DMW: OFW lounges here to stay, expansion underway

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Friday denied rumors that overseas Filipino worker (OFW) lounges in airports will cease operations, assuring instead that the government is set to expand and upgrade the facilities nationwide.

“We are denying what is circulating on social media that the OFW Lounge will stop operating. No, these lounges have already served 1.5 million,” Cacdac said in a virtual press briefing.

He emphasized that the initiative was ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his 2024 State of the Nation Address, underscoring the government’s commitment to providing greater comfort and protection for OFWs during travel.

The first OFW Lounge opened at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in January 2024, followed by another six months later. The lounges provide comfortable waiting areas with free meals, internet access, and dedicated services.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan said the government is enhancing—not shutting down—the facilities.

“Instead of closing, we are in the process of beautifying, expanding, and looking for other locations where we can have a lounge,” she said.

Upcoming improvements include an expanded NAIA Terminal 1 lounge with DMW and OWWA booths where OFWs can print their e-cards before departure. On Oct. 1, NAIA Terminal 3 will open a new rest area with sleeping quarters, showers, and massage chairs for early-arriving OFWs or those needing rest before their flights.

Future OFW lounges are being considered for international airports in Cebu, Clark, and Davao.

Cacdac assured that the program is sustainable and will not be a burden, noting that lounge operations are integrated into overall airport costs.