CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 1 (PIA) – At least 22 beneficiaries of the Overseas Filipino Workers Dependent Scholarship Program (OFWDSP) have been named by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to have come from Misamis Oriental.
This figure is actually 32.35% of 68, the total number of the OFWDSP beneficiaries in the region, Petrona M. Bergado, Regional Director of OWWA, region 10, said, during today’s awarding of the Notice of Awards to the beneficiaries at the Provincial Capitol, this city.
These scholars are currently enrolled as first year college students taking up various courses in the different higher education institutions (HEI) of the region:
Welnie Rose D. Aguilar, Ron Ron Jay M. Obliosca, John Albert T. Capricho, Audrey F. Cagalawan, Steeve Josephine R. Banawa, Kevin S. Labalan, and Jade R. Casas. Queeny Rose R. Daayata, Mark Glenn Rey G. Bajao, Farrah Luo B. Daaca, Haron T. Malazarte, and Rizel P. Gabutan, Keanee Bee M. Ariata, and Jaybee Simacon. Elmer S. Tadina, Vince R. Caiña, Ryan R. Batuto, Ruben E. Dangcal, John Mikelle C. Sabiquil, Evangeline S. Domo, Ruperto D. Calderon, Jr., Earl John C. Granados.
As to their courses, four (4) scholars each are enrolled in Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technology and BS Education, while two (2)each are enrolled in BS Mechanical Engineering, BS Business Administration, BS Computer Engineering and BS Auto Mechanical Technolgy, respectively.
One (1) scholar each is also enrolled in AB Mass Communication, BS Accountancy, BS in Electrical Technology and Management, BS Electronics and Communication Technology, BS Environment Engineering and BS Information Technology.
Bergado said the OFWDSP aims to provide opportunity to poor but deserving students to earn a baccalaureate degree or associate degree and become agents in the community development.
Covered by the program are the legal dependents of OWWA active members whose monthly salary is US$400 or below, which shall be determined through the verified employment contract, overseas employment certificate or OWWA OFW member verification sheet.
An active member is defined as an OWWA-registered member who has a valid membership at the time of availment or whose membership has expired for not more that six (6) months.
Considered OFW legal dependents are children, natural or adopted, of married OFW’s/Single OFW’s, brother or sister, half-bloodied or single/childless married OFW’s.
Qualifications of a legal dependent include the following: Single, not more than 21 years old at the time of the application, high school graduate or about to graduate from high school or already enrolled in college, this semester, and physically and mentally and morally fit.
Meanwhile, 50-year old Edilberto C. Capricho said it really pays to be an active member of OWWA, which is one of the requirements to avail of the OFWDSP Award for his son, John Albert, 23, now enrolled at the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST).
A dependent of his step-daughter, Jazel Villa Abrille, who is now working with a food chain in Qatar, John Albert is entitled to financial assistance of Php 20,000/year or Php 10,000/semester to cover tuition fees and other academic-related expenses.
by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob