The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is a Philippine agency that is responsible for protecting and supporting Overseas Filipino Workers’ rights and privileges. There are different OWWA programs that are exclusively designed for Filipino seafarers, including the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program. This bridging program is created to help engineering students become world-class marine officers.
If you’re an aspiring marine officer and looking to travel the world on an ocean-going vessel, the MDA program is a great financial assistance for you to complete the required education. Some important information you need to know includes the qualifications, documentary requirements, and how to apply for this scholarship.
What Is the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program?
The Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program is a financial assistance training program for BS Mechanical Engineering and BS Electrical Engineering graduates who want to become a seafarer by pursuing a degree in Marine Engineering. This scholarship grant will allow them to study and work as a marine officer once they have passed the licensure exam via referrals from any accredited manning agencies.
With the MDA program, college graduates with engineering courses can enroll in their preferred training center or an educational institution accredited by OWWA to complete their Maritime Engineering degree. After finishing BS MarE, the next step is to take and pass the licensure exam for marine officers.
This OWWA scholarship for aspiring mariners is designed to help them pursue their dream of working in the maritime industry. The coverage includes college education, training fees, and even financial assistance for a three-month stipend. The package covers costs in whichever training center or school the applicants want to enroll in.
Benefits of the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program
The MDA Program offers up to Php 38,120 worth of financial assistance and Php 15,000 for a three-month stipend. Qualified graduates who can apply and enjoy these benefits are those with BS Electrical Engineering or BS Mechanical Engineering degrees. The goal is to finish the BS Marine Engineering degree in order to become a Marine Officer.
However, it’s important to understand how applicants can qualify for these benefits and cash assistance from OWWA. Aspiring Filipino seafarers who want to join this bridging program must be Filipino citizens, sea-based OFWs with active OWWA membership, immediate dependents of OWWA member OFWs, or first-degree consanguinity relatives of OFWs.
Requirements for Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program Application
Before applying for the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program, make sure to secure the following documentary requirements for a smooth application processing experience:
- Duly accomplished application form
- Proof of OWWA membership such as Official Receipt of contribution
- Two copies of recent 2×2 photos
- Proof of residency
- Birth certificate of the child for single parent or married OFW member, CENOMAR and birth certificate of the sibling of active OWWA member or OFW, or any similar proof of relationship
- Official Transcript of Records
- Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering diploma
- Sworn Statement that there’s no pending or current scholarship application with an NGO, NGA, or OWWA
- Valid passport, Record Book, or Seafarer’s ID
How to Apply for the MDAP Scholarship
To apply for the MDA Program, just follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to the nearest OWWA office and get a copy of the Application Form.
Step 2: Check the required document and complete them.
Step 3: Submit the documentary requirements to the local OWWA office.
Step 4: OWWA will contact you in case you get a slot for the scholarship grant.
Video: Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program | OWWA MDA Scholarship
This video shows how to apply for the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program offered by OWWA to qualified beneficiaries or OFWs who want to continue studying and finish a degree in Marine Engineering. You can find the step-by-step guide and the requirements needed to process your application with the nearest OWWA office in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is the cash assistance for the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program?
Qualified applicants can get up to Php 38,120 and a three-month stipend of Php 15,000 for qualified graduates.
2. How many dependents can qualify and enjoy the benefits of the MDA Program?
Only one slot will be given per family of an OFW regardless of whether there are OFW family members who are also eligible for the scholarship grant.
3. Can I still apply and join the MDA Program even if I exceed the allocated amount for financial assistance?
Yes, you can still join the training program but you need to should any costs that will exceed the covered cash assistance.
4. What is the validity of the NOA after receiving it?
Normally, the NOA is valid within 45 days after the applicant has accepted it. It’s important to use it within the validity period in order to secure a slot in the scholarship program. If not, you will need to wait until your next appointment to get another NOA.
5. How is the remittance processed for eligible beneficiaries?
Qualified beneficiaries of the MDA Program will receive cash assistance every year. They must create an account number under their name in order to get the money. Another option is to open a savings account under the name of a relative or your child.
Summary
So this is the exact information you need to know when applying for the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program. Eligible beneficiaries can continue their education and earn a degree in Marine Engineering in order to work as a seafarer or Marine Officer in their dream shipping line. The maritime industry has a lot of opportunities for aspiring mariners who have the skills and knowledge to man the job.
The MDA Program is indeed a great help for those who want to pursue a career as a Filipino seafarer in different countries. With this financial assistance, you can complete your degree and expect better job opportunities waiting for you. There’s no reason to give up your dream because OWWA is here to help.