MANILA — The Philippines’ Overseas Workers Welfare Administration reported a sharp rise in its trust fund and membership Friday, crediting transparent management and pledging to expand services for millions of overseas Filipino workers.
Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan told reporters in Pasay City that OWWA’s trust fund grew by 1 billion pesos ($17.5 million) to 21.3 billion pesos by the end of 2025, up from 20.3 billion pesos in December 2024. Membership climbed from 2 million to 2.6 million during the same period.
“The reason for this is, of course, the honest and transparent management of the OWWA Trust Fund, and that is OWWA’s first and foremost mandate,” Caunan said.
She expressed gratitude for the confidence overseas Filipino workers, known as OFWs, have shown in the agency, describing OWWA as a partner not only in times of crisis but also in planning their return and reintegration to the Philippines.
Under its “Alagang OWWA” program, the agency is rolling out new initiatives that include OFW lounges, a Seafarer Welfare Center, regional offices equipped with free clinics and pharmacies, and expanded service centers in Hong Kong and Taipei offering legal aid, health care and skills training.
OWWA is also organizing mobile service caravans in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers and other agencies, including the Land Transportation Office, Social Security System and Philippine Statistics Authority, to deliver government services directly to OFWs abroad.
In education support, Caunan announced a record increase in scholarship slots for children of OFWs, adding 10,000 slots to the existing 15,000. Eligibility was broadened by raising the monthly household income threshold from $600 to $1,000.
For returning workers, upskilling and livelihood programs will now provide training allowances of up to 10,000 pesos per month for courses such as caregiving.
The agency also plans to bolster its 1348 hotline by hiring additional trained staff to better assist distressed or ill workers and their families.
“Our priority is the welfare of OFWs and their families, from emergency repatriation to training, scholarships and reintegration,” Caunan said.
She added that the agency’s growth reflects the trust placed in its programs and vowed to continue managing resources responsibly while broadening benefits for workers and their families.
