The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has opened an OFW Lounge at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, expanding airport services for overseas Filipino workers departing from Cebu and other parts of the Visayas.
The facility is the third international OFW Lounge established under OWWA’s Alagang OWWA program, following the launch of similar lounges at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 1 and 3.
The project was developed through a partnership among OWWA, the Department of Migrant Workers and Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation.
The lounge has a seating capacity of 80 and offers free food and beverages, resting areas, Wi-Fi, charging stations and assistance desks for OFW-related concerns.
Frontline OWWA services are also available at the facility, including membership registration and renewal, OWWA E-Card issuance and other welfare and social protection services.
Coinciding with the opening, OWWA and SSP Mactan Cebu launched a partnership granting exclusive dining and retail discounts to OWWA E-Card holders at participating airport establishments.
The initial partner merchants include Burger King, Ritazza, Asian Kitchen, Nippon Ramen, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, BonChon, and Cabin Kitchen + Bar.
A Department of Migrant Workers OFW Facilitation Center also opened inside the airport to provide immediate assistance on Overseas Employment Certificates and other travel documents.
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan said the new lounge reflects the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen social protection services for overseas Filipino workers.
“We believe our OFWs deserve a lounge of their own in one of the country’s finest international airports here in Cebu. It is a simple but meaningful way of honoring their sacrifices and recognizing their invaluable contributions to our nation,” Caunan said.
She added that the facility brings OWWA and DMW services closer to migrant workers while recognizing the contributions of the private sector in supporting OFWs.
The opening of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport lounge forms part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to establish more airport lounges and improve welfare services for overseas Filipino workers nationwide.
