LOOK: OFWs can kick back before their flights at new premium lounge at NAIA Terminal 1
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have a new place to kick back and relax before their flights.
A 24/7 VIP lounge for OFWs has opened at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Jan. 14, and overseas workers can use it for free, regardless of their plane tickets.
This area is located at the fourth level of the departure area in Terminal 1, where a closed restaurant and spa used to be.
At the OFW lounge, there's a help desk where workers can ask questions and discuss their concerns.
There are also plenty of comfortable chairs and tables to chill in. Additionally, there are power outlets to charge devices and WiFi for those who wish to work on their laptops.
Those who don't want to go through their luggage for their cables can also make use of the charging station available.
The lounge has wide windows, giving OFWs a view of the tarmac.
Free snacks and refreshments are also available for overseas workers waiting for their flights.
Currently, only NAIA Terminal 1 has an OFW lounge but according to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), another will be opened at Terminal 3 as well as other international airports in the metro, Clark, Cebu, and Davao.
House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez said that these upgraded amenities were opened to give back to OFWs.
"We want to show our deep gratitude and appreciation for our overseas workers for continuing to help our country grow its economy and help their families through their remittances. We also intend the lounge to be a place where our departing kababayan could build or foster camaraderie, and share experiences, and maybe job prospects," he said during the lounge's inspection on Jan. 14.
In February 2023, Zamboanga Sibugay 1st District Rep. Wilter Palma proposed the OFW Resting Lounge Act, to create spaces for overseas workers in the country's airports.
The free lounge is a project of the OWWA, House of Representatives, Department of Migrant Workers, and Manila International Airport Authority.
