A party-list lawmaker on Tuesday welcomed the opening of an OFW Lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, saying the facility offers an accessible place of rest and comfort for overseas Filipino workers who have to endure hours of strenuous journey between the Philippines and their host countries.
Rep. Marissa Magsino of OFW party-list group also expressed gratitude for the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for a job well done in putting up the OFW Lounge.
The OWWA proceeded with the soft opening of the OFW Lounge following an inspection by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
“The OFW Party-List has been closely working with OWWA, DMW, MIAA, and DOTr on the establishment of OFW Lounges in our international airports, particularly in NAIA Terminals 1 and 3. During the inspection conducted by the OFW Party List, OWWA, and MIAA on Oct. 11, 2023 and Nov. 30, 2023, we saw the exhaustive preparations at the proposed lounge in NAIA Terminal 1 to make it equipped with essential amenities such as refreshments, Wi-Fi connectivity for communication and information gathering purposes, battery charging docks and power outlets, and paging system,” Magsino said.
“I sincerely thank all the stakeholders for their aggressive push to make the OFW Lounge a reality as our OFWs deserve a place where they can find solace and convenience amidst their demanding journeys,” she added.
During the budget deliberations in Congress last in September last year, Magsino urged the DOTr to put up OFW lounges in international airports. She also filed House Resolution 1305 seeking an inquiry on the establishment of the OFW lounges.
The DOTr through the MIAA also designated a 270-square meter OFW lounge at NAIA Terminal 3. This is currently under construction in collaboration with the OWWA and the DMW.