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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Space to relax and enjoy: Solon thanks Romualdez for supporting OFW lounge advocacy

Space to relax and enjoy: Solon thanks Romualdez for supporting OFW lounge advocacy

Published Jan 16, 2024 11:02 pm

At A Glance

  • House Deputy Majority Leader Zamboanga Sibugay 1st district Rep. Wilter Yap Palma expressed his gratitude to House Speaker Martin Romualdez after the recent opening of a 24/7 free lounge for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at the country's main gateway.
  • With his bill, Palma aims to institutionalize free OFW lounges in international airports across the country. 
  • By institutionalizing it, it permanently establishes these dedicated lounges as a necessary facility for airports.

OFW Lounge.jpgA look at the newly-opened OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 1. (House of Representative Facebook)

House Deputy Majority Leader Zamboanga Sibugay 1st district Rep. Wilter Yap Palma expressed his gratitude to House Speaker Martin Romualdez after the recent opening of a 24/7 free lounge for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at the country’s main gateway.

On Sunday, Jan. 14, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 opened the doors to its OFW Lounge—a dedicated space where OFWs can relax and enjoy.

Described as befitting for VIPs (Very Important Persons) by Romualdez, the facility is actually free of charge regardless of the type of plane ticket the OFW bought.

The lounge offers a variety of amenities, namely food and drinks, an assistance desk, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, charging stations, and power outlets.

Palma, a longtime OFW advocate, thanked Romualdez and President Marcos for supporting his advocacy—that is, to institutionalize free OFW lounges in international airports across the country.

By institutionalizing it, it permanently establishes these dedicated lounges as a necessary facility for airports.

“The creation [of the OFW lounge] 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 said in a statement on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

“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 added.

Palma embodied this advocacy under House Bill (HB) No. 7065 or the OFW Resting Lounge Act.

“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 solon said.

The lawmaker envisioned these lounges as areas where “OFWs can find comfort, assistance and a moment of respite amidst the challenges of international travel".

The OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 1 is a joint project of the House of Representatives, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

A similar space is already being prepared at the nearby NAIA Termina 3, also in Pasay City.

Related Tags

Overseas Fililpino Workers (OFWs) wilter palma Ninoy Aquino International Airport Martin Romualdez ofw lounge
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