OVERSEAS Filipino workers (OFWs) traveling through the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) can now access a dedicated lounge and a one-stop government service center following the opening of new facilities aimed at making overseas travel more convenient.
The OFW Lounge and OFW Facilitation Center were inaugurated on June 26 at MCIA Terminal 2 through a partnership among the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), and Cebu Pacific.
The launch also included the signing of a memorandum of understanding formalizing the agencies’ collaboration in operating the facilities.
Located near Gate 16 at the Terminal 2 departures area, the 80-seat OFW Lounge provides departing overseas workers with a dedicated waiting area equipped with complimentary food and beverages, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and access to frontline OWWA services.
The lounge also offers OWWA membership registration and renewal, OWWA e-Card printing, and other welfare services, allowing members to complete transactions before their flights.
Meanwhile, the OFW Facilitation Center at the Terminal 2 arrivals level serves as a one-stop center where returning and transit OFWs can process Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) and access other government services without leaving the airport.
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said the new facilities recognize the sacrifices made by overseas Filipino workers while making government services more accessible.
“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,” Caunan said.
“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,” she added.
The opening also marked the launch of a partnership between OWWA and SSP Mactan Cebu, allowing OWWA e-Card holders to enjoy exclusive dining and retail discounts at participating establishments inside the airport.
Participating outlets include Burger King, Ritazza, Asian Kitchen, Nippon Ramen, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, BonChon, and Cabin Kitchen + Bar.
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the initiative supports the government’s goal of providing overseas Filipino workers with a dignified departure and arrival through more accessible public services.
The MCIA facility is the third international OFW Lounge established under OWWA’s Alagang OWWA program, following similar facilities at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 1 and 3.
Officials said the project also supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand airport lounges and frontline government services for OFWs across the country.
MCIAA and ACAC said the new facilities form part of MCIA’s CEB Balik Program, which aims to provide more accessible, convenient, and compassionate services for overseas Filipino workers before they leave for work abroad and upon their return to the Philippines.
Photo courtesy of MCIA
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