OFW’s Guide: Getting Your OEC in Cebu

If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), you know that you are required to get an Overseas Employment Certificate, commonly known as OEC or Exit Pass. It’s either that or pay the P1,600+ travel t tax (I swear, the government is so inventive when it comes to making people pay something).



According to the Philippine Embassy website, “An Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), is a requirement under POEA Rules and Regulations to help ensure that Filipino overseas workers (OFWs) are properly documented and protected.”



If you failed to get your OEC in a Philippine Embassy abroad for some reason, then you can also get one from the POEA/OWWA Region 7 office at the LDM building at the corner of M.J. Cuenco and Legaspi Streets, Cebu City. From the Landbank Plaza Independencia branch, turn left and you will see a huge sign POEA sign. Their office is on the same block as the DFA Cebu office.



You will need to bring the following:

• Accomplished application form

• Employment Card

• Employment Contract

• Passport

• Two-way ticket or Itinerary issued by travel agency

• Proof of OWWA valid membership

• Latest receipt of Pag-IBIG Fund membership contribution

• Loads of cash



Do take note, as this is a government agency, expect delays and an hour of waiting at least. If you haven’t renewed your OWWA membership, you can do so in the same building (different room) and pay P2,000+. They also accept PhilHealth contributions and PAG-IBIG contributions in that same building (different room). Unfortunately, this transaction is not as easy as getting a number, sitting down, waiting for your number to be called and then leaving happily with your OEC. No, you have to walk across the hall at least three times, pay your PhilHealth and PAG-IBIG dues and then you can submit your documents, contracts, passports, etc. so your OEC request will be processed.



Once you have submitted everything to the POEA counter, just wait for your name to be called for payment, pay the amount due, wait for your name to be called again and then you can claim your OEC.