Overseas Filipino workers traveling through Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 now have a dedicated space to rest while waiting for their flights.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), together with New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), has opened a new OFW Transit Lounge at Terminal 3 in Pasay City. The facility serves OFWs leaving the country for work abroad, as well as those arriving in the Philippines with a confirmed domestic connecting flight.
The lounge is equipped with beds and massage chairs. It can accommodate up to 26 OFWs at any given time, and eligible users may stay for up to three hours.
OWWA said the time limit is meant to allow more workers to use the facility, especially during peak travel hours. The agency also said the lounge is part of its continuing effort to improve airport services for Filipino migrant workers.
The opening was announced through a post on OWWA’s official Facebook page, where the agency said the new facility aims to give OFWs a comfortable place to rest during their journey.
Who Can Use the Lounge
The transit lounge is not open to all airport passengers. OWWA said it is intended for two groups of OFWs:
- Workers departing for overseas employment
- Workers arriving from abroad who have a confirmed domestic connecting flight from NAIA Terminal 3
To gain entry, OFWs must present documents showing their status as overseas Filipino workers and confirming their travel arrangements. The agency said use of the lounge remains subject to its existing policies.
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan said the facility recognizes the physical demands of travel for OFWs, whether they are leaving for work or returning home.
“Patuloy nating pinapabuti ang mga pasilidad sa paliparan upang magkaroon ang mga OFW ng maayos at komportableng lugar na mapagpapahingahan habang naghihintay ng kanilang biyahe,” Caunan said.
She also thanked NNIC for supporting the project, saying cooperation between the government and the private sector helps improve the airport experience of OFWs.
What the Facility Offers
Unlike a regular airport waiting area, the transit lounge provides spaces where workers can lie down and rest before continuing their journey.
The facility includes:
- Beds for short-term rest
- Massage chairs
- Space for up to 26 OFWs at a time
- A maximum stay of three hours
The lounge is separate from the main OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3. It is intended for short layovers and waiting periods, not overnight accommodation.
Earlier reports on the Terminal 3 facility noted that it includes sleeping quarters and other rest amenities for OFWs who arrive early or need to recover before their next flight.
Help for Distressed OFWs
OWWA also reminded arriving workers who need immediate assistance to approach its Airport Arrival Assistance Desk.
The desk is located in the arrival area, after Customs, at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3. It serves distressed OFWs who have just returned to the country and need support.
Depending on OWWA’s existing rules, assistance may include:
- Transportation
- Food
- Temporary accommodation
The agency said distressed workers should go directly to the assistance desk for proper assessment and referral.
Part of Wider OFW Services
The new transit lounge adds to OWWA’s network of airport facilities for Filipino migrant workers. The agency already operates OFW lounges at NAIA Terminal 1, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and Clark International Airport.
The expansion of these lounges is part of the government’s broader program to improve services for OFWs under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
OWWA said it will continue coordinating with NNIC and other partners to strengthen facilities and services that support OFWs during departure and arrival.
For workers passing through Terminal 3, the agency advised them to prepare their OFW and travel documents before heading to the lounge to avoid delays in entry.