THE Marcos administration is determined to give back, through comfortable lounges, to overseas Filipino workers by “institutionalizing” 24/7 free OFW Lounges in all international airports in the country.
Zamboanga Sibugay First District Rep. Wilter Palma, an OFW advocate, filed House Bill (HB) No. 7065 (OFW Resting Lounge Act) to “institutionalize” the establishment of such areas in airports across the country, where departing OFWs – dubbed as modern-day heroes – can relax and enjoy.
“Having observed the challenges faced by OFWs in various international airports, this bill aims to cater to the welfare of OFWs by providing them with the necessary facilities and amenities to assist them on their journeys,” the House Deputy Majority Leader said.
“This bill seeks to institutionalize the provision of dedicated resting lounges within key airports by offering an area where OFWs can find comfort, assistance and a moment of respite amidst the challenges of international travel,” the senior Mindanao lawmaker said.
Palma thanked Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for supporting his advocacy.
“The Speaker’s swift action paved the way for the urgent establishment of the lounge in coordination with OWWA, DMW, MIAA under President Marcos and the House to immediately address the needs of OFWs,” he recalled.
“The creation is a step in the right direction toward enhancing the welfare of our modern-day heroes. Their support towards these initiatives carries a symbolic weight, signifying the commitment of the 19th Congress to prioritize the well-being of OFWs,” Palma added.
More OFW Lounges
“We should definitely be proud of this achievement and we hope that we can further create more OFW Lounges within the country to cater to the increasing number of OFWs coming in and out of the country,” he said.
The Speaker said the use by OFWs of their VIP lounge at NAIA Terminal 1 is “free of charge,” regardless of what type of air tickets they are holding. A similar space is already being prepared at nearby Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, also in Pasay City.
The lounge is patterned after similar spaces run by airlines but only for their business-class and first-class passengers, who are paying twice, thrice or more than economy-class riders, the Leyte congressman added.
Romualdez pointed out that OFWs would enjoy the amenities of airline lounge like assistance desk, comfortable seating, wi-fi, charging stations, and power outlets, food, including lugaw or porridge, sandwiches, drinks like water, coffee and juice, biscuits, pastries, egg, and the like.
Speaker Romualdez revealed that the OFW Lounge is a joint project of the House, OWWA, Department of Migrant Workers, and Manila International Airport Authority.
The space would also include help desk where workers could seek assistance and answers to queries, or discuss their concerns. “We also intend the lounge to be a place where our departing kababayans could build or foster camaraderie, and share experiences and maybe job prospects,” he said.
