The new OFW Lounge and Facilitation Center opened on June 26 through a partnership among the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Cebu Pacific.
"At the heart of this milestone is a fundamental goal: bringing dignity to the journey of every OFW," said DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac.
"Every Filipino who leaves our shores to work abroad is an ambassador of our nation's talent, resilience, and character. They deserve nothing less than a dignified departure and a dignified arrival. They should never feel like second-class citizens in their own land,” he added.
Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the OFW Lounge and Facilitation Center on Thursday.
They were joined by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia King-Chan, Cebu City Chief of Staff Kenneth Siasar, Mandaue City Councilor Carlo Fortuna, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) General Manager and CEO Julius G. Neri Jr., Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. (ACAC) general manager Ricia Vinelli Montejo, and Cebu Pacific vice president for corporate affairs Maria Cecilia Natividad.
Designed for OFWs' needs
The facilities are key components of MCIA's CEB Balik program, a strategic initiative aimed at establishing a comprehensive support system for OFWs at the airport.
The OFW Lounge is located on the Terminal 2 departures level near Gate 16, where departing OFWs can wait comfortably before their flights. It features comfortable seating, charging stations and refreshments.
OFWs can also access OWWA programs and services on-site, including OFW e-Card printing.
The OFW Facilitation Center, located on the Terminal 2 arrivals level near the pickup area, serves as a one-stop shop for returning and transiting OFWs. Established in partnership with Cebu Pacific, the center allows OFWs to complete essential government transactions at the airport, including the processing of Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs).
According to Cacdac, the initiative is aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure every Filipino worker feels the active and supportive presence of the government—not just in policy and paperwork, but "in real, felt, and meaningful service."
“Today, right here in Cebu, we show that the DMW is deeply committed to bringing that government presence closer to our people," he added.
Well-deserved space
Caunan, for her part, said OFWs deserve a dedicated space because they work tirelessly around the world while carrying the hopes of their families and the country.
“The opening of this beautiful lounge and the integration of crucial OWWA services here at MCIA means less time worrying about administrative tasks and more time resting or spending precious final moments with their loved ones," she added.
Montejo said the new facilities demonstrate MCIA's commitment to providing compassionate service and a comfortable airport experience, especially for OFWs.
"We are more than just an airport; we are their gateway to new opportunities and their first embrace when they return. Our goal is to ensure that our services consistently reflect that care and elevate their airport experience," she said.
Public-private partnership
Neri expressed gratitude to the partners that made the initiative possible, saying the project demonstrated what can be achieved when the government and private sector work hand in hand.
“By centralizing these critical services needed by OFWs and providing a dedicated space for them, we significantly ease the burden of their travel. We extend our deepest gratitude to the DMW, OWWA, our local government leaders, ACAC and Cebu Pacific Air for helping us make this vision a reality," he said.
Cebu Pacific chief marketing and customer experience officer Candice Iyog underscored the importance of providing efficient services tailored to the needs of OFWs.
“We recognize the invaluable contributions of overseas Filipino workers to our nation and remain committed to supporting their journey every step of the way. The opening of this facility reflects our ongoing efforts to provide more accessible and responsive services that address the unique needs of OFWs and their families,” said Iyog. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
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