For Overseas Filipino Workers who want to start their own business, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has a joint project with LANDBANK which offers a business loan program. Qualified applicants for this OFW business loan can borrow up to Php 2 million for single applicants, or up to Php 5 million for groups.
The OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP) is available for active OWWA members who want to venture into enterprise opportunities. This project belongs to the reintegration programs implemented by OWWA for OFWs across the globe. But before you can apply for this loan program, make sure you meet the qualifications and requirements.
What Is OWWA OFW-EDLP?
The Overseas Filipino Workers-Enterprise Development and Loan Program is an enterprise development intervention and loan program offered by OWWA in partnership with LANDBANK. The primary purpose is to support OFWs and their beneficiaries in their business development needs. It’s designed for OFWs who want to stay in the Philippines to help their families build a business enterprise.
Under this program, the OWWA provides loans to eligible OFWs through a two-component package. The first package is the Enterprise Development Interventions or EDT which empowers OFWs when it comes to managing an enterprise and the opportunity to ask questions regarding business loans. The second one is the Loan Facility which provides OFWs including their families with steady income and opportunities to employ those in the community.
Benefits of OWWA OFW-EDLP
Qualified OFWs can enjoy up to Php 5 million in loans from OWWA for group applicants. On the other hand, single applicants can enjoy up to Php 2 million worth of loans to start their own businesses. If you want to stay in the country for good in order to be with your loved ones, the OFW-EDLP is a huge help. The package includes EDT which will help you manage your business while exploring more opportunities in the industry, while the loan facility helps for employment in your community.
Requirements for OFW EDLP Application
It’s important to secure all the required documents before applying for the OWWA OFW-EDLP. However, you need to make sure you meet the qualifications first in order to be eligible for the program. Qualified borrowers must be:
- An OFW with active or non-active OWWA membership
- Enhanced Entrepreneurial Development Training certificate
- For OFWs about to leave or still working abroad, have an authorized representative such as the legal spouse, parents 60 years old or below, or children at least 18 years of age.
If you meet these qualifications, you can now prepare the requirements for the OWWA OFW-EDLP application. Here’s a list of the required documents:
- OWWA certification stating that you’re an OFW with Enhanced Entrepreneurial Development Training Completion
- Business plan for the chosen business or enterprise project
- Two valid Identification Cards with signature
- Duly accomplished Application Form
- Barangay Residency Certificate
- Proof of Billing Address
- Statement of Assets and Liabilities
- Sketch of the local home address
- For OFWs with existing business before the loan application, provide your DTI Certificate of Registration, Bio-Data, Mayor’s Permit; and if applicable, purchase order, service contract, contract growing agreement, Income Tax Return, Financial Statements, or latest interim Financial Statement
How to Apply for OWWA OFW-EDLP
To apply for the OWWA OFW-EDLP loan, simply follow these steps to submit your application:
Step 1: Verify your OWWA Registration. OFWs in the Philippines, go to the OWWA Regional Welfare Office for the orientation, eligibility screening, and other necessary training. Eligible OFWs will receive a membership certification to be presented during the LANDBANK assessment.
For OFWs who are still working abroad, go to your Welfare Officer at the Embassy or contact them via email to verify your OWWA registration. The officer will refer you to the OWWA Regional Welfare Office at your local home address. When you arrive in the country, go to the OWWA Office for your certification as per the requirement by LANDBANK.
Step 2: Attend the Enhanced Entrepreneurial Development Training in order to get a certificate which will be presented to LANDBANK for the EDT.
Step 3: Prepare the business proposal and other documents as required.
Step 4: Submit your requirements including your business proposal to LANDBANK as they will review it. Existing businesses will be inspected, while the packaging, evaluation, and approval may take up to 45 business days after receiving the loan requirements.
Step 5: If approved, LANDBANK will give the loan amount to the eligible OFW.
OWWA Enterprise Development Loan Program Application Form
The application form for the OFW-EDLP application can be downloaded online but you need to reach out to your local OWWA Regional Welfare Office Center to get the exact details of where to download the form.
You might also want to know about the conditions regarding the OFW-EDLP loan before filling out the application form. In terms of interest rate, the loan offers 7.5% per year throughout the duration of your loan. The purpose of the loan is strictly for Fixed Asset Acquisition and Working Capital. For project cost sharing, your equity must be 20% of your total project cost, while the maximum Loanable Amount must only be 80% of your total project cost.
The loan amount depends on your project needs and your equity participation. For single borrowers or single proprietorships, you can borrow from Php 100,000 to Php 2,000,000 cash. For group borrowers, partnerships, cooperatives, or corporations, the loan amount can range from Php 100,000 to Php 5,000,000 cash.
When it comes to loan repayment, the short-term offers one year to pay, while the term loan is based on the cash flow although it should not exceed seven years. The grace period is two years in case you need more time to repay your loan. You also need to provide collateral such as mortgage-able assets and objects of financing.
Eligible Businesses or Projects for OWWA OFW-EDLP Loan
You may be asking what are suitable projects or businesses for this loan. Generally, your business must generate enough profit in order to meet the loan’s projected amortization. Below are the ideal projects that you can propose for the loan program:
- Rental business
- Construction business
- Franchising business
- Agricultural or non-agricultural production or manufacturing
- Contract tie-up with the Top 1000 corporations
- Transportation business
- Service or trading business
- Other viable projects, whether existing or new
Video: Business Loan Para sa OFW
In this video, you will see how to apply for the OWWA OFW-EDLP loan and get approved for your business plan. It also talks about how you can benefit from this program and some helpful tips to become eligible for the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions about the OWWA OFW-EDLP loan and the answers you should know:
1. What is the primary purpose of the OWWA OFW-EDLP loan?
The primary purpose of the OWWA OFW-EDLP loan is to help eligible Overseas Filipino Workers to start their own business so that they can stay in the Philippines with their families.
2. How much can I loan from the OFW-EDLP project?
You can get as much as Php 2 million as an individual borrower, while group borrowers can borrow up to Php 5 million depending on the business plan.
3. Do I need to provide a collateral source to borrow from the OWWA OFW-EDLP loan?
Yes, you need to provide valid collateral when applying for the OWWA OFW-EDLP loan. This loan security accepts collateral sources including machines, equipment, and other mortgage-able assets of the applicant. Also, you can provide an object of financing as collateral for your loan.
4. How long do I need to repay my OFW-EDLP loan?
Depends on the agreed term, but generally, short-term repayment is within one year, while the term loan repayment may take up to seven years. If you need to extend your repayment, you have two more years as a grace period for OFWs who struggle to repay their loans.
5. How much is the interest rate in case I get approved for an OFW-EDLP loan?
If you qualify for the OFW-EDLP loan and get approved after submitting your application, the interest rate will be 7.5% per year. This will be carried out through the duration of your loan until you fully repaid the total amount.
Summary
Now that you understand how the OWWA OFW-EDLP loan application works, it would be easier to complete the requirements and get approved. Many OFWs want to go home and be with their families for good. However, the financial challenges are restricting our migrant workers to go home and stay in the country for good.
To help you improve your economic situation, you can apply for the Enterprise Development and Loan Program. With the money you borrow, you can build your own enterprise and even provide for people in your community with jobs. It’s a win-win solution for those who have a limited budget to start their own business.