The Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program (MDA) by OWWA offers financial assistance to graduates of BS Mechanical Engineering and BS Electrical Engineering who aspire to become marine officers.
This program offers a scholarship grant to help these graduates pursue a degree in Marine Engineering, covering education costs, training fees, and providing a three-month stipend.
Target beneficiaries include Filipino citizens who are either OFWs with active OWWA membership, their immediate dependents, or first-degree consanguinity relatives of OFWs.
Successful applicants can expect substantial financial support, easing the path towards a maritime career and opening opportunities for global employment as marine officers.
What Is the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program?
The Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program is a financial assistance training program designed for graduates of BS Mechanical Engineering and BS Electrical Engineering who aspire to become seafarers.
The program provides a scholarship grant to help these graduates pursue a degree in Marine Engineering.
Once they pass the licensure exam, they can work as marine officers.
With the MDA program, college graduates with engineering courses can enroll in their preferred training center or educational institution accredited by OWWA.
After completing their BS Marine Engineering degree, the next step is to take and pass the licensure exam for marine officers.
The program covers college education, training fees, and provides financial assistance, including a three-month stipend.
Benefits of the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program
The MDA Program offers significant financial assistance to help aspiring marine officers achieve their dreams.
The benefits include:
- Up to Php 38,120 worth of financial assistance.
- An additional Php 15,000 for a three-month stipend.
Qualified graduates can use these funds to cover education and training costs at any accredited training center or educational institution.
Requirements for Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program Application
Before applying for the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program, ensure you have the following documents ready for a smooth application process:
- Duly accomplished application form.
- Proof of OWWA membership (e.g., Official Receipt of contribution).
- Two recent 2×2 photos.
- Proof of residency.
- Birth certificate (for dependents) or proof of relationship to an OFW.
- Official Transcript of Records.
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
- Sworn Statement indicating no pending scholarship application with any NGO, NGA, or OWWA.
- Valid passport, Record Book, or Seafarer’s ID.
How to Apply for the MDAP Scholarship
To apply for the MDA Program, follow these steps:
- Visit the nearest OWWA office and obtain a copy of the Application Form.
- Gather and complete all required documents.
- Submit the documentary requirements to the local OWWA office.
- Wait for OWWA to contact you if you are selected for the scholarship grant.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is the cash assistance for the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program?
Qualified applicants can receive up to Php 38,120 and a three-month stipend of Php 15,000.
2. How many dependents can qualify and enjoy the benefits of the MDA Program?
Only one slot is available per family of an OFW, regardless of the number of eligible family members.
3. Can I still apply and join the MDA Program if I exceed the allocated amount for financial assistance?
Yes, you can still participate in the training program, but you will need to cover any costs that exceed the provided cash assistance.
4. What is the validity of the Notice of Award (NOA) after receiving it?
The NOA is typically valid for 45 days after acceptance. You must use it within this period to secure your slot in the scholarship program. If it expires, you will need to wait for the next appointment to obtain another NOA.
5. How is the remittance processed for eligible beneficiaries?
Eligible beneficiaries will receive cash assistance every year. They must have a bank account under their name to receive the funds. Alternatively, they can open a savings account under the name of a relative or child.
Summary
The Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program is a fantastic opportunity for Filipino engineering graduates to pursue a career in the maritime industry.
With significant financial assistance, aspiring marine officers can complete their education and training, leading to better job opportunities.
OWWA’s support through the MDA program helps reduce the financial burden on families, making it easier to achieve career goals in the maritime field.
For those who dream of becoming seafarers, the MDA program provides the necessary support to turn these dreams into reality.
Apply now and take advantage of this opportunity to advance your career and explore the world as a marine officer.
Contact Details
For more information and updates about the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program, you can contact OWWA through the following:
- OWWA Central Office: OWWA Center Building, F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila
- Hotline: 1348
- NCR Hotline: 09666250016
- Reintegration Unit: 8834-0719
- Website: OWWA Official Website
Follow OWWA on social media for more updates:
- TikTok: @OWWAofficial
- Facebook: OWWAofficial
- YouTube: OWWAofficial
- Instagram: OWWAofficial
- Twitter: OWWAofficial
Video: MARINER’S DUGTONG ARAL PROGRAM | OWWA MDA SCHOLARSHIP
Great news for Filipino seafarers and BSME/BSEE college graduates! The OWWA offers a generous monetary assistance of PHP 53,120 to eligible individuals. This video covers important details such as the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA), its benefits, qualifications, requirements, application process, and general guidelines. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity!