By Leslie Ann Aquino
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has set up assistance desks at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1 to 3 to assist overseas Filipino workers especially those who have questions regarding the "OFW E-card."
The e-card, which may be used as valid government ID, serves as proof of active OWWA membership and provides easy access to welfare services, scholarships, training programs, and social benefits from OWWA.
"Sa mga mahal naming OWWA E-card holders, ready po tayo to assist you here in NAIA 3," OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said in his Twitter account @HansLeoCacdac.
Earlier, the OWWA official urged vacationing OFWs to avail of the OFW e-card.
To avail of the e-card, one must simply register at the OWWA website, https://owwa.gov.ph/.
OFWs may claim their e-CARD at the OWWA Central Office or at the OWWA Regional Offices, upon their 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.
When availing of OWWA programs and services, the agency said OFWs may present the OFW e-CARD at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office in the country or at the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) and Embassies/Consulates in their jobsites.
The OFW e-Card is available for free to all Balik- Manggagawa OFWs with an active OWWA membership, a valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or Exemption Number, and a valid passport.
The OFW e-CARD also has a digital version through the OWWA Mobile App and may also serve as a valid government ID.
OWWA said it contains a unique OFW membership number and QR code as security features to prevent data breach.