The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), together with LANDBANK, created the OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP). This program is under the Reintegration Program of OWWA that aims to help Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are planning to stay in the Philippines and start a business. An OFW can get as much as two (2) million pesos and five (5) million pesos for group applicants.
The OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP) provides financial support to the OFWs to make sure that they can still provide for their family. There are two-component package for this program:
- Enterprise Development Interventions (EDT) – This package aims to enhance the OFWs knowledge about managing a business and gives information about business loans.
- Loan Facility – This package aims to help OFWs create an opportunity for employment in their community.
Qualification for OFW-EDLP
To apply for the OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP), an OFW must meet the following qualifications set by OWWA.
- Must be OWWA member (active or non-active)
- Must attend and complete the Enhance Entrepreneurial Development Training (EEDT)
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are still abroad but already have plans going back to the Philippines for good, you may be represented by the following members of your family:
- For married OFW – legal wife
- For single, widow, widower, or separated OFW
- Parents who are above 60 years old
- Children at least 18 years old
Requirements for OFW-EDLP
The OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP) requires a lot of documents before approving any application loan. This is to make sure that the business is legitimate and profitable.
- Enhance Entrepreneurial Development Training (EEDT) Certificate
- Business Plan/Proposal
- Two (2) government-issues identification with picture and signature
- Application Form
- Statement of Asset and Liabilities
- Proof of billing address
- Barangay Certification of Residency
- Sketch of place of residency
If there is an existing business, the OFWs need to provide the following documents:
- Certificate of Registration with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
- Contract growing agreement, purchase order, service contract (If applicable)
- Bio-data of the OFW
- Mayor’s permit
- Income Tax Return for the last three (3) years (If applicable)
- Financial Statement for the last three (3) years filed in BIR (If applicable)
- Latest interim Financial Statement (If applicable)
Projects and Businesses for the OFW-EDLP Loan
The OFW-EDLP has 7.5 % interest rate per annum and the amount of loan depends on the projects’ need and amount of equity the borrower will provide. Here’s the list of specific projects that are covered by the loan program.
- Franchising Business
- Contract Tie-up with Top 1000 Corporations
- Agricultural and non-Agricultural Production/Manufacturing
- Construction Business
- Rental Business
- Service/Trading Business
- Transportation Service
- Other viable projects (existing or new)
Loan Amount
The amount of financial support that an OFW can get depends on the project or business he or she will propose. The minimum amount an individual can borrow is Php 100,000 up to Php 2,000,000. For Group Loan Borrowers, they can get Php100,000 up to Php 5,000,000.
The loan can be paid with a maximum of one (1) year for short-term loans and no more than seven (7) years for long-term loans and it depends on the cash flow, too. You also need to give collateral such as project assets that can be put in mortgage (machines or equipment), objects that need financing, and other assets owned by the borrower.
For Project Cost Sharing, the borrower’s equity must be a minimum of 20% of the Total Project Cost (TPC) and the loan must be a maximum of 80% of the Total Project Cost (TPC).
OWWA OFW-EDLP Loan Application
To apply for the OWWA OFW-EDLP, just follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Visit the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) for eligibility screening. orientation, processing, and other training needed.
Step 2: Secure a membership certification that you will need to process your transaction in LANDBANK.
Step 3: Take part in the Enhance Entrepreneurial Development Training (EEDT) organized by OWWA, DTI, and LANDBANK. Secure a certificate of attendance from the training.
Step 4: Put together the required documents and Business Plan.
Step 5: Go to the nearest LANDBANK and present your business plan and other documents. The bank will conduct a business/project inspection if your business already exists.
Step 6: Once you have sent all the requirements, the bank will conduct loan evaluation, packaging, loan approval within forty-five (45) working days.
Step 7: You will receive the loan amount once LANDBANK approves your loan application.
If you are still abroad, you can go to the Welfare Officer in the Philippine Embassy or send an email at owwacares@owwa.gov.ph to verify your OWWA registration.
Video: How to Apply for OFW EDLP Loan up to 2 Million Pesos?
Watch this video by UNTV News and Rescue while they discuss the OWWA OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP).
Frequently Asked Question
What is the motivation in creating the OWWA OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP)?
The OFW-EDLP was created to help Overseas Filipino Workers to put up their own business when they decide to stay in the Philippines.
How much money can I get from OFW-EDLP?
For an individual borrower, you can get Php 100,000 up to Php 2,000,000. For group borrowers, you can get Php100,000 up to Php 5,000,000.
Is there a collateral needed when borrowing money from OWWA OFW-EDLP?
Yes. LANDBANK accepts machine equipment and mortgage-able assets from the applicants.
How much is the OWWA OFW-EDLP interest rate?
The interest rate per annum is 7.5% for the whole loan term.
Can I apply for a specific amount of loan for my business?
No. The bank will access the application and the amount of loan will depend on the project/business plan that you will present.
Summary
The OWWA OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP) is an opportunity given to Overseas Filipino Workers who want to stay in the Philippines for good and be with their families. This program gives them capital to start a business and gives them a chance to stand on their own feet and reach for their dreams.