As a tribute to the hardworking Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) unveiled a new lounge exclusively for them at NAIA Terminal 1. The lounge, which opened in 2024, has been a welcoming and comfortable space for OFWs before their flights.
Catering to the needs of OFWs, the lounge offers various amenities and services to make their pre-flight experience as relaxing and convenient as possible. With its design inspired by VIP passenger lounges of top airlines, the OFW lounge at NAIA Terminal 1 has become a favorite among travelers.
Not only does it provide free access to all OFWs, regardless of their ticket type or class, but it also offers complimentary snacks, refreshments, and unlimited coffee. For those who need to catch up on work or stay connected with their loved ones, the lounge has free WiFi access and power outlets available. This OFW Lounge is the first of the many VIP lounges that OWWA plans to open in various international airports.
Overview
Rep. Wilter Palma of Zamboanga Sibugay 1st District proposed the OFW Resting Lounge Act in February 2023 in the hope of providing accommodations for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Philippine airports.
Before their flights, OFWs now have a fresh place to unwind. On January 14, 2024, a 24/7 VIP lounge for OFWs opened at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1. Regardless of what class of ticket they have, OFWs can use the lounge for free.
During the lounge’s inspection on January 14, House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez stated, ” We would like to express our sincere gratitude and admiration to our overseas workers for their continued contributions to the economic growth of our country and support of their families through remittances. Also, we want the lounge to serve as a place where our departing kababayan may strengthen or promote friendships, exchange stories, and possibly even discuss career opportunities.”
Romualdez highlighted the need to give OFWs a special area, similar to first-class lounges for privileged travelers.
This project is the first of several OFW VIP Lounges that are envisioned for Metro Manila, Clark, Cebu, and Davao international airports.
Romualdez declared, “Our OFWs are our modern-day heroes, and we wish to recognize their dedication to our country.”
Romualdez also added, “This dedicated space for departing OFWs is now open for their use.”
Projected by the OWWA, House of Representatives, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the free lounge for OFWs will be found at the fourth level of the departure area in NAIA Terminal 1, where a closed restaurant and spa previously located.
Benefits
The lounge guarantees OFWs “VIP” treatment, which includes:
- There is a support desk at the OFW lounge where OFW can ask the staff about their concerns and inquiries and also ask about OWWA programs and services.
- Plenty of cozy chairs and tables are also available for relaxing in.
- There are WiFi connections and power outlets available for anybody who wants to use their laptops for work.
- The charging station is another option for those who don’t want to spend time looking through their bags for their wires.
- OFWs can see the tarmac from the lounge’s large windows.
- With its cozy seating arrangements, the lounge lets OFWs relax and take a break.
- A comfortable area to chill out before departing is provided for OFWs, who can take advantage of unlimited coffee along with a variety of snacks and refreshments.
How to Access
The Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) lounge can be found in the fourth-floor pre-departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Terminal 1, Parañaque City. The OFW lounge, which is free of charge and available around the clock for hardworking Filipinos, offers amenities similar to those provided by first-class or business lounges.
All OFWs, regardless of the type of airline ticket they have, are welcome to use the lounge. There’s also NO requirement to use a special credit card for this one.
Airline business-class and first-class customers pay twice, three times, or more than those who travel in economy class; hence the lounge is designed after comparable areas that they operate exclusively for them.
Future Plans
The OFW Lounge’s idea comes from OWWA’s dedication to giving OFWs preferential treatment. The lounge is not only a physical space but also a representation of the country’s appreciation and respect for the efforts and achievements of OFWs. Arnell Ignacio said, “It is about time we treat them like true VIPs.”
This is only the beginning with the opening of the OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 1. OWWA plans on extending this program to additional airports around the country to give OFWs an equal standard of respect and comfort when they travel.
It is planned for the future project lounge to be located on Terminal 3’s left side. OFW-specific amenities will be available in the future to open opened OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3. Included in this are cozy chairs, power outlets and charging stations, Wi-Fi connectivity, and other relaxing amenities. Also, the lounge is going to have an information desk where OFWs can seek assistance with various connected services and answers to their inquiries.
A formal completion date is now being worked up by representatives from MIAA and OWWA, who gathered to decide on the next project’s scope and details.
Video: OWWA Agency Shares Quick Glimpse of OFW Lounge Before and After
OWWA and other authorities have been working very hard in order to set up this lounge. Here’s a glimpse for your reference of the before and after scenes:
Video: 24/7 OFW lounge sa NAIA Terminal 1, maaaring magamit nang libre ng OFWs
The OFW Lounges in Terminal 1 of NAIA are now open, which is fantastic news for many OFWs. OFW lounges are designed to improve the comfort and convenience of travel for OFWs, particularly during extended layovers or delayed flights. PTV Philippines has released a video about this update.
Through the development of this OFW Lounge at NAIA, OWWA hopes that it can help the hardworking OFWs make positive changes in their life, which will ultimately benefit a great deal for their families back home.