Speaker, OWWA execs inspect new OFW lounge at Naia Terminal 1
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (left), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnaldo “Arnell” Ignacio (center), and OWWA Deputy Administrator Atty. Mary Melanie “Honey” Quiño (right) inspect the OFW Lounge at the Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on January 13, 2023. Photo from Speaker Martin Romualdez’s office
MANILA, Philippines — Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning and leaving the country may now stay in an airport lounge solely dedicated for them with free food, services, amenities, and open for 24 hours at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.
According to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, the 24/7 OFW Lounge is a joint project between the lower chamber and other government agencies such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Manila International Airport Authority.
“Itong dedicated space para sa papaalis na OFWs ay bukas na. Puwede na nilang gamitin. Binuksan namin ito batay na rin sa utos ng Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” Romualdez said in a statement on Sunday.
(This dedicated space for our leaving OFWs is now open. It can be used and is now opened upon the directive of President Marcos.)
READ: VIP lounges in airports for OFWs urged
“Ito’y isa lamang sa mga OFWs VIP Lounge na ating bubuksan sa mga international airport sa Metro Manila, Clark, Cebu, at Davao para sa ating mga kababayan na paalis at papunta na sa kani-kanilang trabaho abroad,” he added.
(This is just among the OFWs VIP Lounge that we will open at international airports in Metro Manila, Clark, Cebu, and Davao.)
The lawmaker said the lounge is similar to spaces for business-class and first-class passengers run by airlines.
READ: After Naia Terminal 1 facelift, P8-M passenger lounge next
Among the services and amenities migrant workers may avail include access to an assistance desk, comfortable seating, wi-fi, charging stations, power outlets, food, including porridge, sandwiches, and drinks like water, coffee, and juice.
Romualdez said a similar space will be opened within the Terminal 3 area.
