Section 20Sec./Art. 20

Attached Agency. The OWWA, created under the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Act, is hereby attached to the Department for purposes of policy and program coordination. Except as provided under this Act, the OWWA shall continue to function in accordance with its Charter. The OWWA Fund, pursuant to Sections 37 and 38 of its Charter, shall be used for the welfare of member-OFWS and their families and no fund shall be withdrawn from the OWWA Fund to respond, and, supplement, or in any manner augment any required expenditure by other government agencies: Provided, further, That nothing in this Act shall be construed as diminishing the benefits already received by OFWs and their families from the OWWA Fund or replacing or diminishing retirement, death, or disability benefits or entitlements from the mandated social protection schemes.

The Secretary shall replace the Secretary of Labor and Employment as member of the OWWA Board of Trustees and shall act as Chairperson of the OWWA Board. For the avoidance of doubt, the DOLE Secretary shall remain as a member of the Board and the POEA Administrator shall be replaced by the SSS President as member of the OWWA Board.

The Department shall form a body within reasonable time, with OWWA, SSS and other relevant agencies, to find ways to extend the actuarial life of the OWWA Fund.