THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday affirmed the pronouncement of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) that they not shutting down OFW lounges.
In a statement, the DMW guaranteed that the OFW lounges at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1 and 3 will continue to be operational.
“Rest assured that the DMW and OWWA are committed to providing safe, comfortable, and convenient spaces for all OFWs in appreciation of their immense contribution to the social and economic transformation of our Bagong Pilipinas,” it said.
“We assure the public that the OFW lounges in NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 are not closing,” it added.
Earlier, reports came out that the OFW lounges may stop operating in 2026 due to the possible budget cut faced by the OWWA.
Last Saturday, OWWA said the reports are false, and said that in fact, the existing lounges are set to be expanded and improved.
It also said that the opening of additional lounges is already in the pipeline.
“The DMW and OWWA will continue to upgrade facilities, expand services, add more lounges, and sustain the free food and amenities that our OFWs deserve,” it said.
“A better and more comfortable lounge will reopen soon at NAIA Terminal 1, with additional lounges being prepared in Cebu and Clark and other areas,” added the DMW.
