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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider OWWA membership surge drives trust fund rise to ₱21.3B

OWWA membership surge drives trust fund rise to ₱21.3B

Published Jan 16, 2026 06:04 pm

At A Glance

  • OWWA Trust Fund climbs to ₱21.3 billion as active membership tops 2.6 million
  • Programs expanded with Pre-Departure Seminars, NAIA airport lounges, Seafarer's Welfare Center, Alagang OWWA Fund, and 10,000 new scholar slots
OWWA Administrator PY Caunan briefs the media on the agency’s growing Trust Fund and rising OFW membership during the first press briefing of 2026 on January 16. (Photo courtesy of OWWA)
OWWA Administrator PY Caunan briefs the media on the agency’s growing Trust Fund and rising OFW membership during the first press briefing of 2026 on January 16. (Photo courtesy of OWWA)
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) reported Friday, Jan. 16, that its Trust Fund climbed to P21.3 billion while active membership topped 2.6 million by December 2025, reflecting rising trust and confidence of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the agency.
OWWA Administrator PY Caunan said the increase from P20.3 billion and 2 million members in December 2024 underscores the strengthened trust of OFWs in the agency’s programs and services.
“This is not just a testament of trust, but proof that our OFWs feel the Alagang OWWA: Serbisyong May Puso—from the moment they leave the Philippines,” Caunan said.
OWWA said it continues to expand services, including Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars and airport lounges at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3.
The agency also opened the first Seafarer’s Welfare Center in the National Capital Region at Monarch Parksuites, Parañaque City, providing a dedicated space for seafarers’ welfare programs.
Overseas facilities such as the Global Center in Hong Kong have assisted nearly 2,000 OFWs with legal aid, clinic services, and training programs.
Health initiatives under the Welfare Assistance Program continue to provide financial and medical support to seriously ill OFWs, including cancer patients.
To further support OFWs, OWWA is launching the Alagang OWWA Fund, a new line-item budget aimed at expanding welfare programs for members and their families.
The agency is also increasing scholar slots by 10,000—the largest boost in OWWA’s 43-year history—providing more opportunities for OFWs and their dependents, Caunan said.

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