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Project EASE: P10,000 Financial Assistance For OFW Children

According to the Department of Education, there are seven million Filipino children who did not enroll for the school year 2020 – 2021 (1). This is not a good sign.

Unenrollment may be due to several factors: lack of confidence on how effective distance learning is or limitation on tools and access to technology. On the other hand, the most common reason is lack of funds as a result of the parents’ unemployment.

For OFW families, this could also be the problem. The OFW sector is heavily hit by the pandemic as thousands of migrant workers were either repatriated or no longer allowed to leave due to strict restrictions whether in the Philippines or host country (2).

In line with the this, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration or OWWA launched Project EASE, an educational aid for OFW families.

What Is Project EASE?

Educational Assistance through Scholarship in Emergencies or Project EASE is an education assistance to qualified college-dependents of active OWWA members whose employment was affected by the pandemic since February 1, 2020. By active members, this could mean:

  • Land-based workers
  • Sea-based workers
  • Balik Manggagawa

This educational assistance provides P10,000 per annum for a maximum of four years.

So far, the agency allocated P400 million for the implementation of the project on its first year.

Who are qualified for this educational assistance?

Eligible dependent of active OWWA members include:

  • Child of married or single parent – OFW
  • Sibling of single OFW

The beneficiary can also be an incoming college freshman or currently enrolled in college.

For married OFW couples, you are only entitled to only one slot.

Take note that if your dependent is already getting other educational assistance from OWWA such as Education for Development Scholarship Program or EDSP, ODSP, or ELAP-Education, then s/he can no longer avail of the benefits of Project EASE.

What are the requirements?

  1. Accomplished Application Form. You can access the form by clicking on this link.
  2. Valid passport of OFW-member
  3. Flight ticket of boarding pass or arrival stamp/sticker attached in the passport. This will serve as evidence that the active OWWA member arrived in the country after February 1, 2020.
  4. Official Receipt or other proof of validation that will show that the OFW is also an active OWWA member
  5. Student-applicant’s proof of relationship to OWWA member such as Birth Certificate for married or single parent OFW OR Certificate of No Marriage and Birth Certificates of both the OFW and the sibling if active member is single.
  6. Certificate of Grades of the student-applicant indicating the grades from last school year or semester. Take note that there should be NO failing grade in any subject.

How to Apply For Project EASE

  1. Fill out the online application form.
  2. Submit all the requirements through the OWWA RWO email. You can check this link for the OWWA Regional Welfare Office that covers your area.
  3. You will receive a tracking number or serial reference, which will be sent on your registered mobile number or email address. You can use this reference to monitor the status of your application. In case of incomplete documents, the respective OWWA RWO will also inform you through SMS or email.
  4. If approved, OWWA will send you a Scholarship Agreement. Download, print, and then sign the document. This must also be notarized.
  5. Send the Scholarship Agreement via courier on the designated OWWA RWO that handled the application.
  6. Financial assistance will be sent to the designated bank account. Take note that the bank account must be under the name of the beneficiary. Otherwise, you will be required to open a savings account under your child or sibling’s name.

Keep in mind that this educational assistance will not cover your child or sibling’s entire tuition fee. Nonetheless, it could help augment various expenses like books and other school materials.

For more details, you can visit OWWA website.

Note: Balikbayad is NOT affiliated or related with OWWA. This article is merely for informational purposes only.

Reference:

(1) https://rappler.com/nation/teachers-group-says-millions-students-still-unenrolled-july-13-2020

(2) https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/08/11/opinion/editorial/repatriation-of-ofws-is-a-national-obligation/753655/

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How To Manage Finances With Your Spouse At The Time Of Pandemic

As a couple, it is normal to share everything together. This is part of sharing a life together. By sharing, this also includes finances.

Pre-pandemic, you and your spouse have a game plan – you work overseas and send money back home while s/he will attend to your growing family. Then, there’s a side business, too, for additional income.

Unfortunately, the pandemic changed your – and everyone’s – financial game plan. All of a sudden, you were repatriated with only separation benefits on your pocket. Then, you start to wonder what will happen to your family? How can you manage your finances now that you are unemployed?

We hope these tips help:

Tip No. 1: Be Honest About Your Situation

There’s no point in lying or sugarcoating your current situation. At this stage, you need to be honest about what is happening. Have a formal communication where you can both talk about:

  • The family’s current financial situation
  • Any existing loans
  • Other possible sources of income aside from remittance
  • Adjustments to be made by every member of the family
  • Strategies on how your family can “ride it out” until you can go back to your work overseas

It won’t be easy to lay everything on the table but this is the only way. Do not keep any secrets and just inform each other about any money concerns later on when everything blew up to your faces. You need to know what is happening so you and your spouse could create a more effective budget and come up with solutions on how you can address the situation – together.

Tip No. 2: Know Your Needs Before Wants

The pandemic took a toll in everything we know is normal. In fact, it affected everyone, big and small, rich or otherwise.

Now that we need cash more than ever, it’s time identify as a couple what your family needs. These are non-negotiable essentials like food and a place to stay, so make sure budget is allotted for that. Then, make a list of the things and expenses you can dispense with. At this time, needs must come first because this will help you and your family survive the tide.

Tip No. 3: Review Your Finances

Aside from identifying your needs over wants, it’s also a must to review your finances.

Make a list of all your existing loans as well as monthly expenses. This will help you identify which expenses you can eliminate. At the same time, you can check what loans need to be paid first based on either the earliest due date or higher interest rate.

Again, honesty is important to be able to manage your finances effectively. This will also help you devise a proper plan on how to ensure continuity even during the pandemic.

Tip No. 4: Make Necessary Adjustments

Now that you are both aware of the current financial standing, it’s time to make adjustments as a family.

This means you need to forego certain expenses like takeouts or online shopping. You and your family must also be mindful of your consumption, especially when it comes to water and electricity. Adjustments must be collective and not just done by one or two persons. Otherwise, you might have a hard time riding out this pandemic if you stick to your old ways.

In other words, work as a team.

Tip No. 5: Look For Other Means Of Income

You and your family survive with remittance, until Covid-19 happened. Income is limited and let’s face it, money is an issue.

That being said, come up with ways on how you can improve your standard of living. Look for other means to earn money either by applying for job or putting up your own business, regardless of how small it is. You might know someone who is looking for your services, so take advantage of your network.

The bottom line is both you and your spouse, together with the kids, must help each to be able to survive this pandemic.

If you’re looking for an easier way to finance your business, then you should know that Balikbayad is here to help. You can apply online and we will get back to you as soon we can.

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Dealing With Unemployment At The Time Of Pandemic

The latest data shows that 45.5 percent or 23.7 million Filipinos are unemployed as of July 2020. This is an all-time high considering the unemployment rate last December 2019, which is at 17.5 percent. The highest unemployment rate prior to lockdown was recorded

There are many reasons attributed to unemployment. Apparently, the most obvious of such is the longest-running lockdown that forced people to stay at home and caused businesses to close, initially temporarily and eventually, permanently.

OFWs are also affected. Those who were in their host countries were repatriated since their employers were likewise forced to shut down or suspend their business and lay off “redundant” workers. OFWs who were about to go to their respective host countries were forced to stay home due to the lockdown.

But first, what is unemployment?

For the Social Weather Stations or SWS, unemployment means the worker or employee:

  • Voluntarily left his or her job
  • Looking for a job for the first time
  • Lost their existing employment due to economic circumstances beyond their control

In this situation, the Covid-19 pandemic caused many businesses, specifically Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises or MSMEs, to close down and stop their operations to minimize business losses.

Worse, no sector was spared. Regardless of where you are in the country, unemployment rate is at its peak, which is at 40-something mark. Women were greatly affected with unemployment rate at 56 percent.

In terms of age group, the younger generation were affected the most. Unemployment rate for those between 18 and 24 years of age is pegged at 63 percent. This age group was followed by those between 25 and 34 years old at 49 percent.

Unfortunately, it’s not easy to find a job as of this writing. The country – and many others around the world – is experiencing recession. This means the economy is gloomy and it will take time before the country gets back on its feet.

What can you do if you become unemployed?

This doesn’t mean there is nothing you can do about this. If you are part of the statistics, then there are ways to help you ride this out and survive.

These tips might help:

  • Claim for Unemployment Benefits

Even if you lost your job as a result of pandemic, employers are still obligated to give you your separation pay and other benefits. Talk to the HR Department and submit necessary requirements to make a claim.

  • Make Use Of Government Assistance Programs

The good news is help is still available. The government, through Bayanihan Heal As One Act, launched several financial assistance programs through various agencies.

Still, take note that not all request for financial assistance will be granted. This will still depend on the availability of funds despite submitting complete requirements.

  • Watch Out For Any Job Openings

Despite high unemployment rate, there are still companies that are hiring. Consider looking into job hiring sites to check if there are openings fit for your skills and work experience.

Online work is also available these days. Make sure you ask around from friends and relatives if they know someone who are in need of your skills.

Looking for a new job could be tiring, but you have to try it, right?

  • Start Your Own Small Business

While waiting for a new job, consider starting your own small business.

A lot of people turned to social media to promote their products or service. You can do the same. The income may not be as big compared to how much you’re earning overseas, but this could be a good source.

Check out this post for small business ideas you can try.

Unemployment is a tough situation to be in, especially at the time of pandemic. Still, don’t lose hope. You and your family will get through this.

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What Happens If You Cannot Pay Your Loan On Time?

Covid-19 affected everyone’s lives, mostly in a bad way. Businesses are closing. Livelihood is lost. Job opportunities are gone. You find yourself either on your way back to Philippines together with other OFWs who were repatriated or staying in the country – in the meantime – while waiting for deployment.

Since your employment overseas was postponed, you might be worried about a lot of things including the loans you have to pay.

That being said, what happens in case of delay in loan payments?

First, Let’s Define Loan Default

Every loan contract specifies loan details, including loan term and penalty clause. Loan default is when you are unable to pay your monthly loan payments for a certain period. This is different from loan delinquency wherein loan is unpaid for a long time.

Usually, lenders, particularly large banks, give up to 90 days grace period before they can tag a borrower in default. After 90 days and no payment is still given, your account will be classified as “in default.”

When this happens, the following situations follow:

Situation No. 1: Debt Will Pile Up

This is the most obvious effect of non-payment of loans. Your loan is continuous, which means interest will accrue. You also have to pay for penalty fees and other charges, which don’t come cheap. Some charge penalty fee for every day the loan remains unpaid.

This simply means the principal amount won’t decrease but the charges are continuously increasing. Your P5,000 loan could double or even triple and you won’t even notice.

Situation No. 2: Involvement Of Collection Agency

Lenders have dedicated department or group of people in charge of collection. They will send collection statements and demand payment of loans. Apparently, this will only last for a certain time. After a given period, unpaid accounts will be sent to collection agencies, who will now demand payment of loans. Oftentimes, these agencies are more aggressive compared to lenders.

Situation No. 3: Foreclosure Of Assets

One of the worse things that could happen to someone is seeing your hard-earned assets taken from you. Lenders don’t want this to happen, which is why foreclosure through public auction is the last resort.

Sadly, lenders will be forced to take your car or house if you are unable to pay your loan. Still, this is their way of recovering from their losses for lending money.

Don’t be complacent. You will still have to pay for the balance in case the cost of your property is not enough to cover the loan, including additional charges.

Situation No. 4: Poor Credit Score

Credit score is crucial, especially when you apply for a loan. This shows how financially responsible you are as a borrower. The lower your score, the higher the chances of getting your loan application rejected. Even if your loan application is approved, you will be given a higher interest rate.

There are many actions that will warrant a low credit score. This includes non-payment of loans.

Loan Default At The Time Of Pandemic

As of this writing, the Credit Information Corporation urged banks not to declare loan defaults during the pandemic (1). The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also gave banks until March 2021 to reclassify their respective borrowers’ past due loans. This way, borrowers will have time to keep up with payments and prevent them from defaulting.

Still, don’t rely on this alone. If you have existing loans, then talk to your lender immediately. Discuss and negotiate what can be done so you can slowly pay for your debts and avoid being in default.

A debt is still a debt. Even if there is pandemic, you still have to be responsible for your loan. Pay it little by little instead of none at all.

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Small Business Ideas You Can Try Even With Low Capital

If you’re an OFW, you’re either in the country where you’re working or back in the Philippines, which is most likely the latter.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, more than 31,000 OFWs as of May 2020 – and this number is still increasing (1). Aside from this, thousands of Filipino workers are unable to leave the country to work overseas. Surely, this created an impact, especially financially.

Still, this doesn’t mean it’s over. The pandemic affected everyone’s way of life and living but this doesn’t mean you cannot do something about it. While you’re still awaiting deployment or planning to look for a new job, here are business ideas you can do first and who knows, this could venture into something bigger:

PASTRY BUSINESS

Who doesn’t love sweets? If you or anyone in the family have a knack for baking, then you can put those skills into good use and start baking. The good thing about this business is that you need less than P10k for capital, especially if you already have basic tools like mixer and measuring devices.

Chocolate chip cookies and brownies are common favorites but if you want people to notice, then think of something that is not yet offered in the market. Remember the ube cheese pandesal craze?

FOOD TRAYS

If baking is not your passion, then cooking could bring in some extra cash – and this is doing good, so far. Many people are always in the lookout for new dishes to try and if you happen to have a family favorite, then why not share and sell it?

Weekly meal plans are also click these days since many people are starting to become more conscious. If you opted for this, then careful meal planning is necessary since you have to prepare four meals for one week.

Costing is crucial, so don’t sell your products too low to lose profit or too high to lose customers. Explore your options when sourcing your products. Supermarkets have higher prices but you are assured of the safety and cleanliness of the food products.

DELIVERY SERVICE

Grab, Lalamove, and Mr. Speedy are in demand nowadays. If you prefer a set-up you can control, why not partner with online sellers you know and offer delivery services? You will have to service a few instead of waiting for the transaction to come in. You can negotiate your fees as well, so it’s a win-win situation for both parties.

Still, this requires a smartphone and motorcycle. If you already have one, then make use of it now. Otherwise, you have to buy one, which will cost P40,000 or less, depending on the brand.

PALAMIG OR HOMEMADE DRINKS

Milk tea are popular for quite sometime. But if you want to stand out in the market, then offer drinks that caters to health-conscious individuals or those who are into a specific diet.

Selling drinks is among the low-cost but profitable business ideas because let’s face it, who doesn’t drink, right? It’s a hit, too, regardless of the weather.

WEB DESIGN SERVICES

if you or anyone in the family has a knack for anything tech-related, then consider this business. Web design is in demand these days because many companies are transitioning and slowly going digital. A lot of startup companies are also in need of this service, so take advantage of this as well.

BECOME A RESELLER

Thinking of what to sell and making these products can be time consuming. The good news is there are tons of online sellers who are looking for resellers of their products. This way, they could reach a wider market – and this is where you come in.

What’s good about being a reseller is that you don’t have to be involved in the actual process. You can also re-sell multiple products, as long these products are not directly competing. This could result to higher income as well.

Storage is an important factor, especially if you will resell frozen goods. Make sure you have sufficient space as well and always be mindful of your inventory.

This pandemic compromised your plans for your family but this doesn’t mean you cannot do something to salvage the situation. Business may be slow and small at first but with hard work, effort, and help from family and friends to support your venture in social media, things will get better soon. Have faith.

Source:

(1) https://www.dfa.gov.ph/dfa-news/dfa-releasesupdate/26872-dfa-brings-total-number-of-repatriated-filipinos-to-over-30k

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How To Start Your Small Business

Covid-19 pandemic affected everything – livelihood of the people, way of life, and even the country’s economy. OFWs were also heavily affected. Many Filipinos abroad were sent back since their companies reduced workforce, temporarily closed, or decided to shut down to minimize losses. A lot of Filipinos who were about to go to their country destination were unable to leave due to travel restrictions.

As a result, OFWs and their families are constantly looking for means to survive.

The government offered financial aid but let’s face it, not everyone can get some help. Even if you qualified for the cash assistance programs, what you’ll get won’t be enough to help you and your family survive for the next weeks.

This is where starting your own business comes in. If you’re wondering how and where to start, then let this post guide you.

Know What To Sell

This is the first thing you need to identify first. Before you get into selling, you need to establish what to sell first.

There are many things you can sell but during this time of pandemic, people resort well to food. If your family could boast one dish, then don’t be afraid and offer it in the market. Or you can create your own to set your business apart from the rest.

Nonetheless, don’t limit yourself to food. Retail is also a good market where you can sell any goods. If there’s a service you can provide, then advertise that as well.

Determine The Budget

This is the next step. Even if you have the perfect product or service in mind, you need to determine how much you’re willing to shell out for this business.

Keep in mind that you need to consider various expenses such as business permits, renovation of the place, or rent. Include this in your budget planning to check if you can start a business while minimizing loss.

If you can, then get a business partner. This will divide everything including budget and responsibilities. Just make sure that you trust the person completely since good relationship is a must.

Find Your Sources

Now that you identified what to sell and determined how much your budget is, it’s time to find your sources.

This is also crucial. There are several sellers that offer a particular raw material so make sure you go to someone who offers the most affordable price. It will take time but scouting for the the most affordable products will give you more flexibility when it comes to your pricing. You might even offer the lowest price in the market.

Make Sure You’re Registered

BIR reminded online sellers to register their businesses and file income taxes if applicable.

Government agencies or entities that you need to apply to for permits are:

  • DTI for business name
  • SEC for partnership entities
  • BIR for tax purposes
  • Local government or respective for the business permits

It’s better to comply with them early on to avoid issues.

Sell Your Products

How do you plan to sell your products? Having a space could help because it helps boost your legitimacy as a seller. Because of the pandemic, not many people are willing to go out and prefer doing their thing online.

Therefore, the easiest way to sell your products is through social media. Facebook and Instagram are effective platforms so make sure to capitalize on that. Don’t forget to take really good, captivating photos to entice your would-be customers.

Are you ready to start your business? It may be small for now but with the right mindset, proper care and attention, and good service to your customers, this will eventually get big.

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Looking For A New Job In The Time Of Pandemic

Losing a job is one of the many concerns affecting millions of Filipinos here and overseas. Many OFWs are also repatriated, with the repatriation count more than 50,000. As much as you want to continue with your employment overseas, most countries still have restrictions to limit the arrival of non-citizens.

What do you do now? How do you go from here? What can you do to ensure that your family still has food on the table and bills will be paid at the end of the day?

Since your overseas employment is affected, you have no choice but to look for available options in the Philippines. You may not be earning the same amount of money from working abroad but this could help you get through the tough times.

Below are tips and tricks that will help as you look for a new job – for now:

Tip No. 1: Ask your recruitment agency.

The truth is the opportunities for overseas employment are still there. In fact, many legitimate recruitment agencies continuously post job openings for various countries like Taiwan, Qatar, and UAE.

Contact your preferred agency or look into their website or social media pages to see their job openings. If a job fits your skills. then apply for it. Submit your application online and who knows, you might be able to work again.

Tip No. 2: Look into job database websites.

Apart from the recruitment agency, several job database websites regularly post job openings. Take a look into that as well since there might be a job that is suitable to your skills.

Again, the pay may be less than what you are earning abroad but a job in the Philippines is better than nothing. Explore your options. Don’t forget to update your resume and include latest work experience as well as any trainings you had.

Tip No. 3: Consider online work.

If going out of the house for work doesn’t sound pleasant to you, then try online work.

Online jobs are in demand these days. Take advantage of that and apply to jobs that caters to your skills. The good thing about this is that you don’t have to go out and increase your risk of getting the virus. Everything will be done online, so make sure you also have a stable Internet connection if you will consider this option.

Tip No. 4: Use your connection.

Not all employment opportunities are posted on job database. Some are referral from friends, neighbors, or even relatives.

Now that you’re in the country, why not tap your circle? Ask around if they know someone who might need your skills and experience? They could also refer you to their company in case there are job openings. Of course, you still have to apply but at least, your chances are higher since you were referred by someone from the company itself.

This is why it is important that you maintain a good relationship with anyone. Avoid confrontations or burning bridges with someone. You’ll never know when you’ll need them.

Tip No. 5: Create your own work.

Or another option would be to start your own employment.

The government has several financial assistance programs for OFWs. Take advantage of that and use it to help you grow your money.

Starting an online business now is easier and more convenient because of the available platforms. Utilize those platforms to your advantage. It’s okay to start small because with consistency and hard work, you might be able to grow your business.

The point is don’t give up. It seems like there is a limitation to possibilities but eventually, this pandemic will be over. You will get through this.

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#NewNormal : What You Can Do While Waiting For Deployment

Times like this are challenging and frustrating. You want to provide a better life and a more secure future for your family but Covid-19 happened. Worse, you might be stuck home and waiting for deployment until the Philippine government or the country you’re going to gives a green light.

What do you do with your time here? Don’t waste it.

The good news is there are many things you can do online. If you have Internet access, then take this opportunity to learn something new or improve your skills set.

Because of the pandemic, there is a sudden shift from offline work to online. Jobs that are related to technology will also be in demand nowadays since a lot of people will prefer staying home and doing what they can with several clicks.

As you await deployment, here are some productive things you can do:

Improve Digital Skills

Again, there is a shift from offline to online. Business owners, regardless of asset size, are also starting to set up their digital market to expand their reach and make it easier for potential customers to find them.

If this is the trend, then it’s time to improve your digital skills. Make yourself more aware of technological terms. Expand your vocabulary and knowledge to include concepts like e-commerce, online marketing strategy, and social media. There’s so much you can do on Facebook so make sure to explore that as well.

Who knows, this could pave way towards a new career path.

Take Online Courses

Did you know that TESDA offers free courses for OFWs through its Abot OFW program?

It covers several sectors including construction, automotive, processed food and beverage, visual arts, information and communication technology, and electronics among many others.

Make sure to grab this opportunity not only to learn more about your chosen field but also to improve your skills. You can even include your finished courses in your resume, which is a big plus for employers.

You can check out and enrol here.

Watch Video Tutorials

Here is another reason why you will appreciate technology: you learn a lot from it.

If you’re the type who prefers learning by yourself and not into course outline, then you can still improve your skills and learn something new by watching videos. All you need to do is to type in the search bar and you can find tons of information about it.

Still, the key here is consistency. Make sure you allot certain time of the day everyday for this to make sure that you will get better and be able to improve your skills further.

Start Small

The online market is in these days. Why not try this as well? It may not give you the income you’re expecting but at least, it could help you get by.

Food business is a growing market. Instead of joining the bandwagon and serving what others are selling, try to come up with your own product. Try combining different foods and who knows, you could be starting your own trend.

Creativity is important. Be creative in finding new food combinations. It is also important to be creative in presenting your product to the buying public. Make sure to take good photos as well to entice them to buy.

If you’re not into food, then that’s fine, too. You could sell anything, especially in-demand products like school supplies, work-from-home essentials, and homeschooling materials. Take advantage of the distance learning trend for additional income.

Don’t lose hope. This is just a roadblock but it doesn’t mean you cannot win against this. Things will get better soon and it’s up to you on how you want to face the pandemic.

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4 Government Assistance Programs For OFWs

Covid-19 pandemic affected a lot of industries – tourism, food sector, hotel industry, and even retail. Apparently, there’s another sector that is greatly affected by this situation: OFWs.

OFWs around the world experienced job loss, thereby forcing them to go back home through repatriation. There are even many OFWs left in their respective host countries but were unable to work or worse, were terminated from employment. Many OFWs were also unable to go to their host country due to government’s travel restriction policies.

The good news is there are still assistance programs sponsored by several government agencies to help OFWs in this trying times.

These are:

Financial Assistance Through DOLE-AKAP Program

This is a one-time financial assistance amounting to P10,000 for affected OFWs. It covers documented workers, Balik-Manggagawa, and undocumented workers but are currently processing their status. You can apply through DOLE or respective POLO in case you are still overseas.

Keep in mind that despite fulfilling all the requirements, there is no assurance that your application will be approved.

You can learn more about this program here.

Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program

Not all OFWs are Metro Manila residents. There are still many overseas workers who live in the provinces. Or some prefer to settle in the city to seek greener pastures.

This program aims to decongest the urban areas and encourage people to go back to their respective provinces. At the same time, this will help boost countryside development. Support and incentives such as transportation, education, and livelihood among others will likewise be given.

You can apply through the Balik Probinsya center in your barangay or apply online by clicking this link.

Livelihood Program Through OWWA

One of the many benefits provided by OWWA or Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is Reintegration program or the mainstreaming of returning OFWs into the Philippine society. This includes financial literacy, job referrals, and business counseling among others.

Due to the pandemic, the agency introduced Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program. This is a livelihood support and assistance program wherein qualified OFWs may receive P20,000, which can be used for start-up or additional capital for the livelihood project.

Requirements include:

  • Application Form
  • Letter of Undertaking that the cash assistance will be used for self-employment or for starting or expansion of own business
  • Certificate of Entrepreneurial Development Training or EDT
  • Business plan or proposal approved by Regional Welfare Office Director, which indicates that the proposed business is feasible and sustainable
  • Proof of repatriation or return to the country such as passport, airline ticket, and other travel documents

If you’re serious about putting up your own business, then you can apply for the Enterprise Development and Loan Program. You can borrow as much as P2 million with 7.5 percent per annum interest rate. However, requirements and procedure are stricter since it has longer terms.

Free Training From TESDA’s ABOT OFW Program

Now that you’re back in the country, you might want to consider looking into trainings offered by TESDA. Various courses were offered including welding, electric installation and maintenance, processed food and beverage, wholesale and retail trading, Information and Communication technology, decorative crafts, and footwear and leather goods among others.

Apart from the free training programs, TESDA also offers scholarship programs for more detailed training. Last May 2020 and with the rising demand on food products, TESDA offers a scholarship program on integrated organic farming,

You can register for any of the TESDA programs through this link.

These assistance programs may not bring the lost earnings but these will be helpful in getting you back on your feet. Look into these closely and give it a try. Who knows, this could lead to something bigger that won’t require you to go work overseas.

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4 Positivity Tips To Remember Amidst The Pandemic

It’s hard to maintain a positive outlook, especially during this time. Covid-19 changed the lives of millions of people around the world.

All of a sudden, there was a restriction on movement. You cannot do the things you normally do and enjoy. You have to assume that everyone around you could be a carrier of the virus; hence social distancing measures. In a snap, everything changed.

Because of this, a lot of people went through anxiety or struggled with some mental health issue . There was a feeling of uncertainty, especially when you have a family to feed and loans to pay back home. You could or already lost your job, which is another source of worry.

It may be easier said than done, but there are some things you can do to stay positive amidst the situation:

Tip No. 1: Limit Your Access To Social Media

Social media can be a source of anxiety, especially now that we are bombarded with a lot of fake and negative news. In fact, it can be toxic.

There’s nothing wrong with being informed but as much as possible, reduce the time you spend on social media. Set a time limit and make sure to stick to it. You may not notice but limiting your access will have a good impact on your mental health because you’re able to lessen toxicity.

Tip No. 2: Don’t Believe Everything You Read

This is another issue with social media. There are tons of information available online and honestly, it’s becoming harder to distinguish which among those info are real or not.

As a rule, don’t believe everything you see and read. Verify your news sources first before you share anything. Stick to credible and trustworthy news sites to make sure that you are properly informed. Otherwise, you could be a victim of a fake news.

Tip No. 3: Connect With Your Family

This is important. Family should be our source of strength and comfort. Make it a habit to continuously talk to them and keep them informed of what’s happening.

The good news is there are tons of platforms available that will allow you to talk to your family even if you are miles away. Instead of checking your Facebook, do a video chat or send them messages. The point is take advantage of that because at this point, you need assurance and love from the people back home.

Tip No. 4: Look For An Outlet

It’s easy to be negative and focus on the bad side of things. Unfortunately, this is not healthy in general.

It is hard but take this opportunity to discover something new. You can try enrolling in free classes to keep yourself updated. This is something you can boast of in your resume as well. Or rediscover old hobbies. Or try something new by learning a new skill.

Having an outlet will help in keeping you distracted from all the negativity in this world. Instead of focusing on the not-so-good side, you take this opportunity to improve yourself, which can also be helpful in the long run. Plus, don’t you just love it when you unlock a new skill? Who knows, this could lead to something great and could potentially open doors for you.