Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are our “Modern-Day Heroes” due to their economic contribution and sacrifices for their families. They endure much hardship and loneliness just to satisfy their families’ needs. For this reason, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), together with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), come up with a plan that will give comfort to OFWs while staying in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The OFW Lounge at Terminals 1 and 3 of NAIA. This lounge offers VIP services such as comfortable seats, power outlets, charging docks, WI-FI, and other amenities that will help OFWs to be more comfortable while waiting for their flight. There will be an information desk dedicated to OFWs where they can ask questions about their trip and the amenities they can use.
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Purpose of OFW VIP Lounge
The OFW VIP Lounge is the first step of the Philippine government to give VIP-like services to all Overseas Filipino Workers. This lounge will provide comfort and convenience to OFWs while they are waiting for their flights. This project is necessary to make OFWs feel important and that the Philippine government cares about their comfort. This is just a small initiative compared to the contributions that the OFWs give to our economy.
Benefits of OFW VIP Lounge
Our OFWs have greatly contributed to the Philippine economy and provide a huge advantage to our workforce by upgrading their work skills. Every day, hundreds of OFWs come in and out of the country. The airport is where they feel saddest about leaving and happiest about returning home. In case of delayed or canceled flights, the VIP Lounge will be the place where they can stay and wait for updates regarding their flights. The least we can give them is to provide a worry-free and comfy waiting area to relax. The OFW VIP Lounge provides:
- Comfortable seat
- Wi-Fi connection
- Power outlets and charging docks
- Information desk dedicated to OFWs
- Cozy ambiance
- Online community for OFWs
- Free coffee/beverages
- Free food
Access to the OFW VIP Lounge
The OFW VIP Lounges are only located at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City, Metro Manila. There are no OFW Lounge to other airports in the Philippines. To enjoy the amenities, you can follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Go to NAIAA and make sure to arrive early to make sure you have enough time to check-in.
Step 2: Go to the OFW VIP Lounge. For Terminal 1, the lounge is located on 4th floor next to the pre-departure area. For Terminal 3, it is located on the left side when you are facing the terminal.
Step 3: Show your OFW documents. The lounge is specifically designated for the comfort of all OFWs, so non-OFWs can’t use it. The airport staff will ask for proof that you are a legitimate OFW. You must show them:
- Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)
- OFW e-card
Step 4: Go to the OFW VIP Lounge area. After showing the airport staff the proof, you can go to the lounge and enjoy the amenities.
Video: OFW LOUNGE at NAIA Terminal 1 Now Open
Watch this video by Taga DDT Channel as personally take a tour and enjoy the amenities of the OFW VIP Lounge.
Summary
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and other Philippine government agencies recognize the hardship and the sacrifice that every OFW is enduring just to provide for their families. They have to put up with homesickness, language barriers, culture shock, and discrimination in their host country.
The OFW VIP Lounge is designed to give comfort and ease, for just a little, the sadness that they feel going back to their job. The lounge is a special space where all OFWs can talk together and connect. There are also power outlets and charging docks that are essentials now in every amenities because everyone uses a gadget now. Airline flights in the Philippines are also known for delays and, sadly, cancellations so having cozy seats will be helpful while waiting for the flights. There are also free food and drinks that OFWs will surely love. So make sure to take advantage of this service and enjoy your flight.