Cebu Pacific extends free flights, humanitarian aid to OFW families
Gokongwei-owned Cebu Pacific (CEB) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a non-government organization (NGO) to provide travel and transport services that will support welfare programs for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
CEB's partnership with United Filipino Global (UFG) entails the "provision of free flights to select OFW beneficiaries, endorsement of potential scholarship grants to OFW children, and special flights for humanitarian assistance and transport to distressed OFWs in cases of natural disasters, emergencies and critical situations."

The airline has also committed to organizing information campaigns for OFWs on safe air travel practices, and encouraging OFW families and children to join the CEB's internship programs.
Among the signatories of the MOU are CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Candice Iyog, UFG President Gemma Sotto, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Director Rosalia Catapang, Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary Atty. Patricia Yvonne Caunan, and Police Lieutenant General Rhodel Sermonia, deputy chief administrator of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Cebu Pacific looks forward to this partnership with UFG with the objective of assisting OFWs on their journey. Our commitment goes beyond providing flights, it extends to creating a meaningful experience for our kababayans. We understand the challenges they face, and we are providing the necessary support aside from our commitment to make air travel safe, reliable, and affordable,” said Iyog.
Meanwhile, Sotto said that with its collaboration with CEB, their NGO's programs may reach and be received by OFW beneficiaries.
"We are hoping that we can be an instrument for our OFWs and their children, and continue to make a difference in their lives. We look forward to start our programs with Cebu Pacific,” she added.
Previously, CEB has carried several flights to provide free transport to distressed OFWs back to the Philippines such as the repatriation of more than 11,000 Filipinos from Dubai and the Middle East affected by Covid-19 lockdowns in 2021.