Traveling overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can now enjoy a dedicated space of comfort and convenience with the official inauguration of the new OFW Lounge at Terminal 2 of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) on Friday, June 26, 2026.
The Cebu facility marks the third dedicated OFW Lounge in the country. It is designed to provide amenities and a relaxing atmosphere for migrant workers as they depart for employment overseas.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac led the inauguration ceremony alongside officials from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), Aboitiz InfraCapital, and the Cebu Provincial Government, represented by Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano. Key local leaders, including Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King Chan and Mandaue City Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna, were also in attendance. To formalize the partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed among the stakeholder agencies during the event.
In his keynote address, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac emphasized that the lounge represents the national government’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices and economic contributions of modern-day heroes.
“We’re here today to honor our courageous OFWs as we deliver a long-awaited and sacred promise. We are fulfilling the mandate of the Department of Migrant Workers and OWWA—to serve, protect, and stand with our overseas Filipino workers,” Sec. Cacdac said.
“This lounge is not just a physical waiting area with comfortable chairs, amenities, and a space designed with care. It is also a place of comfort—a tangible expression of our gratitude and love. Ito po ay bilang parangal, bilang ganti, bilang panukli sa pagod na inyong inilalaan para sa bayan.”
Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano delivered a message on behalf of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, reaffirming the province’s commitment to supporting migrant workers and highlighting the inherent hospitality of the Cebuano spirit.
Beyond a space for departure comfort, the government and airport stakeholders also inaugurated a brand-new Facilitation Center located at the Terminal 2 Arrival Area. This one-stop service hub is designed to offer faster, accessible, and hassle-free administrative assistance to both departing and returning OFWs.
The Facilitation Center will provide critical services, including:
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OFW Pass processing
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Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) exemption requests
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Document verification and validation
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Employment and career transition support
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Reintegration assistance for returning OFWs
The launch of both the OFW Lounge and the Facilitation Center reflects a unified effort by government agencies and private sector partners to ensure Filipino migrant workers feel valued, supported, and protected at every stage of their journey.
