- OWWA Region XI has opened applications for its 2025 scholarship grants EDSP Category 2 and ODSP Category 1 for OFW dependents until July 31.
- EDSP offers P60,000/year to 30 college-level scholars (2nd–5th year, under 30, GWA ≥85), while ODSP grants P20,000/year to 250 students (≤21 years old, GWA ≥75).
- ODSP is first-come, first-served; OWWA urges early submissions with complete documents to secure a scholarship slot.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Region XI (OWWA XI) has formally opened the application period for its 2025 scholarship grants for the dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Applications started on Wednesday, July 16, and will run until July 31. During an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), OWWA XI Scholarship Program In-charge Mayette Almano explained two grants available this year: the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) Category 2 and the OFW-Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP) Category 1.
For EDSP Category 2, the applicants should be the child, sibling, or dependent of an active member of OWWA. They should also be actively enrolled as a second to fifth-year college student at any licensed Philippine university or college and should not be over 30 years of age. Applicants should have a general weighted average (GWA) of 85 or higher.
They should provide necessary documents such as a photocopy of the OFW's valid passport, the dependent's latest school ID, and official grade records of the last academic year. Scholars under this category will be given monetary assistance totaling P60,000 per year. Nevertheless, the program will only take in 30 qualified scholars.
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The other one is ODSP Category 1, which is open to OFW dependents whose sponsors' monthly income is not more than $1,000 USD. Scholarship applicants for this program should be 21 years old or below and are studying at a Philippine institution of higher learning. A minimum GWA of 75 is required for eligibility. Required documents include the OFW’s passport, a valid ID of the applicant, and proof of the OFW’s income. Successful ODSP scholars will receive P20,000 per academic year, with 250 available slots for 2025.
Almano stressed the urgency of filing early, especially for ODSP, which will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. "We are encouraging those dependents of OFWs to file already po, kasi for ODSP, this is for first come, first served basis," she said, and asked interested applicants to prepare and submit their requirements in advance of the deadline.
