Implementing Rules and Regulations for Education and Training Benefits of OWWA Members

March 18, 2004

OWWA MEMORANDUM OF INSTRUCTION NO. 001-04

IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING BENEFITS OF OWWA MEMBERS

Pursuant to Article VIII of the OWWA Omnibus Policies approved by the Board of Trustees through Board Resolution No. 038, Series of 2003, the following implementation guidelines on education and training benefits for OWWA Members are hereby instructed:

A. General Provisions

1. Coverage: This covers the Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program — Phase I (SESP-I), Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) which are open for technical/vocational, baccalaureate and maritime upgrading courses. Scholars shall come from qualified dependents of OFW-Member or of the OFW as in the case of SUP. aITECA

2. Scholarship Committee

For purposes of policy formulation, direction and interpretation on the management and administration of all education and training programs, the Scholarship Committee (SC) is hereby created. It shall be constituted by the following:

Chair	Head, Field Service Office and Deputy Administrator
Vice-Chair	Director, Plans and Programs Office
Members	Director, Internal Management Service Office
	Director, Regional Operations Coordinating Center

The actions of the Committee shall be recommendatory in nature and subject to the approval of the Administrator, without prejudice to the Administrator's delegating his authority to the Committee if he so desires.

3. Responsibility Area

For clarity of functions, the following areas of responsibility are identified:

3.1. The Regional Offices (ROs) shall be responsible in the administration and management of the program; and the evaluation and monitoring of day-to-day operation of all education and training programs. It shall maintain a database on the availees of the programs and copy furnish the Regional Operations Coordinating Center (ROCC) and the Plans and Programs Office (PPO).

3.2. The Regional Operations Coordinating Center (ROCC) shall be responsible in coordinating with the different units in the Secretariat for the funding, reportorial and other requirements of the programs and shall also consolidate required data and maintain a database.

3.3. The Plans and Programs Office (PPO) shall be responsible in the development and evaluation of the programs.

3.4. The Internal Management Service Office (IMSO) shall be responsible in the provision and speedy release of funding requirements.

4. Funding Requirements

The following funding requirements for each program are set:

4.1. SESP — P6 Million per year.

4.2. EDSP — P6 Million on 1st year of implementation with annual increase at P6M thereafter and finally reaching P24 Million on the 4th year of implementation

4.3. SUP — P10 Million per year

5. Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to any of the programs, the applicants must:

5.1. Be an OWWA member or his beneficiary/dependent. Beneficiary/Dependent as used herein shall be limited to spouse and children of married OFWs, and/or brother/sister not more than 21 years of age of unmarried OFWs;

5.2. Be a High School graduate; and

5.3. Be a Filipino citizen.

6. Procedural Policies

6.1. Availments are by voucher system and scholarship must be availed of on the specific period indicated in the voucher;

6.2. Availees are subject to regular evaluation and assessment;

6.3. Scholarship grant is non-transferable; and

6.4. Outstanding graduates shall be recognized and awarded accordingly.

7. Partner Institutions

All schools, colleges, universities and training institutions authorized or accredited or whose programs are registered with appropriate government authority (i.e. TESDA, CHED, DOST, MTC, etc.) shall be deemed OWWA partners for its programs. The partner institutions in coordination with the PESOs shall exert effort to refer/place graduates of all programs.

B. Education and Training Programs

1) Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)

The SESP consists of 1-year or 6-month technical/vocational programs following the regular school year calendar, offered to landbased or sea-based OFWs or their beneficiaries/dependents in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Upon receipt of the scholarship voucher, the grantee may enroll in any TESDA-registered program. Program choices shall be supportive of the land and sea based skills requirement. BenchStat

1.1. Distribution of Slots

Regional distribution shall be determined in approved annual Work Financial Plan (WFP) of the regions.

1.2. Financial Assistance

The financial assistance per scholar under the 1-Year Technician Program shall be P14,500 while under the 6-Month Operator Program shall be P7,250. The amount shall be paid directly to the school as tuition fee. If the tuition fee is more than the financial assistance, the scholar shall shoulder the difference while if less, the difference shall be released to the scholar after the end of the program upon submission of the competency assessment and certification of course completion.

1.3. Course Offerings

The scholars shall choose from the course offerings based on the critical skills priorities of the region as determined by TESDA, such as:

• Agriculture and Fishery

• Processed Food and Beverages

• Tourism (including Hotel and Restaurant)

• Decorative Crafts

– Gifts, Toys and Housewares

– Jewelry

– Decorative Ceramics

• Metals and Engineering

• Furniture and Fixtures

• Garments

• Construction

• Communication/Information Technology/Electronics

• Maritime

• Land Transport

• Health and Social Services and other Community, Social and Personal Services

1.4. Availment Requirements

All OWWA members (landbased or sea-based) or their beneficiaries/dependents to avail of the program must:

a) pass the TESDA qualifying examination or Multiple Aptitude Battery Test (MABT) on the program of choice; SEHACI

b) have at least one (1) membership contribution. Three (3) additional membership contributions is required for subsequent availments; and

c) after completing the course, submit for competency assessment and certification administered by TESDA or its accredited testing centers.

1.5. Documentary Requirements

The applicants must submit the following to the OWWA Regional Offices of residency:

1. accomplished application forms (2 sets)

2. 1" x 1" ID pictures (2 copies)

3. Form 137/HS Report Card or Transcript of Records/Official copy of grades

4. Proof of OWWA Membership: Official Receipt of OWWA Contribution/OFW E-Card

5. If a Member's beneficiary, proof of relationship to OWWA Member (e.g. copy of marriage contract and/or birth certificate of both OFW and applicant-dependent duly certified by the Local Civil Registrar)

1.6. Process Flow (Annex A)

Processing of scholarship applications shall be governed by the following procedural steps:

a) Applicant secures and accomplishes application form and submits it with complete requirements at OWWA Regional Office;

b) OWWA Regional Office screens applicants and evaluates application forms and documentary requirements:

b.1. If applicant has not complied with all requirements of the program, OWWA-RO either disapproves or requires applicant to fully comply with requirements;

b.2. If applicant has complied with all requirements, OWWA-RO refers applicant to TESDA for qualifying examination;

a) If applicant passes the TESDA examination, OWWA-RO orients scholar and issues Scholarship Voucher; and

b) If applicant fails the TESDA examination, OWWA-RO disapproves application for scholarship.

c) Scholar submits scholarship voucher to training institution or school for enrolment.

d) Training institution or school admits OWWA-referred applicant for enrolment and issues confirmation slip of enrolment to scholar for submission to OWWA-Regional Office (RO);

e) OWWA-RO prepares payment of tuition fees and pays directly to the school;

f) OWWA-RO releases remaining balance of financial assistance (if there is any) to scholar upon submission of the competency assessment and certification of course completion; and

g) The school, in coordination with PESOs shall provide employment referral/placement services to graduates of the program; and

2) Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)

The Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) is a scholarship grant offered to qualified OFW beneficiary/dependent who shall enroll in any 4–5 year baccalaureate course.

2.1. Annual Scholarship Slots

A total of one hundred (100) scholars shall be selected annually thru a national competitive examination jointly conducted by OWWA and its partner institution.

2.2. Scholarship Privileges

a) The scholarship grant hereto provided shall be in the form of a financial assistance amounting to P30,000 per semester.

b) The grantee/scholar is free to choose his/her desired field of study as long as the program is offered by a CHED accredited college/university.

c) Scholarship shall continue until completion of the course (4–5 years), regardless of the status of OFW membership provided the Scholarship Agreement, which is an integral part of this MOI, is complied with.

2.3. Program Eligibility and Limitation

a) The grant is only provided once.

b) The scholar must not be a recipient of other scholarship grants.

2.4. Availment Requirements

The applicant must satisfy the following:

1. Must not be more than 21 years of age;

2. Must be in good health;

3. Must pass the qualifying examination (DOST National Examination) and the College Admission Test of the school where he/she intends to enroll.

2.5. Documentary Requirements

The applicant must submit the following to the Regional Office in his/her place of residence:

1. Accomplished application forms (2 sets);

2. 1" x 1" ID pictures (2 copies);

3. Proof of relationship to Member/copy of Birth Certificate of applicant (and of the Member if related as brother or sister) duly certified by the Local Civil Registrar;

4. Form 137 or Transcript of Records; and

5. Proof of OWWA Membership (i.e. E-Card/Official Receipt of OWWA Contribution/Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)/Seamen's Identification and Record Book (SIRB)/Employment Contract duly processed by the POEA/Certification from OWWA Membership Registry Division).

2.6. Financial Assistance

The financial assistance of P30,000 per semester shall be paid directly to the school. If the tuition fee is more than the financial assistance, the scholar shoulders the difference, while if less, the difference shall be released to the scholar upon submission of the grades for the semester.

2.7. Process Flow

Processing of scholarship applications and grants shall be governed by the following procedural steps:

a) Applicant secures and accomplishes application form and submits it with complete requirements at OWWA Regional Office;

b) OWWA-Regional Office (RO) screens applicants and evaluates application forms and documentary requirements; cACTaI

c) Once the applicant has complied with all requirements of the program, OWWA-RO schedules applicant for DOST National Examination, endorses and recommends applications to Central Office — Scholarship Committee (SC) and advises scholar to wait for result of DOST examination and SC evaluation;

d) Scholarship Committee receives and consolidates lists of examinees and submits it to DOST;

e) DOST conducts examination at predetermined examination venues to OWWA-prospective applicants and provides results to the Scholarship Committee;

f) Scholarship Committee evaluates and recommends 100 qualifiers from the results of the examination for approval of the Administrator;

g) Scholarship Committee informs OWWA-ROs of qualifiers;

h) OWWA-RO notifies qualifiers on approval/disapproval of their application;

i) OWWA-RO orients scholar on program policies, guidelines and procedures, asks scholar and parents to sign the Scholarship Agreement, and issues Scholarship Voucher and Enrolment Confirmation to school through scholar;

j) OWWA-RO Supervisor signs the Scholarship Agreements, have it notarized and copy furnish Regional Operations Coordinating Center (ROCC) and Administrator;

k) Scholar brings Scholarship Voucher, enrolls to school of choice and submits to requirements for enrolment;

l) School admits OWWA-referred scholars and issues confirmation slip of enrolment to scholar for submission to OWWA-RO;

m) OWWA-RO processes tuition fees and pays directly to school;

n) OWWA-RO releases remaining balance of financial assistance (if there is any) to scholar upon submission of grades; and

o) OWWA-RO monitors performance of scholars and regularly (three weeks after each semester/term or as the Central Office requires) provides reports to the Regional Operations Coordinating Center and regularly request for the funding requirement.

3) Seafarers' Upgrading Program (SUP)

The program intends to provide job-related skills training in priority maritime courses identified by the Maritime Training Council (MTC), designed to upgrade knowledge and skills, develop expertise and update skills in accordance with technological advancements and international maritime standards.

3.1. Nature of Grant

The Seafarers Upgrading Program shall be in a form of training assistance with OWWA assuming training cost ranging from P1,200 to a maximum of P7,500 (inclusive of the meal and transportation allowances, in the case of trainees referred at NMP).

3.2. Course Offerings

The program shall include scholarships in courses relevant to identified skills needed in the international maritime market, such as:

• Advanced Safety Courses

– Advanced Training in Firefighting

– Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat

– Medical Emergency — First Aid (MEFA)

• Tankerman's Courses

– Shore-Based Firefighting

• Specialized Tankerman's Courses

– Advanced Training in Oil Tanker

– Advanced Training in Chemical Tanker

– Advanced Training in Liquefied Gas Tanker

– Marine Pollution 73/78 Annex I (MARPOL I)

– Marine Pollution 73/78 Annex II (MARPOL II)

– Carriage of Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials

– Crude Oil Washing/Inert Gas System

• Watchkeeping Course

– Ratings Forming Part of Navigational Watch (Deck Watchkeeping for Ratings)

– Ratings Forming Part of Engineering Watch (Engine Watchkeeping for Ratings)

• Telecommunication Courses

– General Operator's Course for Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GOC for GMDSS) **

** Integration into one of the Ship's Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Course, International Satellite Communication (INMARSAT) and Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) per Maritime Training Council (MTC) and National Telecommunications Commissions (NTC) course program requirement.

– Radio Electronics Officers' Course (REOC)

• Other Upgrading Courses

A) Deck Section

– Electronic Navigation System

– Ship Handling and Maneuvering

– Radar Observation and Plotting Course (ROP)

– Radar Simulator Course (RSC)

– Operational Use of Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA)

– Practice of Navigation/Aids to Navigation

– Basic Stability/Trim and Stability

– Marine Meteorology

– Safe Cargo Handling and Stowage

B) Engine Section

– Electrotechnology

– Auxiliary System

– Steam Plant/4-Stroke Diesel Engine

– Control Engineering

– Marine Electricity

– Marine Electronics

– Marine Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

– Modern Marine Propulsion System DSETac

– Hydromechanics (Hydraulics/Pneumatics)

C) Other Courses

– Shipboard Culinary Course

– Shipboard Welding Course

3.3. Availment Requirements

All Filipino seafarers who are OWWA members shall be entitled to avail of the program once every three (3) contributions. Availment may be assured upon first (1st) payment.

3.4. Documentary Requirements

Applicants must submit the following requirements:

1. Accomplished application form;

2. Seaman's Identification and Record Book (SRIB);

3. Pre-qualification and admission report issued by the training center;

4. 1" x 1" photo (2 copies); and

5. Latest residence certificate

3.5. Criteria in Choosing Training Centers

The program shall be conducted in coordination with training centers recognized by MTC.

As guarantee to achieve quality training, the following criteria in choosing training centers for the implementation of the program shall be observed:

a) Must have a valid training permit or recognition to offer said course issued by MTC, TESDA, and other authorized government body;

b) Must have no pending administrative charge with MTC and any private or government institution;

c) Must have no past record of violation of MTC or any government standards;

d) Can accommodate OWWA scholars based on its training capacity (classroom, teaching staff, equipment); and

e) Must not be an affiliate or a subsidiary of any shipping or manning agency as a measure of ensuring the wide reach of the program availment among Filipino seafarers

In ROs where there are no MTC-accredited training centers/institutions or where there are no IMO listed upgraded courses, applicants shall be referred to and monitored at the nearest region.

3.6. Process Flow

a) Applicant secures and accomplishes application form and submits it with complete requirements at OWWA Regional Office;

b) OWWA Regional Office screens applicants and evaluates application forms and documentary requirements;

b.1. If applicant has complied with all requirements of the program, OWWA-RO encodes, issues scholarship voucher and orients applicant on program policies, guidelines and procedures;

b.2. If applicant has not complied with all the requirements of the program, OWWA-RO either disapproves or require applicant to complete the requirements;

c) Applicant reports to training institution for enrolment;

d) Training institution admits OWWA-referred applicant for enrolment;

e) Upon end of training, the training institution (TI) forwards certificate of completion to OWWA-RO for co-signing of Regional Supervisor and sends statement of account;

f) Applicant returns to OWWA-RO to get certificate of completion signed by the Administrator;

g) OWWA-RO releases certificate of completion to applicant and prepares and processes voucher for payment of tuition/training fee.

C. REPEALING CLAUSE

All Secretariat issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this MOI are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

D. EFFECTIVITY

This MOI shall take effect immediately.

 

(SGD.) VIRGILIO R. ANGELOAdministrator

Published in The Philippine Star on March 24, 2004.