Cebu, Philippines – Filipino workers flying out of Cebu and the rest of the Visayas now have a dedicated space to rest before their flights. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has officially opened a new OFW Lounge at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the third of its kind in the country.
According to a statement from OWWA, the facility is the third international OFW Lounge run under its Alagang OWWA program, following the lounges at NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. It was built in partnership with Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
What the New Lounge Offers
The lounge can seat up to 80 people and comes packed with amenities meant to make travel less stressful. Inside, departing OFWs can access:
- Free food and drinks
- Comfortable resting areas
- Free Wi-Fi
- Charging stations
- Assistance desks for OFW-related concerns
Beyond comfort, the space doubles as a service hub. OWWA frontline services are available on-site, including membership registration and renewal, OWWA E-Card issuance, and other welfare and social protection services. This lets workers settle their paperwork without leaving the airport.
Exclusive Discounts for E-Card Holders
Alongside the lounge launch, OWWA teamed up with SSP Mactan Cebu to roll out dining and retail discounts for OWWA E-Card holders at partner shops inside the terminal. The first batch of participating establishments includes:
- Burger King
- Ritazza
- Asian Kitchen
- Nippon Ramen
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
- BonChon
- Cabin Kitchen + Bar
Officials say more partners may join as the program grows.
Faster Travel Document Help
A DMW OFW Facilitation Center also opened inside MCIA on the same day. The center handles urgent concerns tied to the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and other travel documents, giving workers quick support right before departure.
A Lounge of Their Own
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan said the new facility honors the sacrifices of Filipino workers.
“We believe our OFWs deserve a lounge of their own in one of the country’s finest international airports here in Cebu,” she said. “Through this OFW Lounge, we are bringing OWWA and DMW services closer to our migrant workers, ensuring they receive the care, protection, and support they deserve at every stage of their migration journey.”
The MCIA lounge forms part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s pledge to set up more OFW airport lounges and strengthen social protection for the country’s modern-day heroes.