Manila: The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is encouraging its members to avail of the e-card for convenience and discounts at select establishments. In a phone interview Thursday, OWWA-Ilocos Region labor communications officer Rubylyn Munar said the e-card serves as government-issued identification for active overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). According to Philippines News Agency, the e-card acts as proof of membership, facilitates easier transactions at migrant workers offices or embassies, and offers exclusive discounts with partner establishments like airlines, hotels, and cargo services. "They can avail discounts of up to 50 percent in various partner establishments," Munar stated. OWWA will soon release a list of partner-establishments as they are still working on the memorandum of agreements, renewal, and new partnerships. Availment of the e-card physical ID is free in OFW lounge areas at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 1 and 3, at OWWA National Capital Region Office, and at the Seafarers Hub in Makati City. Munar emphasized that the process is efficient, stating, "They just have to show their proof of membership and in 15 minutes they already have their ID." The e-card's validity is two years, matching the duration of OWWA membership. Additionally, OWWA is encouraging OFWs to apply as members for their security and other benefits. The membership fee is USD25 (about PHP1,500) and is valid for two years. There are currently 109,769 active members out of the 478,441 OWWA members in the Ilocos Region, based on data as of January 28 this year.