OWWA membership shoots up

Filipino workers have been flocking to the Marianas Business Plaza this month to sign up for membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Welfare officer Julie Fabian yesterday said that as of Feb. 24, they posted a record of 423 new members and they are still expecting to add several more by the end of the month.

Last month, OWWA had a total of 161 Filipino workers who signed up for membership.

Fabian also disclosed that they already conducted OWWA membership presentations to two companies that employ a number of Filipino workers, D’Elegance restaurant in Garapan and the Pacific Marine and Industrial Corp. in Puerto Rico.

Any Filipino worker who is employed overseas can sign up for OWWA membership for just $25 per year. Applicants are requested to bring a copy of their CW status or just the USCIS receipt acknowledging their CW application, the worker’s passport, and the fee.

An OWWA member is entitled to numerous benefits and services, including insurance and health care benefits, education and training benefits, workers welfare assistance program, repatriation program, and reintegration program.

A member’s coverage is good for one entire year, even if the member is on vacation or loses employment within that time period.

Fabian earlier said that OWWA membership is a form of insurance or protection for Filipinos working abroad.

“We are really pleased that more Filipino workers are realizing the importance of having OWWA membership,” Fabian told Saipan Tribune.

Fabian encouraged Filipinos in the CNMI to become OWWA members and, at the same time, avail of their free training courses every quarter while they are still available.

A total of 54 students attended the first day of the Basic Automotive Troubleshooting class under Rosendo Maceda of Joeten Motors last Saturday.

The next day, the Nihongo course handled by Jun Rodriguez saw 15 out of 29 registered students, according to Fabian.

Fabian said Filipinos in the CNMI who have a specific course in mind may request to have it included in their schedule next quarter. “We can grant their requested courses provided that we find an instructor who will be available to teach the class.”

Visit the OWWA office at the ground floor of the Marianas Business Plaza in Susupe or call 235-6992 or 3411 for more information.