OWWA hikes trust fund, membership

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) has reported a significant increase in its trust fund and membership, Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan announced on Friday.

Caunan said Owwa’s trust fund increased by P1 billion, from P20.3 billion in December 2024 to P21.3 billion by the end of 2025, while its membership saw a sharp increase from 2 million to 2.6 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

During the briefing, Caunan highlighted several new initiatives, including the opening of the OFW Lounges, the Seafarer Welfare Center, regional offices with free clinics and pharmacies and expanded global centers in Hong Kong and Taipei, that provide legal assistance, health services and upskilling programs, among others.

Also included in the program is the holding of OFW Serbisyo Caravans with the Department of Migrant Workers and other government agencies.

Caunan also announced a historic increase in its scholarship slots for OFW children, adding 10,000 slots to the current 15,000 slots.