PHILIPPINES — Overseas Filipino Workers departing from Clark International Airport will soon have a dedicated space to rest, eat, and access government services before their flights. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation signed a Memorandum of Agreement on July 21, 2026, paving the way for the OFW Lounge at Terminal 2 to open on September 16.
A Comfortable Haven Before Departure
The lounge is designed to ease the physical toll of long journeys to the airport. Many OFWs travel hours from their hometowns, often arriving exhausted and hungry. Once inside, they will find a secure, air‑conditioned space with reclining seats, free high‑speed Wi‑Fi, and charging stations to reconnect with loved ones before boarding.
Complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages will be served, removing the need to spend on airport food. A dedicated OWWA help desk will process membership renewals, answer welfare queries, and provide information on government programs. The facility ensures that every departing worker feels cared for from the moment they step into the terminal.
Seamless Collaboration for OFW Welfare
The agreement outlines a clear division of responsibilities. OWWA will manage daily operations, staff the lounge, and deliver social services. LIPAD Corporation, which operates Clark International Airport, will provide the terminal space, utilities, and logistical support to keep the facility running smoothly around the clock.
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan emphasized that the lounge is a tangible expression of government gratitude. She acknowledged that nothing can fully compensate for the sacrifice of leaving family, but having a comfortable place to rest before a flight shows that the government is thinking ahead for its modern‑day heroes.
Expanding Nationwide Reach
Clark becomes the fourth major airport to host such a facility, joining existing lounges at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, NAIA Terminal 3, and Mactan‑Cebu International Airport. This expansion brings the service closer to OFWs in Central and Northern Luzon who use Clark as their gateway.
The network of lounges is part of a broader strategy to provide seamless care throughout the migration cycle. By placing help desks directly inside departure terminals, OWWA ensures that workers can resolve issues and access benefits without having to visit separate offices. The Clark lounge will reinforce this nationwide safety net.
Fulfilling a Presidential Promise
The initiative directly implements the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to establish dedicated OFW lounges in all major international airports. Administrator Caunan said the project reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that government compassion reaches every Filipino worker even before they leave the country.
The lounge is expected to be fully operational and open to all departing OFWs starting September 16. Workers simply need to present a valid passport, boarding pass, and proof of OFW status to gain free access. With the opening date now set, the countdown begins to a more dignified departure for thousands of Filipino workers.
