OWWA-Cordillera Administrative Region

20/04/2026

17/04/2026

An Overseas Filipino Worker from Spain has been successfully repatriated as she bravely faces her battle with breast cancer. Her journey reflects both courage and resilience in the face of a life-changing diagnosis.

She has been endorsed to a health facility near her hometown, where she will continue to receive the medical evaluation, treatment, and support she needs in this critical time.

This mission is a testament to OWWA’s commitment to safeguard the welfare of every OFW, ensuring that in moments of hardship, they are met with compassion, timely assistance, and genuine care.

17/04/2026

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration - CAR, under the leadership of OIC Regional Director Dina C. Ponciano, through its Kalinga Field Office, successfully conducted a courtesy visit and service delivery in the Municipality of Rizal, Kalinga, in partnership with the LGU Rizal under Mayor Karl Bugao Baac, through Migrants Desk Officer Ma’am Rose Jean Rugay.

During the activity, checks were released to 9 beneficiaries. Out of these, 6 beneficiaries personally received their checks, while 3 were deposited due to their absence.

Additionally, an Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) was conducted for 3 Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program (BPBH) applicants to guide them in managing their livelihood projects.

The activity strengthened coordination with the LGU and ensured continuous delivery of services to OFWs and their families.

17/04/2026

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-CAR led by the OIC-Regional Director Dina C. Ponciano thru its field office in Mountain Province successfully conducted the Traditional Coffee Processing of Arabica Coffee for OFWs and dependents. Sir Cyril P. Cacay, an OFW returnee and the First Runner-Up of the Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA) 2025 , Male Land-Based Category and the owner of Echo Valley Coffee Farm generously shared his expertise and personal journey in coffee production, guiding participants through the entire process from planting and harvesting to drying, sorting, roasting, and brewing. The training was highly engaging as each participant was given the opportunity to perform the actual steps of processing coffee. In addition, Mr. Cacay shared the secrets on how to attain the desired aroma and taste to satisfy the cravings of clients. The practical learning experience from this activity stirred the inquisitiveness and eagerness of the participants to learn deeper.
‎
‎Beyond coffee processing, Sir Cyril also introduced participants to the traditional method of making etag or smoked meat, providing a brief yet insightful discussion on its preparation and cultural significance. This additional learning enriched the training, highlighting sustainable and indigenous livelihood practices. He further mentioned about his future plans such as setting up a mushroom production area inside the cave, creating man made waterfall, a swimming pool and camp site within the vicinity of the echo valley far. With these plans, he inspired the participants by saying "Chase your Dreams".

Overall, the activity not only enhanced the participants’ technical knowledge but also inspired them through the speaker’s success story and commitment to community-based enterprise development.

15/04/2026

JUST IN | BPBH Program - EDT

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) — Abra Satellite Field Office successfully conducted an Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) for distressed and displaced OFWs whose contracts were unfinished and who then applied under the Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! (BPBH) Program on April 15, 2026. A total of twenty-five (25) OFW returnees, comprising 4 males and 21 females, participated in the training; all land-based workers.

The training included a comprehensive course on preparing a basic business plan, aiming to equip the participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to establish their own businesses.

The participants were provided with EDT kits and were offered free snacks and meals during the training session. The training was facilitated by OWWA-Abra personnel.

15/04/2026

The Community Organizing activity with OWWA and OCC was successfully conducted in Barangays Sta. Maria and Little Tadian, Alfonso lista with a total of 130 attendees composed of OFWs and their children.

The activity focused on providing a comprehensive orientation on OWWA programs for the adult participants. This was followed by the organization and formation of the core group, including guidance on the registration process.

On the other hand, dependents of OFWs received detailed information on education and training opportunities, the OWWA CUP, OCC activities, and further steps in strengthening them through the formation of core groups.

Additionally, a monitoring visit was conducted to ALOFWRDA regarding their Tulong Puso first tranche amounting to 400,000.

During the visit, it was confirmed that the group has successfully purchased the initial set of equipment and materials needed for the enhancement of their catering services.

And that they are now ready for the release of their last tranche amounting to 600,000.00

15/04/2026

IN PHOTOS : OWWA-CAR headed by OIC-Regional Director Dina C. Ponciano, through its Field Office in Ifugao, successfully awarded two (2) livelihood packages worth ₱15,000 each under the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program – Livelihood Component to beneficiaries in the Municipality of Lamut.

This initiative supports sustainable livelihood opportunities for OFW families left behind.
________________
𝗢𝗪𝗪𝗔 𝗜𝗙𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗢 𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗟𝗗 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗘
📍 Tayaban's Commercial Space, Rizal St., Banao Poblacion East Lagawe
☎️ 0912-177-8428 / 0910-001-5995
📩 [email protected]

15/04/2026

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration – Regional Welfare Office CAR (OWWA RWO-CAR), headed by OIC-Regional Director Dina C. Ponciano, participated in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing for the Government Internship Program (GIP) held at DOLE–CAR. This initiative underscores OWWA’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with partner agencies in providing opportunities and support to job seekers, particularly the youth.

The MOA aims to formalize collaboration among government agencies in the effective implementation of the GIP, which provides meaningful temporary employment and valuable work experience to beneficiaries. It seeks to enhance employability, develop skills, and expose participants to public service. Ultimately, the partnership reflects a shared mission of empowering individuals, promoting workforce readiness, and contributing to inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities in the region.

14/04/2026

The OWWA-CAR Repatriation team successfully attended to a physically ill Overseas Filipino Worker at the OFW Hospital, where she was assessed to be stable, coherent, and with normal vital signs following her recent surgical procedure. Her condition was monitored, and proper coordination was ensured with her next of kin.

Subsequently, the team safely transported her to her residence in Potia, Ifugao without any untoward incidents. The OFW was also personally oriented on the available OWWA programs and services for her recovery and support. She expressed her sincere gratitude for the assistance extended by OWWA-CAR.

13/04/2026

In vibrant partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), under the guidance of OIC-Regional Director Dina C. Ponciano, the Municipality of Lamut, successfully celebrated the Migrant’s Day and Women’s Month cm Rambakan on April 8, 2026. Held at the Municipal Gymnasium, Lamut, Ifugao, the event brought the community together under the inspiring theme: "Umuna Ti Lamut – United in Culture and Progress."

The festivities commenced with a warm welcome from Mayor Mariano B. Buyagawan Jr., who expressed deep gratitude to the constituents for their spirited participation. He particularly commended the creativity and effort displayed by the various groups, noting how their traditional costumes served as a visual testament to the town's rich cultural heritage.

A central highlight of the program was the release of OWWA financial assistance and grant, which totaled P345,024.16. These funds were distributed through twelve individual financial assistance checks and one major association grant. Notably, the Lawig Overseas Filipino Workers Organization (LOFWO) took center stage as they received the first tranche of their financial assistance under the Tulong Puso program, a vital step toward sustaining their group’s livelihood initiatives.

Councilor Conrado T. Buccat, Chairman of the Committee on Social Services, introduced the keynote segment on behalf of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). While OIC Regional Director Cheryl L. Daytec was unable to attend, she was ably represented by Assistant Regional Director Atty. Anna Theresa Gawidan.

In her keynote address, ARD Atty. Gawidan delivered a moving tribute to the heroism of Overseas Filipino Workers. She emphasized the sacrifice of being away from home is the ultimate act of love—a selfless endeavor to ensure that every family left behind is provided with a better, more secure future.

OWWA OIC-Regional Director Dina C. Ponciano delivered a heartfelt speech marking the sacrifices of female OFWs while commending the Municipality of Lamut for its vibrant Migrant’s Day celebration. Her remarks underscored the vital role these modern-day heroes play in driving the community's growth and development.

The celebration concluded as a resounding success, effectively blending the recognition of women's contributions with a heartfelt salute to the migrant workers who continue to drive the progress of Lamut.

13/04/2026

IN PHOTOS || The OWWA-CAR, through its Abra Satellite Field Office, successfully awarded ELAP - Livelihood Assistance to three beneficiaries in Abra on April 8, 2026.

The program provided Livelihood Kits (Variety Store and Frozen Goods) to the families of deceased OFWs, which was purchased at the ADTEMPCO Coopmart. Each kit is designed to help beneficiaries start a small business, generate steady income, and ease the financial burden left by the loss of their loved ones.

This initiative reflects OWWA’s unwavering commitment to standing beside OFW families during their most difficult moments. By providing sustainable livelihood support, OWWA aims to help beneficiaries rebuild their lives, secure a reliable source of income, and create a brighter, more stable future for their families.