In a major initiative to strengthen educational access and socio-civic support for the countrys modern-day heroes, the executive leadership of St. Dominic College of Asia (SDCA) held a high-level strategic meeting with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) on Monday, August 17, 2026.
The dialogue centered on establishing a sustainable institutional alliance where SDCA can actively support OWWAs core projects, directly addressing the educational and developmental needs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents through accessible, flexible, and industry-aligned academic programs.
The SDCA delegation was led by College President Dr. Gregorio A. Andaman, Jr., together with Engr. Monte A. Andaman, Member of the Board of Trustees, and Atty. Lorille J. Leones, Vice President for Operations. Representing the colleges institutional growth and linkages were key officials from the Institute of Professional Education and Development (IPED), led by its Director, Dr. Greg Jinichi Andaman; Lead Implementers Dr. Philip Cuizon and Dr. Mary Nellie Roa; and Head of Communication, Dr. Richardson Mojica.
From the government sector, the delegation was headed by OWWA Administrator Atty. Patricia Yvonne "PY" Caunan and Deputy Administrator Atty. Jasmine Gapatan, alongside OWWA Region IV-A Regional Director Ms. Rosario C. Burayag and Policy and Program Development Director Ms. Ana Dominique Consulta.
A major focus of the discussion was OWWAs STEP UP Program alongside its flagship scholarship tracks, including the Educational Development Support Program (EDSP) and the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP). The agencies explored ways to align these initiatives with SDCAs offerings to streamline admissions and educational assistance for OFW dependents.
OWWA officials expressed strong interest in SDCAs non-traditional and flexible higher education pathways, specifically highlighting the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL), and advanced Graduate Studies Programs. Particular interest was directed toward SDCAs Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, which presents an optimal continuing professional education track for overseas and returning Filipino healthcare professionals seeking career elevation and specialized leadership credentials.
Beyond academic integration, SDCA affirmed its commitment to on-the-ground support by pledging its active participation in existing OWWA Caravans, Reintegration Fairs, and regional community outreach missions. Under the planned arrangement, SDCA will deploy multidisciplinary faculty expertise, institutional health and wellness services, and student volunteers to assist migrant workers and their families directly during these events.
Additionally, the college will institutionalize campus-wide information and advocacy drives in coordination with OWWA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), promoting safe migration, ethical recruitment awareness, financial literacy, and available reintegration benefits among students, faculty, and the surrounding community.
Building on the consensus reached during the meeting, both parties confirmed that a formal Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be executed towards the end of August 2026 to officially institutionalize the bilateral partnership, establishing operational guidelines and joint committees to drive long-term impact for OFW families.