Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), along with other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Region 1, participated in the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Scholarship Roadshow, which took place at Van Gogh Hotel, Candon, Ilocos Sur on October 14, 2024.

The objective of the roadshow was to equip guidance counselors who oversee scholarship, career, and placement services, as well as guidance counseling functions with comprehensive information regarding OWWA’s diverse scholarship programs. Claudia Denise P. Barbadillo, the Guidance Counselor of the Open University System, represented DMMMSU.

The roadshow focused on strengthening partnerships, enhancing scholarship monitoring, and expanding OWWA services in schools. According to OWWA Region 1, DMMMSU ranks among the top five HEIs with the highest number of OWWA scholars, particularly children of OFWs. The discussions included strategies for improving scholarship monitoring, encouraging students and parents to take advantage of these programs, and addressing key challenges. Notably, certain scholarship criteria, such as age restrictions and limit eligibility may not qualify Open University students who are OFWs or former OFWs.

Additionally, the event showcased DMMMSU’s research and extension capabilities, highlighting the university’s potential contributions to OWWA programs through its diverse team of subject matter experts.

OWWA provided each participating school with a manual outlining the scholarship procedure. The event was led by Regional Director Gerardo C. Rimorin of OWWA Region 1, with Dr. Al Gerald Barde, a representative from the Commission on Higher Education Region 1 (CHED RO1), also in attendance.

Established in 1977, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA is committed to safeguarding the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. (By Claudia Denise P. Barbadillo)