The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) recently introduced the OFW Lounge, providing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with a designated space for relaxation and comfort before their flights. Dubai-based OFW Jade Chan-Delos Trinos, a recent user of the lounge, shared her experience in a community group, describing it as “the best thing the government has provided for OFWs.”
The lounge, located in Terminals 1 and 3 at NAIA, was designed as a tribute to the contributions of OFWs to the Philippine economy. Equipped with comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, charging stations, and refreshments, the space serves as a haven for OFWs waiting for their flights. Terminal 1’s lounge, situated on the 4th floor near the pre-departure area, offers a variety of complimentary snacks, including lugaw, sandwiches, coffee, and juice. Terminal 3’s lounge, positioned near Gate 7, accommodates up to 200 passengers, with similar amenities.
Jade expressed her appreciation for the lounge in a heartfelt post: “Just want to share the OFW lounge we experienced when we were coming back to Dubai from Pinas recently. I posted here in Food trip kasi may mga snacks sila like arrozcaldo with nice toppings, puto, bread with cheese (parang cheezwhiz) sarap sya. They also have a coffee machine, juice and water with highly comfortable seats, wifi, charging station etc.”
She shared with The Global Filipino Magazine, “I already saw it before on the news as a planned project, so I was expecting the usual, pero surprisingly maganda po sya. And ‘yung mga staff dun, very polite, clean, para kang nasa restaurant.”
She continued, “Instead of buying food and sitting at eateries that aren’t really good—aside from Kenny Rogers at the airport—this is the best thing the government has provided for OFWs at the airport, aside from tax exemption and other benefits. It’s something I really appreciate. 😇 Just present your OEC and passport.”
Access to the lounge is free and open 24/7, offering OFWs a much-needed space to relax without the added expense of airport dining. OFWs need only present their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or OFW e-card to enjoy the facility.
While the lounge has been met with appreciation, a call for responsibility has emerged. Ka Gerwin, another OFW, recently raised concerns over cleanliness, urging users to keep the lounge tidy. In his social media post, he shared an image showing cluttered tables with plastic cups and plates left behind, prompting his fellow OFWs to practice responsible behavior.
“Pakisuyong alagaan natin ang ating OFW Lounge. Naiintindihan natin na libre ang pagkain, pero sana huwag nating abusuhin ito,” Gerwin wrote. He encouraged OFWs to finish their food and dispose of waste properly: “Pagkatapos kumain, pakisuyong linisin ang ating kinainan at itapon sa basurahan. Tayo ay dapat na magpakita ng magandang asal.”
Echoing this sentiment, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator highlighted the importance of discipline, linking responsible behavior to the “Bagong Pilipinas” initiative. “Magtulungan naman tayo. Bagong Pilipinas, bagong Filipino na dapat… di rin ito gawain ng bagong bayani,” the administrator emphasized.
