Great news for OFWs as there is going to be an OFW Lounge in the works! The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) Lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 and 3 are now open to provide a dedicated space for our modern-day heroes. Representatives from both the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), in collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) have met to discuss details of the project, including its location and timeline for completion.
This lounge will be equipped with several amenities specifically catered for OFWs. This includes comfortable seating, access to Wi-Fi, charging docks, and power outlets, as well as other services designed to make their visits more relaxing. Additionally, an information desk will be provided where OFWs can ask questions related to their trips and get reliable answers while they wait. All of these services will be able to provide VIP services to the Philippines’ modern-day heroes.
Contents
- What is the OFW Lounge?
- Where is the OFW Lounge Being Constructed?
- What Amenities does the OFW Lounge have?
- What to Expect
- Importance of OFWs
- Images of Airport Lounge for OFWs
- PHOTOS: OFW Lounge in NAIA Terminal 3
- Video: OWWA to Launch OFW Lounges in Different Airports in the Philippines
- Video: OFW Lounge to be Launched Soon
- Summary
What is the OFW Lounge?
The OFW Lounge is a Philippine government initiative which aims to provide a dedicated space for our modern-day heroes. This is like a VIP-lounge where OFWs can stay while waiting for their flights back to their host country abroad.
The purpose of this lounge is not only to offer comfortable seating, Wi-Fi access, charging docks and power outlets but also to create an online community for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) through which members can connect with one another as well as access helpful resources, tips, and information related to their working experience in a foreign country.
Where is the OFW Lounge Being Constructed?
- The first OFW lounge is situated adjacent to the pre-departure area on the 4th floor of NAIA Terminal 1. It started its operations on January 2024.
- The OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3 is located near Gate 7 area of the airport terminal and can accommodate up to 200 passenger guests. This was launched on July 19, 2024.
- Future OFW Lounges – Please note that additional lounges will be established in other international airports soon which are located in Clark, Pampanga, Mactan-Cebu, and Davao.
What Amenities does the OFW Lounge have?
The OFW Lounge will be equipped with several amenities specifically catered towards Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This includes comfortable seating, Wi-Fi access, charging docks and power outlets, as well as other services designed to make their visits more relaxing.
What to Expect
- Comfortable seating
- Wi-Fi access
- Charging docks and power outlets
- Information Desk for inquiries about trips
- Online community for OFWs to connect with one another
- Various resources, tips, and information related to working experience in a foreign country
Importance of OFWs
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are vital to the growth and development of the Philippine economy. They are a vast source of remittances that help support the country’s finances and they contribute greatly towards economic growth. Their work also allows them to gain valuable skills from other countries which can be beneficial for their home country’s workforce. Furthermore, OFWs provide a much-needed boost to families who rely on their income for day-to-day expenses.
Not only do OFWs make important contributions to the Philippine economy, but their sacrifices should not go unnoticed either. Many OFWs leave behind family, friends and familiar surroundings in order to pursue better opportunities abroad. While they work hard to provide for themselves and their families, they also face homesickness, language barriers, and discrimination in foreign lands. This is why it is important to recognize our modern-day heroes by providing them with safe spaces such as the OFW Lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
With this dedicated space designed specifically with amenities catered to OFWs, we hope to show our appreciation to these brave individuals as well as provide them with resources that may help make their journeys easier.
The OFW Lounge at the Philippine airport is a special place for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It has comfy chairs, Wi-Fi, and places to plug in phones or laptops. They can also get help from the information desk for questions about their trips. Plus, there’s an online community where OFWs can talk to each other and get useful information about living in another country.
Images of Airport Lounge for OFWs
If you are still wondering what the OFW Lounge could look like, below are some images for reference as shared on the ABS-CBN News FB Page:
PHOTOS: OFW Lounge in NAIA Terminal 3
In a recent update on July 19, 2024, the 2nd OFW lounge which is located NAIA Terminal 3 has been officially launched, as the OWWA Official account on their Facebook Page shared some photos of the bigger area. The OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3 features comfortable seating, charging stations, Wi-Fi access, and food buffet area where OFWs can definitely eat for free. Check out these photos to see what the newly launched OFW Lounge in NAIA Terminal 3 looks like:
Video: OWWA to Launch OFW Lounges in Different Airports in the Philippines
Check out the new set-up – a bigger and more spacious lounge for OFWs located at NAIA Terminal 3!
Great news for many OFWs because in a recent update, the OWWA has announced that they will be launching OFW Lounges in different airports across the Philippines. This report features the OFW lounge in Terminal 1. These lounges aim to make the overseas Filipino workers’ travel experience more comfortable and convenient, especially during long layovers or flight delays. Here’s a video by ANC 24/7 regarding this update:
Video: OFW Lounge to be Launched Soon
Check out this news report to learn more about the upcoming opening of the OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3.
The OFW Lounge is expected to open and will be a great resource for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) traveling through Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). We are looking forward to its launch and hope that it will make our modern-day heroes’ journeys easier.
Summary
This newly proposed lounge was welcomed by Zamboanga Sibugay 1st District Representative Wilter Palma during a panel briefing held shortly after more than 400 international and domestic flights were cancelled due to a glitch that occurred on New Year’s Day at NAIA. His request for a space where OFWs could rest or wait in case their flights were delayed or cancelled ultimately resulted in the establishment of this lounge.
Once all details have been finalized and approved by both parties involved in creating this space, work on constructing the lounge will begin right away so that it can be made available ASAP. In conclusion, by establishing this OFW Lounge at NAIA we hope to help our hardworking compatriots make positive changes in their lives which would ultimately benefit many Filipino families back home.