, ELAP aims to lessen the immediate financial strain families face and help ensure the educational continuity of dependents.Â
Legislation like Republic Act 10022 strengthens OWWA’s mandate and broadens the scope of programs like ELAP. Continued awareness about the program and advocacy for its accessibility are essential to ensure families can readily access this support during challenging times.
Legal Framework
The ELAP is backed by OWWA’s mandate to provide welfare services and assistance to OFWs and their families. It is part of the broader scope of services and programs intended to support the welfare of Filipino workers abroad, ensuring that their families are also taken care of in times of need.
Who Benefits and How Much?
The financial aid provided under ELAP varies according to the educational level of the beneficiary:
- Elementary: Php 5,000 per year
- High School: Php 8,000 per year
- College: Php 10,000 per year
For livelihood assistance, a grant of Php 15,000 is allocated to start a small business or enterprise project for the surviving spouse or parents.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for ELAP, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- The dependent must be a child of a deceased OFW who was an active OWWA member at the time of death.
- Must be a Filipino citizen, single, and under the age of 21.
- Should not be a recipient of any other scholarship award.
- Must have a General Weighted Average of 80% and be in the top 20% of their graduating class.
Application Requirements
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Recent 2×2 photos
- Death certificate of the OFW
- Proof of relationship to the OFW
- Proof of OWWA membership
- Academic records and health certificate
How to Apply for ELAP
- Get the Application Form: Visit your local OWWA office to obtain the application form.
- Complete the Documentation: Fill out the form and gather all necessary documents.
- Submit Your Application: Bring your completed application and documents to the nearest OWWA Office. You can also submit through courier services.
- Wait for Confirmation: OWWA will review your application and notify you of your status.
Success Stories / Recent Updates
OWWA Provides Livelihood Assistance to Families of Deceased OFWs
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro awarded livelihood aid to the families of deceased OFWs with active OWWA membership. The aid, provided under the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP), includes educational support for one child and an enterprise grant of PHP15,000. To learn more about the program, interested individuals can contact the ELAP hotline at 09513720366 during office hours.
Gina Lou, the daughter of an OFW who worked in Kuwait and Egypt as a Household Service Worker for almost 20 years, unfortunately lost her mother to illness. As an active OWWA member, Gina Lou’s family qualified for Regular Death and Burial Assistance. Her youngest sibling will also become an OWWA scholar through the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) Educational Component until they finish their studies. They will also receive initial capital for a rice business that they will establish with the help of the ELAP Livelihood Component.
In a heartwarming gesture, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has awarded enterprise aid to the grieving family of a deceased Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. This support comes under the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP), aiming to provide financial aid and opportunities for the family to rebuild their lives after the loss of their loved one.
Under the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP), OWWA XI provides educational aid to the dependents of deceased OFWs who were active OWWA members at the time of their death. Recently, Jay Villar, a 3rd year Bachelor of Science in Criminology student at the University of Mindanao, Tagum City, received a check worth PhP10,000.00 on September 01, 2023, while Adonis Sapsale, a Grade III student, received an educational assistance worth Php5,000.00 on September 04, 2023. This scholarship program is specifically for the eldest child of the member-OFW, including those who are facing death penalty in the host country.
Video: OWWA Region 1 Testimonials: Education and Livelihood Assistance Program
Raven Ralph A. Nucos, the beneficiary of the late OFW Arlyn Nucos, expresses his gratitude to OWWA for providing him with the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP – Education Component). ELAP is a program that offers financial support for the education of qualified dependents of deceased OFWs, as well as an enterprise for surviving family members to supplement their income. The program provides Php 15,000.00 for livelihood and educational aid ranging from Php 5,000.00 for primary education to Php 10,000.00 for tertiary education.
Conclusion
The Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) stands as a support system for the families of deceased OFWs. By providing educational and small business aid, OWWA ensures that the dependents of OFWs can continue their education and the families can start anew with financial stability. It’s a testament to the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its overseas workers and their families, offering a lifeline in their time of need. If you’re eligible, don’t hesitate to apply and take the first step towards a brighter future for your family.