A new lounge for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) officially opened at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) on Friday, June 26, 2026, providing a dedicated space with comfort, government services, and travel assistance before departure.
Project Partners and Inauguration
The facility is a collaboration among the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), and Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. (Acac). The inauguration was led by DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Owwa Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Acac General Manager Ricia Montejo, MCIAA General Manager and CEO Julius Neri Jr., Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan, and Provincial Administrator Joseph Felix “Ace” Durano, who represented Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro.
Facilities and Capacity
Caunan noted that this is the country’s third international OFW Lounge, following those at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3. The lounge can accommodate up to 80 OFWs and offers free food and drinks, comfortable resting areas, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and assistance desks for various OFW-related concerns. It also houses Owwa frontline services, including membership registration and renewal, Owwa E-Card issuance, and other welfare programs, allowing OFWs to conveniently access government services while waiting for their flights.
Government Commitment
Cacdac emphasized that the DMW and Owwa continue to strengthen collaboration to provide more accessible and responsive assistance through integrated services. He explained that OFWs, whether arriving or departing, can access government assistance, including medical and financial aid when needed.
Caunan added that the facility uses a real-time monitoring system via QR codes, allowing OFWs to scan upon entry and exit while enabling Owwa to track the number of users inside the lounge. Eligible OFWs may also process their Owwa E-Cards while using the facility. “The least we can do is to make sure they feel valued before they even board a plane,” Caunan said.
Private Sector Support
Montejo described the lounge as a tribute to the sacrifices and contributions of OFWs. “The space belongs to you — for your tears, your sweat and the immense pride you bring to our country,” she said. Neri expressed gratitude to the government agencies and private partners and reaffirmed MCIAA’s commitment: “I assure you of 101 percent support from MCIAA.”
Expanded Benefits
The launch also marked Owwa’s partnership with SSP Mactan Cebu, granting Owwa E-Card holders exclusive dining and retail discounts at participating establishments within MCIA, further expanding benefits for OFWs.
