OWWA Launches OFW e-CARD

Enhancing the delivery of government services to overseas Filipino workers, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), an attached agency of the labor department, launched the OFW e-CARD.

“The OWWA OFW e-CARD is a response to the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to further serve our modern heroes–the OFWs,” said Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III during the launching at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

The OWWA OFW e-CARD serves as proof of active OWWA membership and provides easy access to welfare services, scholarships, training programs, and social benefits from OWWA.

It may also serve as valid government ID.

The OWWA OFW e-CARD allows instant verification of OWWA membership and reduces documentary requirements, said OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac.

The OFW e-CARD is available for free to all Balik-Manggagawa OFWs with active OWWA membership, valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or Exemption Number, and a valid passport.

“This is just Phase 1 and we expect to cover around 250,000 Balik-Manggagawa,” added Secretary Bello, who also serves as OWWA Board of Trustees Chair.

To prevent data breach, the OFW e-CARD contains a unique OFW membership number and QR code as security features.

OWWA members may visit the OWWA website at www.owwa.gov.ph to apply for an OFW e-CARD. They may claim their card upon return to the Philippines or through their family member, provided that they present an authorization letter and a copy of the OFW’s passport identification page.

OFWs may present the OFW e-CARD at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office in the country or at the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices and Embassies/Consulates in their jobsites when availing OWWA programs and services.

OWWA has also set up OFW e-CARD Help Desks in all its regional offices in the country and overseas posts across the globe, to cater to queries and concerns of OFWs. (DOLE)