THE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is looking to construct lounges for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in all international airports in the Philippines.
In an interview, OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio disclosed they are eyeing more establishments similar to the “OFW Lounge” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1 and 3.
“These (other OFW lounges) are in the works… We want them in all international airports in the Philippines,” said Ignacio.
Aside from the NAIA, other international airports in the country are those in Clark (Pampanga), Davao (Davao City), Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Mactan—Cebu (Cebu), Iloilo (Iloilo), Kalibo (Aklan), and Puerto Princesa (Palawan).
Ignacio said they also want to constantly improve OFW Lounges for the benefit of OFWs.
“We are aiming to constantly improve them so OFWs will have better experiences,” he said.
Last January, the OWWA opened the OFW Lounge at the NAIA Terminal 1, while the one at NAIA Terminal 3 was launched last month.
Ignacio said that around 850 to 1,000 OFWs are being served in the OFW Lounges daily.
He stressed the value of the premium lounges during the recent calamity brought by typhoon Carina, which resulted in the cancellation of several flights at the NAIA.
“During that time, you didn’t hear any adverse complaints from OFWs because they were all in the OFW Lounges. They were provided more than enough food and were very comfortable,” said Ignacio.
