How to Claim OWWA Benefits in the Philippines

I. Introduction

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, commonly known as OWWA, is a Philippine government agency attached to the Department of Migrant Workers. It administers welfare programs and services for Overseas Filipino Workers, or OFWs, and their qualified dependents. These benefits are intended to provide protection, assistance, education, livelihood support, repatriation aid, and social welfare services to Filipino migrant workers and their families.

For many OFWs, OWWA membership is treated as a form of government-backed welfare coverage. However, many workers and families are unsure how to claim benefits, who may claim, what documents are required, and whether inactive members can still receive assistance. This article explains the legal and procedural framework for claiming OWWA benefits in the Philippines.

This article is for general legal information only and should not be treated as a substitute for legal advice from a lawyer or official guidance from OWWA, the Department of Migrant Workers, or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office/Migrant Workers Office abroad.

II. What Is OWWA?

OWWA is the Philippine agency tasked with protecting and promoting the welfare of OFWs and their dependents. Its programs generally cover:

1. social benefits;
2. education and training assistance;
3. livelihood and reintegration support;
4. repatriation assistance;
5. welfare assistance;
6. disability, death, and burial assistance;
7. scholarship programs; and
8. emergency assistance in cases of crisis, calamity, abuse, displacement, or distress.

OWWA benefits are not automatically available to every Filipino who has worked abroad. In most cases, the claimant must show that the OFW is or was an OWWA member and that the claimed benefit is available under the applicable rules.

III. Who May Claim OWWA Benefits?

OWWA benefits may generally be claimed by:

A. The OFW Member

The OFW may personally claim benefits such as livelihood assistance, training programs, disability benefits, repatriation support, or reintegration services.

B. Qualified Dependents

Dependents may claim certain benefits, especially education, scholarship, death, burial, or family welfare assistance. Qualified dependents commonly include:

1. the legal spouse;
2. unmarried children, usually subject to age or schooling requirements depending on the program;
3. parents, where applicable;
4. siblings, in certain scholarship or welfare programs; and
5. other family members recognized under the specific OWWA program rules.

The exact definition of a qualified dependent may vary depending on the benefit being claimed.

C. Legal Heirs or Beneficiaries

For death and burial benefits, the claimant is usually the legal spouse, child, parent, or other legal heir of the deceased OFW. OWWA may require proof of relationship, civil registry documents, and other supporting papers.

IV. Importance of OWWA Membership Status

OWWA membership is central to most claims. An OFW is generally covered if the worker has an active OWWA membership at the time of the event giving rise to the claim, such as death, disability, repatriation, or emergency.

OWWA membership is usually valid for a fixed period, commonly two years, and may be renewed. Membership may be obtained or renewed before deployment, while abroad, or upon contract processing, depending on the circumstances.

A claimant should first verify whether the OFW’s OWWA membership is:

1. active;
2. expired but previously valid during the relevant period;
3. never registered;
4. renewed under a later contract; or
5. covered under a special assistance program even if ordinary membership benefits do not apply.

Even when a regular benefit is unavailable due to inactive membership, the OFW or family may still inquire about other assistance programs, especially in cases involving distress, repatriation, calamity, displacement, or humanitarian need.

V. Common OWWA Benefits and How to Claim Them

A. Death Benefit

The OWWA death benefit is financial assistance granted to the qualified beneficiaries of a deceased OFW member. The amount may depend on whether the death was due to natural causes, accident, or other covered circumstances under OWWA rules.

Who May Claim

The claim is usually filed by the surviving spouse, child, parent, or legal beneficiary of the deceased OFW.

Common Requirements

OWWA may require:

1. duly accomplished claim form;
2. valid government-issued ID of the claimant;
3. passport or identification documents of the OFW;
4. death certificate of the OFW;
5. marriage certificate, if the claimant is the spouse;
6. birth certificate of the claimant or children, if relevant;
7. proof of OWWA membership;
8. proof of relationship to the deceased OFW;
9. official report or supporting document if death occurred abroad;
10. burial or funeral documents, where applicable; and
11. authorization or special power of attorney, if a representative files the claim.

Procedure

The claimant should verify the OFW’s membership status, gather civil registry documents, secure proof of death, and file the claim with the appropriate OWWA Regional Welfare Office or OWWA office. If the death occurred abroad, the family may also coordinate with the Migrant Workers Office, Philippine Embassy, or Consulate.

B. Burial Benefit

The burial benefit is usually connected with the death benefit and provides financial assistance for funeral or burial expenses.

Common Requirements

Requirements often include:

1. death certificate;
2. funeral or burial receipt;
3. claimant’s valid ID;
4. proof of relationship;
5. proof of OWWA membership;
6. marriage certificate or birth certificate, as applicable; and
7. claim form.

Legal Note

A burial claim may be denied or delayed if the claimant cannot prove legal relationship to the deceased OFW or cannot submit complete civil registry documents.

C. Disability and Dismemberment Benefit

This benefit is intended for an OFW member who suffers disability, injury, or dismemberment while employed abroad or during a covered period.

Who May Claim

The OFW personally claims the benefit unless physically unable, in which case an authorized representative may assist.

Common Requirements

OWWA may require:

1. medical certificate;
2. hospital records;
3. physician’s report;
4. proof of injury or disability;
5. passport and employment documents;
6. proof of OWWA membership;
7. valid ID;
8. claim form; and
9. employer or foreign medical documents, if available.

Practical Tip

The OFW should preserve medical records, diagnostic results, hospital bills, incident reports, and employer communications. These documents help establish the nature, timing, and severity of the disability.

D. Repatriation Assistance

Repatriation is one of OWWA’s most important functions. It assists OFWs who need to return to the Philippines due to distress, illegal recruitment, maltreatment, war, conflict, calamity, illness, contract violation, employer abuse, detention, or similar emergencies.

Who May Request Assistance

The request may be made by:

1. the OFW;
2. a family member in the Philippines;
3. the Philippine Embassy or Consulate;
4. the Migrant Workers Office;
5. the Department of Migrant Workers;
6. a licensed recruitment agency; or
7. another government agency involved in migrant welfare.

Common Requirements

Depending on the situation, the following may be requested:

1. OFW’s full name;
2. passport details;
3. foreign address or worksite;
4. employer details;
5. recruitment agency details;
6. contact information abroad;
7. description of the emergency;
8. employment contract;
9. proof of OWWA membership, if available;
10. police report, medical report, or complaint affidavit, if applicable; and
11. family member’s ID and proof of relationship.

Legal Importance

Repatriation cases may involve several legal issues, including labor claims, contract substitution, illegal recruitment, human trafficking, employer abuse, unpaid wages, immigration violations, or criminal complaints abroad. The OFW or family should not rely only on private arrangements with the employer or agency when government intervention is needed.

E. Welfare Assistance Program

OWWA may provide welfare assistance to OFWs and families facing hardship, illness, calamity, displacement, bereavement, or other emergencies. This may include medical, calamity, bereavement, disability, or relief assistance depending on the active programs and available rules.

Common Requirements

Typical documents include:

1. valid ID of claimant;
2. proof of OWWA membership;
3. proof of relationship;
4. medical certificate, if illness-related;
5. death certificate, if bereavement-related;
6. barangay certificate or disaster certification, if calamity-related;
7. proof of displacement or termination, if employment-related; and
8. claim form.

Practical Note

Welfare assistance is often program-specific. The availability, amount, and requirements may change depending on OWWA policy, budget, and the nature of the emergency.

F. Education and Scholarship Benefits

OWWA offers education and scholarship programs for qualified dependents of OFWs. These programs may include financial assistance for college, technical-vocational training, or educational support.

Common Types of Educational Assistance

OWWA education programs may include:

1. scholarship grants for dependents of active OWWA members;
2. education-for-development scholarships;
3. assistance for dependents of deceased or disabled OFWs;
4. technical-vocational training support;
5. short-term training programs; and
6. special educational assistance during emergencies.

Who May Apply

Applicants are usually qualified dependents of active OWWA members. Depending on the program, the applicant may need to be:

1. a child of a married OFW;
2. a sibling of an unmarried OFW;
3. within a required age bracket;
4. enrolled or qualified for enrollment;
5. academically eligible; and
6. not already receiving another incompatible scholarship.

Common Requirements

Applicants may need to submit:

1. application form;
2. proof of OWWA membership of the OFW;
3. birth certificate of applicant;
4. birth certificate or marriage certificate showing relationship to the OFW;
5. school records;
6. certificate of good moral character;
7. proof of enrollment or admission;
8. valid IDs;
9. passport or employment records of the OFW; and
10. other program-specific documents.

Legal Note

Scholarship claims are not vested rights unless the applicant qualifies under the program rules and is approved. OWWA may impose deadlines, ranking, grade requirements, and documentary conditions.

G. Livelihood and Reintegration Programs

OWWA supports returning OFWs through livelihood and reintegration programs. These are intended to help OFWs transition back to economic life in the Philippines.

Examples of Reintegration Support

Programs may include:

1. livelihood grants;
2. business training;
3. enterprise development assistance;
4. financial literacy seminars;
5. referral to credit facilities;
6. skills training; and
7. assistance for displaced or returning OFWs.

Who May Apply

Generally, returning OFWs who are active or former OWWA members may apply, subject to specific program rules.

Common Requirements

OWWA may require:

1. proof of OWWA membership;
2. passport;
3. proof of return to the Philippines;
4. certificate of completion of training or seminar;
5. business plan, if required;
6. valid ID;
7. application form;
8. proof of displacement, termination, or repatriation, if applicable; and
9. barangay or local government documents, depending on the program.

Practical Note

Livelihood assistance is usually not automatic cash assistance. Some programs require training, evaluation, business proposals, monitoring, or compliance with reintegration guidelines.

H. Skills Training and Seafarer Upgrading Programs

OWWA also provides training support for OFWs, including seafarers, land-based workers, and returning migrant workers. These programs may cover technical, vocational, professional, or competency-based courses.

Common Requirements

The applicant may be required to submit:

1. OWWA membership proof;
2. valid ID;
3. passport or seafarer documents;
4. employment contract;
5. training application form;
6. proof of qualification for the chosen course; and
7. other documents required by the training provider.

VI. General Step-by-Step Procedure for Claiming OWWA Benefits

Although each benefit has specific rules, the general process is as follows:

Step 1: Identify the Correct Benefit

Determine whether the claim is for death, burial, disability, repatriation, welfare assistance, scholarship, livelihood, reintegration, or training.

Step 2: Verify OWWA Membership

Check whether the OFW is an active OWWA member or was active during the relevant event. This may be done through OWWA offices, online systems, mobile applications, or official records.

Step 3: Prepare Proof of Identity and Relationship

Most claims require proof that the claimant is legally connected to the OFW. Civil registry documents are important. These may include:

1. birth certificate;
2. marriage certificate;
3. certificate of no marriage, where relevant;
4. death certificate;
5. adoption records, if applicable; and
6. valid government-issued IDs.

Step 4: Gather Program-Specific Documents

Each benefit has its own documentary requirements. For medical claims, medical records are crucial. For death claims, death and burial records are required. For scholarships, school records are necessary. For repatriation, employment and location information are important.

Step 5: File the Application

Claims may be filed at an OWWA Regional Welfare Office in the Philippines, through OWWA offices abroad, or through the appropriate Migrant Workers Office, depending on the benefit and location of the OFW.

Step 6: Attend Interview, Evaluation, or Orientation

Some claims require an interview, validation, seminar, or pre-approval orientation. Livelihood and reintegration programs may require business training or financial literacy sessions.

Step 7: Wait for Evaluation and Approval

OWWA will evaluate membership, eligibility, completeness of documents, and compliance with the program rules.

Step 8: Receive the Benefit

If approved, the claimant may receive financial assistance, training support, scholarship approval, repatriation assistance, referral, or other appropriate service.

VII. Documents Commonly Needed in OWWA Claims

While requirements vary, claimants should prepare the following whenever applicable:

1. valid government-issued ID of claimant;
2. valid ID or passport of OFW;
3. OWWA membership proof;
4. overseas employment certificate or employment contract;
5. proof of relationship, such as birth or marriage certificate;
6. death certificate, if claiming death or burial benefits;
7. medical certificate, if claiming disability or medical assistance;
8. police report or incident report, if applicable;
9. school records, for scholarship claims;
10. proof of enrollment, for education assistance;
11. barangay certificate, for calamity or indigency-related assistance;
12. authorization letter or special power of attorney, if a representative files;
13. bank account details or payment information, if required; and
14. claim forms required by OWWA.

Documents issued abroad may need authentication, translation, consular certification, or verification depending on the circumstances.

VIII. Where to File OWWA Claims

Claims may generally be filed through:

1. OWWA Regional Welfare Offices in the Philippines;
2. OWWA central office, where appropriate;
3. Migrant Workers Offices abroad;
4. Philippine Embassies or Consulates, especially in emergencies;
5. Department of Migrant Workers offices;
6. online OWWA portals or mobile applications, if available for the specific service; and
7. designated partner agencies or training institutions for certain programs.

The proper filing office depends on whether the OFW is in the Philippines or abroad, the type of claim, and the urgency of the situation.

IX. Legal Issues Commonly Encountered in OWWA Claims

A. Expired OWWA Membership

A common reason for denial or difficulty is expired membership. If membership expired before the death, disability, or emergency occurred, regular benefits may be unavailable. However, the claimant should still ask whether special assistance or humanitarian programs apply.

B. Lack of Proof of Relationship

OWWA claims often require strict proof of relationship. A common-law partner, fiancé, or informal dependent may face difficulty claiming benefits unless recognized under the applicable rules or supported by legal documents.

C. Conflicting Claimants

Disputes may arise between a surviving spouse, children, parents, or other relatives. In such cases, OWWA may require legal documents, settlement among heirs, court documents, or proof of priority.

D. Incomplete Documents from Abroad

When death, illness, injury, or abuse occurs abroad, documents may be difficult to obtain. Families should coordinate with the Philippine Embassy, Consulate, Migrant Workers Office, employer, hospital, police authorities, or recruitment agency.

E. Recruitment Agency Liability

OWWA benefits are separate from claims against recruitment agencies, employers, insurers, or foreign principals. Receiving OWWA assistance does not necessarily waive the OFW’s right to pursue unpaid wages, illegal dismissal claims, contract claims, damages, insurance benefits, or illegal recruitment complaints.

F. Seafarer Claims

Seafarers may have additional rights under their employment contracts, collective bargaining agreements, POEA/DMW standard employment terms, maritime laws, and company insurance. OWWA benefits should be viewed as separate from contractual disability or death compensation.

G. Fraudulent Claims

Submitting false documents, misrepresenting relationship, or claiming benefits using fraudulent information may expose a person to administrative, civil, or criminal liability. Claimants should ensure that all documents are authentic and accurate.

X. OWWA Benefits and Other Legal Remedies

OWWA assistance does not prevent the OFW or family from pursuing other remedies. Depending on the facts, they may also have claims before or against:

1. the Department of Migrant Workers;
2. the National Labor Relations Commission;
3. Philippine recruitment agencies;
4. foreign employers;
5. insurance providers;
6. manning agencies;
7. courts;
8. law enforcement agencies;
9. anti-trafficking authorities;
10. embassies or consulates; and
11. foreign labor or immigration authorities.

For example, an OFW who was abused abroad may need repatriation assistance from OWWA but may also have claims for unpaid salary, illegal dismissal, damages, criminal prosecution, or trafficking protection.

XI. Claiming Benefits for a Deceased OFW

When an OFW dies abroad, the family should take the following steps:

1. report the death to OWWA, the Department of Migrant Workers, or the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office;
2. coordinate with the Philippine Embassy, Consulate, or Migrant Workers Office abroad;
3. obtain the foreign death certificate and Philippine civil registry documents;
4. secure documents relating to repatriation of remains, if applicable;
5. gather proof of OWWA membership;
6. identify the proper legal claimant or beneficiary;
7. prepare proof of relationship;
8. file death and burial benefit claims;
9. inquire about insurance, employer liability, or recruitment agency obligations; and
10. seek legal assistance if there are disputes, suspicious circumstances, or unpaid claims.

If the death was work-related, accidental, suspicious, or caused by employer negligence, the family should not limit itself to OWWA benefits. Other legal claims may be available.

XII. Claiming Benefits for an Injured or Disabled OFW

An injured OFW should:

1. obtain medical treatment immediately;
2. secure medical certificates and hospital records;
3. document the incident;
4. keep employment and deployment records;
5. report the injury to the employer, agency, or appropriate Philippine office;
6. verify OWWA membership;
7. file the disability or welfare claim;
8. ask about repatriation if continued work abroad is unsafe or impossible; and
9. preserve evidence for possible labor, insurance, or compensation claims.

Medical documentation is often the most important evidence in disability claims.

XIII. Claiming Education Benefits for Dependents

A dependent applying for education assistance should:

1. confirm that the OFW is a qualified OWWA member;
2. check the specific scholarship program;
3. confirm age, grade, enrollment, and relationship requirements;
4. prepare school records;
5. secure civil registry documents;
6. comply with application deadlines;
7. submit the application to the proper OWWA office; and
8. monitor announcements, examination schedules, or award notices.

Because scholarship programs may have limited slots, compliance with deadlines is critical.

XIV. Claiming Livelihood Assistance as a Returning OFW

A returning OFW should:

1. verify eligibility;
2. attend required orientation or training;
3. prepare identification and deployment documents;
4. prepare a business proposal if required;
5. submit the application;
6. comply with monitoring or reporting requirements; and
7. use the assistance for the approved livelihood purpose.

The purpose of livelihood assistance is reintegration, not merely one-time financial relief.

XV. Time Limits and Deadlines

OWWA programs may impose deadlines, application periods, or cut-off dates. Scholarship programs, for example, often have fixed application windows. Death, burial, disability, and welfare claims may also be subject to documentary or administrative deadlines.

Claimants should file as soon as possible. Delay may create problems in proving membership status, retrieving foreign documents, locating witnesses, or securing employer records.

XVI. Practical Tips for a Successful OWWA Claim

1. Verify OWWA membership before filing.
2. Ask for the latest checklist from the proper OWWA office.
3. Prepare original and photocopies of all documents.
4. Use PSA-issued civil registry documents when required.
5. Keep records of all submissions.
6. Get receiving copies or acknowledgment slips.
7. Save emails, text messages, and reference numbers.
8. Do not submit fake or altered documents.
9. Coordinate with the Philippine Embassy or Migrant Workers Office for incidents abroad.
10. Seek legal help if there are multiple claimants, denied claims, unpaid wages, illegal recruitment, trafficking, abuse, or suspicious death.

XVII. Grounds for Denial or Delay

OWWA may deny or delay a claim for reasons such as:

1. inactive or expired membership;
2. claimant is not a qualified beneficiary;
3. incomplete documents;
4. inconsistent information;
5. lack of proof of relationship;
6. doubtful or fraudulent documents;
7. claim filed under the wrong program;
8. no proof that the event occurred during the covered period;
9. failure to attend required orientation or training;
10. pending verification from foreign posts; or
11. conflicting claims among family members.

A denial should be reviewed carefully. The claimant may ask what requirement is missing, whether reconsideration is possible, or whether another program applies.

XVIII. What to Do If the Claim Is Denied

If an OWWA claim is denied, the claimant should:

1. request the reason for denial;
2. ask for a written explanation, if available;
3. identify missing or defective documents;
4. correct inconsistencies;
5. submit additional proof;
6. ask whether reconsideration or refiling is allowed;
7. inquire about alternative assistance programs;
8. consult the Department of Migrant Workers or appropriate office; and
9. seek legal assistance if the denial involves legal interpretation, disputed heirs, employer liability, illegal recruitment, or abuse.

XIX. Special Considerations for OFWs Abroad

For OFWs still abroad, the first point of contact may be the Philippine Embassy, Consulate, or Migrant Workers Office. This is especially important in cases involving:

1. employer abuse;
2. unpaid wages;
3. contract violations;
4. detention;
5. hospital confinement;
6. immigration problems;
7. human trafficking;
8. illegal recruitment;
9. abandonment;
10. war, crisis, or calamity; and
11. urgent repatriation.

The family in the Philippines may also report the matter to OWWA or the Department of Migrant Workers and provide identifying information about the OFW.

XX. Relationship Between OWWA, DMW, and Other Agencies

OWWA provides welfare services, while the Department of Migrant Workers handles broader migrant worker protection, regulation, adjudication, and coordination functions. Other agencies may also be involved depending on the case:

1. Department of Foreign Affairs, for consular assistance;
2. Philippine Embassy or Consulate, for overseas intervention;
3. Migrant Workers Office, for labor assistance abroad;
4. National Labor Relations Commission, for money claims in certain cases;
5. Department of Justice, for trafficking or illegal recruitment cases;
6. Philippine Statistics Authority, for civil registry documents;
7. local government units, for local certifications; and
8. manning or recruitment agencies, for deployment-related obligations.

A claimant should not assume that OWWA is the only office involved in a migrant worker case.

XXI. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can an inactive OWWA member still receive benefits?

Some regular benefits require active membership. However, inactive members or their families may still ask about special assistance, humanitarian support, reintegration programs, or other government remedies.

2. Can a common-law spouse claim death benefits?

This may be difficult if the program requires a legal spouse or legal heir. A common-law partner should consult OWWA and, if necessary, seek legal advice regarding proof of dependency, succession, or other remedies.

3. Are OWWA benefits automatic?

No. A claim must usually be filed, evaluated, and approved. The claimant must prove eligibility and submit required documents.

4. Can a family member file on behalf of an OFW?

Yes, in many cases, especially where the OFW is abroad, ill, detained, missing, deceased, or unable to file personally. OWWA may require authorization, proof of relationship, or a special power of attorney.

5. Can OWWA benefits be claimed online?

Some services may be accessible online or through official digital platforms, but many claims still require document submission, verification, or coordination with an OWWA office.

6. Does receiving OWWA assistance waive other claims?

Generally, OWWA assistance is separate from labor, insurance, contractual, civil, criminal, or administrative claims. The OFW or family should carefully review any settlement or release document before signing.

7. Who gets the death benefit if there are multiple heirs?

OWWA will usually follow program rules and legal documents. If there is a dispute, the claim may be delayed until the proper beneficiary is established.

8. What if the OFW died abroad and the family has no documents?

The family should coordinate with the Philippine Embassy, Consulate, Migrant Workers Office, OWWA, and the Department of Migrant Workers. Foreign death records and reports may need to be obtained through official channels.

9. Can undocumented OFWs receive OWWA assistance?

OWWA membership and program eligibility may be affected by documentation status. However, distressed undocumented OFWs may still seek assistance from Philippine government offices, especially for protection, repatriation, trafficking, abuse, or humanitarian concerns.

10. Can seafarers claim OWWA benefits and company benefits at the same time?

Possibly, depending on the facts. OWWA benefits are separate from contractual, insurance, collective bargaining, or employment-related claims. A seafarer or family should review all available remedies.

XXII. Sample Basic Checklist Before Filing

Before going to OWWA, prepare:

1. claimant’s valid ID;
2. OFW’s passport or ID;
3. proof of OWWA membership;
4. employment contract or overseas employment documents;
5. PSA birth certificate;
6. PSA marriage certificate, if applicable;
7. death certificate, medical certificate, or school records, depending on the claim;
8. proof of relationship;
9. authorization letter or special power of attorney, if filing as representative;
10. copies of receipts, reports, or certifications;
11. contact details of employer, agency, and foreign address; and
12. completed application form, if available.

XXIII. Legal Remedies Beyond OWWA

A claimant should consider seeking legal assistance where the case involves:

1. illegal recruitment;
2. trafficking in persons;
3. unpaid salaries;
4. contract substitution;
5. employer abuse;
6. sexual harassment or assault;
7. suspicious death;
8. workplace accident;
9. abandonment abroad;
10. unlawful dismissal;
11. unpaid insurance benefits;
12. disputes among heirs;
13. forged documents;
14. recruitment agency neglect; or
15. refusal of an agency or employer to assist.

OWWA benefits are welfare benefits. They do not always provide full compensation for all harm suffered by the OFW or family.

XXIV. Conclusion

Claiming OWWA benefits in the Philippines requires proof of membership, proof of relationship, and compliance with the requirements of the specific benefit program. The most common claims involve death, burial, disability, repatriation, welfare assistance, scholarship, training, livelihood, and reintegration support.

The key to a successful claim is preparation. Claimants should verify OWWA membership, secure civil registry documents, obtain medical or death records when necessary, file with the proper OWWA office, and keep records of all submissions. Where the facts involve abuse, illegal recruitment, unpaid wages, suspicious death, or conflicting heirs, OWWA assistance should be pursued together with other legal remedies.

For OFWs and their families, OWWA benefits are an important layer of protection, but they are not the only legal remedy available. Understanding the process helps families act quickly, preserve evidence, and obtain the assistance to which they may be entitled under Philippine migrant worker welfare laws and programs.