MANILA, Philippines — Five overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia are the first scholars of the Lifelong Learning Education Assistance Program for OFWs (LEAP-OFWs).
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said that the five individuals in Al Khobar were identified as the first qualified beneficiaries of the Alagang OWWA StepUP-Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (Eteeap) which is being implemented through the LEAP-OFWs.
"Of the first five beneficiaries, two will receive a Notice of Eligibility, while three will be given a Notice of Award and Guarantee for educational assistance up to ₱50,000, which the OWWA will directly pay to their chosen Higher Education Institution, pursuant to the guidelines of the program," the OWWA said.
"Many OFWs set aside their own education first to be able to work and support their family," it said. Through the Eteeap, "their prior learning, work experience, knowledge, and skill can be assessed and recognized as part of an alternative pathway toward earning an academic degree," it said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12124 or the Eteaap Act in March 2025.
The law covers qualified Filipinos, whether in the Philippines or abroad, and it designated the Commission on Higher Education as lead agency in the implemention of the program.
