Filipino workers passing through the Visayas now have a dedicated space waiting for them at one of the country’s busiest gateways. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has opened an OFW Lounge at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the agency’s third such facility internationally after the two located at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3.
Built to seat 80 people, the lounge provides complimentary food and drinks, rest areas, free Wi-Fi, charging points, and assistance desks handling a range of worker concerns. OWWA frontline transactions are also available on-site, including membership sign-ups and renewals, OWWA E-Card issuance, and other welfare and social protection services meant to speed up how workers claim their benefits.
The facility falls under OWWA’s Alagang OWWA program and was set up through a collaboration between the agency and Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), together with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan framed the project as an extension of the government’s social protection work for migrant 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. Through this OFW Lounge, we are bringing OWWA and DMW services closer to our migrant workers, ensuring they receive the care, protection, and support they deserve at every stage of their migration journey. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation and SSP Mactan Cebu for sharing our commitment to the welfare of our OFWs. This partnership shows what is possible when government and the private sector work together to give back to the modern-day heroes who continue to build our nation,” Caunan said.
Alongside the lounge, OWWA and SSP Mactan Cebu rolled out a partnership granting exclusive dining and retail discounts to OWWA E-Card holders at participating outlets inside the terminal. Burger King, Ritazza, Asian Kitchen, Nippon Ramen, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, BonChon, and Cabin Kitchen + Bar are among the first establishments signed on.
A DMW OFW Facilitation Center opened at MCIA at the same time, set up to give workers immediate help with Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) matters and other travel paperwork.
The Cebu opening forms part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to establish more airport lounges and related facilities aimed at strengthening protection for overseas workers.
