In the midst of the global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) launched the ‘Uwian Na’ mobile application. Designed for the purpose of streamlining transportation logistics, this app was essential in helping Overseas Filipino Workers return to their home provinces from OWWA Hotel Quarantine Facilities. Initiated during the early days of the pandemic in 2020, the ‘Uwian Na’ app aimed to alleviate the logistical and emotional challenges faced by those stranded due to travel restrictions. It highlighted OWWA’s commitment to supporting Filipino workers abroad, ensuring their safe and organized return to their families amidst unprecedented times.
The ‘Uwian Na’ app was designed primarily for migrant workers who had completed quarantine after returning from abroad, offering a sense of hope by simplifying the daunting task of returning home. By presenting a negative RT-PCR test result, these individuals could register through the app to organize their travel arrangements. This process not only facilitated a smoother transition back to their home provinces but also significantly reduced the emotional and financial burden of extended quarantine stays. As the app is no longer in active use, reflecting its role during the initial phase of the pandemic, its inception remains a testament to the resilience of the Filipino spirit and the government’s swift action to protect its citizens abroad.
What is the OWWA ‘Uwian Na’ Mobile Application?
The mobile app was launched as a registration portal designed to organize the transport of those staying in OWWA Hotel Quarantine Facilities back to their home provinces. This innovative tool was part of OWWA’s initiatives to support Filipino workers abroad during the start of the pandemic in 2020.
Significance of the Service
While lacking extensive data or legislative backing, the said app played a significant role during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. It addressed the specific need of stranded Overseas Filipino Workers by offering a streamlined registration process for transportation assistance from OWWA quarantine facilities, facilitating their safe return home and alleviating anxieties during a global crisis. While its usage might be limited currently, its significance lies in its timely support for a vulnerable group in extraordinary circumstances, showcasing the OWWA’s responsiveness to the evolving needs of migrant Filipino workers.
Note: The app was primarily used in the initial phases of the pandemic and is no longer actively utilized anymore.
Legal Basis
The ‘Uwian Na’ app is backed by the Philippine government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its overseas workers. It operates under the legal framework that mandates OWWA to provide assistance and support to OFWs in times of need, including health crises and emergencies.
Benefits
The primary benefit of the ‘Uwian Na’ app is its facilitation of a smooth and organized process for the return of migrant Filipino workers to their families and home provinces. It ensured that those who were quarantined upon arrival could secure transportation arrangements once they were cleared of COVID-19, reducing the emotional and financial stress associated with prolonged stays in quarantine facilities.
Eligibility / Qualifications
The service was specifically designed for migrants workers who had arrived from abroad and were staying in OWWA Hotel Quarantine Facilities. These individuals were the target beneficiaries of the ‘Uwian Na’ app’s services.
Requirements
To avail of the services offered by the ‘Uwian Na’ app, OFWs needed to present a negative RT-PCR test result, which was a mandatory requirement to ensure the safety and health of both the returning migrant Filipinos and their communities.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for Assistance via ‘Uwian Na’ Mobile App
- RT-PCR Test: Prior to registration, ensure that you have a negative RT-PCR test result.
- Registration: Visit the official ‘Uwian Na’ registration portal at uwianna.owwa.gov.ph and fill up the application form.
- Documentation: Attach the required proof of your RT-PCR negative test result on the portal.
- Submission: Submit your application through the portal.
- Confirmation: After submission, you will receive an acknowledgment email confirming your registration, along with instructions regarding your travel arrangements.
Recent Updates
Stay Informed: Quarantine Protocols for Returning OFWs
For accurate information on quarantine protocols for returning OFWs, visit https://quarantineadvisor.owwa.gov.ph. You can also download the “OWWA Uwian Na” mobile app from the Google Play Store for additional quarantine concerns.
The OWWA Quarantine Operations has recently launched the “OWWA Uwian Na” mobile app, aimed at expediting the processing of overseas Filipino workers returning to their home provinces. This innovative app promises to streamline quarantine operations, ensuring a smoother and more efficient transition for them as they reunite with their families.
Video: ‘Uwian na’ portal alang sa mga OFW, gilunsad na sa OWWA
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has recently introduced the ‘uwian na’ portal, catering specifically to overseas Filipino workers. This online platform aims to provide a convenient and efficient way for them to access information and services related to their return to the Philippines.
Conclusion
The OWWA ‘Uwian Na’ mobile application emerged as a critical tool in the Philippine government’s efforts to assist OFWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. By streamlining the process of returning home, it alleviated the anxieties of countless Filipino workers abroad. While its primary operation was during the early stages of the pandemic, the legacy of the ‘Uwian Na’ app underscores the importance of swift and responsive measures to protect the welfare of migrant Filipino workers in times of crisis. It stands as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Filipino spirit, reminding us that in times of great adversity, innovative solutions can bring families together and guide them towards the safety of home.