OWWA urges OFWs to avail of more secured E-Card version 2.0

MANILA – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is encouraging all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to avail of its electronic card (E-Card) which would give them easier access to services and other benefits

OWWA chief Arnell Ignacio said the OWWA E-Card Version 2.0 is more secure and will also serve as a valid ID for government transactions.

“Ang OWWA E-Card ay ang exclusive ID ng lahat ng OFW OWWA members. Ito ay valid ID na magagamit sa pag passport, sa immigration, at sa iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno. Pwedeng ipakita para sa travel tax exemption at access sa OFW Lounges at Seafarers’ Hubs (The OWWA Ecard is the exclusive ID of all OFW OWWA members. This is a valid ID that can be used for passports, immigration, and various government agencies. Can be presented for travel tax exemption and access to OFW Lounges and Seafarers’ Hubs),” Ignacio said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Thursday.

The new e-card, he said, is equipped with upgraded security features such as a hologram, barcode, and QRCode.

He said it is already linked to the OFWs account in the OWWA mobile application for faster and easier access to benefits and services for its members.

He also said OWWA E-Card ver. 2.0 holders may also enjoy other perks and benefits that include promos and privileges.

They may also serve as discount cards when they avail of services from OWWA partner companies like transport, hotels, insurance, livelihood packages, and delivery services, among others, he added.

When needed, version 2.0 cardholders may also directly update their OWWA membership online without going to their various offices.

“Lahat ng OFW OWWA members ay entitled sa E-Card na libre o walang bayad (All OFW OWWA members are entitled to the E-Card free of charge),” Ignacio said.

On Wednesday, the OWWA E-Card version 2.0 had a pilot launch at the OFW Lounge of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, where OFWs may initially avail of the E-Card.

Ignacio said the card will soon be made available at the Department of Migrant Workers head office in Mandaluyong City, and later on, at OWWA regional offices nationwide and 34 overseas offices worldwide.

“Para makakuha ng E-Card, present lang ang kahit anong proof ng OWWA membership gaya ng OWWA receipt, Overseas Employment Certificate o OEC, o kaya ay ang dating OWWA card o passport para ma verify sa record ng OWWA. Agad ay makukuha ang E-Card dahil i-piprint na ito sa harap ng OFW (To get an E-Card, just present any proof of OWWA membership such as an OWWA receipt, OEC, or a previous OWWA card or passport to verify their OWWA record. The E-Card will be released immediately because it is printed in front of the OFW),” he said.