Inquiry on OWWA Loan for OFWs

by Orlando S. Bital
(Pagadian City)

I want to know how to apply for a business loan with OWWA [Overseas Workers Welfare Administration]. I had 20 years in sea service as a chief cook. I have a lot here in San Jose, Pagadian City and plan to put up a bake shop but I don’t have a capital to start a business, like to purchase bake shop equipment. Can you help me pursue this plan?

Thank you and good day.

Orlando Bital
Salazar Street, San Jose District
Pagadian City


Dom’s reply: I forwarded your inquiry to OWWA and OWWA replied with the following:

Kindly inform the ex-seafarer to proceed to OWWA Office either in Head Office or Regional Offices. They have to undergo an orientation which is the preliminary procedure in applying for such business loan. Schedule of the orientation depends on every regional office. For the addresses/locations of regional offices, kindly refer to the OWWA website at www.owwa.gov.ph

Here is the OWWA Regional Office in your area:

OWWA Regional Welfare Office IX
3rd Floor, Goodwill Center, Mayor Jaldon St.
Canelar, Zamboanga City 7000
Hotline +63917-6966319
Telephone: (062) 991-2785, 992-1693, 993-0557
Tel/Fax: (062) 991-7764
E-mail: rwo-9@owwa.gov.ph, owwa.rwo9@gmail.com

I suggest you contact the OWWA Regional Office first before going there. Ask the schedule of the orientation for business loan applicants and what requirements to bring for the orientation. After, please come back here and share your experience on applying for the loan. Other OFWs and I will thank you for your sharing.

Hope this helps and thank you for asking.

Dom