Section 35. Benefits and Services to OFWs.—

1. Reintegration of OFWs.— The reintegration of OFWs, taking into consideration the needs of women migrant workers, shall be one of the core programs of the OWWA. In this regard, and for purposes of policy and program coordination, the National Reintegration Center for OFWs created under Republic Act No. 10022 shall be an attached office of the OWWA. It shall be headed by an Executive Director who shall be under the supervision of the OWWA Administrator.

   To be able to sustain the viability of this program, not less than ten percent (10%) of OWWA’s collection of contribution for the immediately preceding year shall be allocated annually for the reintegration program,

2. Repatriation Assistance.— Consistent with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8042, as amended, the OWWA shall assist the Department of Foreign Affairs in providing OFWs with services necessary to facilitate repatriation, as may be required.

3. Loan and Other Credit Assistance.— The OWWA shall provide low-interest loans to member-OFWs. It shall have the authority to hire experts in finance or banking to assist in implementing the said loan programs.

4. Workers Assistance and On-site Services.— The OWWA shall sustain and maintain assistance to member-OFWs in all its overseas and regional offices. Services shall be gender-responsive and shall include information regarding the names, occupation/job categories and addresses of the member-OFWs; legal assistance providing guidance and information on protection of migrant rights, including the prevention of gender-based violence; developing materials for the predeparture orientation seminars; conducting psycho-social counseling services; conciliation services; appropriate services and intervention for victims of gender-based violence, and outreach missions, among others. The OWWA shall likewise make competent representations with employers, agents, and host government authorities to assist member-OFWs in obtaining relief from grievances and work-related issues, including claims for unpaid wages, and illegal recruitment cases among others.

5. Social Benefits.— A member-OFW shall be covered with the following social benefits:

   1. Death and Disability Benefits:

      1. Death Benefits.— A member shall be covered with life insurance for the duration of his or her employment contract. The coverage shall include one hundred thousand pesos (?100,000.00) for natural death and two hundred thousand pesos (?200,000.00) for accidental death;

      2. Disability and Dismemberment Benefits.— Disability and dismemberment benefits shall be included in a member’s life insurance policy, as provided for in the impediment schedule contained in the OWWA Manual of Systems and Procedures. The coverage is within the range of two thousand pesos (?2,000.00) to fifty thousand pesos (?50,000.00);

      3. Total Disability Benefit.— In case of total permanent disability, a member shall be entitled to one hundred thousand pesos (?100,000.00); and

      4. Burial Benefit.— A burial benefit of twenty thousand pesos (?20,000.00) shall be provided in case of the member’s death.

      Based on actuarial studies, the Board may increase the amount of the abovementioned benefits.

   2. Health Care Benefits.— Within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Act, the OWWA shall develop and implement health care programs for the benefit of member-OFWs and their families, taking into consideration the health care needs of women as provided for in Republic Act No. 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women, and other relevant laws.

   3. Education and Training Benefits.— A member, or the member’s designated beneficiary, may avail any of the following scholarship programs, subject to a selection process and accreditation of participating institutions:

      1. Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program.— For technical or vocational training scholarship;

      2. Education for Development Scholarship Program.— For baccalaureate programs; and

      3. Seafarers’ Upgrading Program.— To ensure the competitive advantage of Filipino seafarers in meeting competency standards, as required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions, treaties and agreements, sea-based members shall be entitled to one upgrading program for every three (3) membership contributions.

   The annual scholarship lists of all these programs shall be submitted to the Board.