Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello announced that applications for the one-time P30,000 assistance to one college student who is a dependent of displaced OFWs is now ongoing.
He explained that the fund for the scholarship program is earmarked to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
“The President gave P1 billion to CHED for the program,” the secretary said.
He added that CHED and the Labor department had signed a memorandum agreement for the disbursement of the fund.
“Based on the agreement, ang DOLE ang implementing agency, but CHED would issue the guidelines.
“Since the OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) has already the record of OFWs especially displaced OFWs, it will be OWWA that will recommend the possible beneficiaries,” he said.
The Labor chief clarified that the program is only for one son or daughter of OFWs who are in college.
“Application for the program is already ongoing. Prospective beneficiaries may apply to OWWA Regional Offices.”
Upon the recommendation of OWWA, CHED wills screen the beneficiaries. “After they passed the screening, CHED will download to us the fund and we will be the one to pay the scholars,” he elaborated.
“We are looking at 30,000 children of displaced OFWs at least to benefit from the program,” he said.
