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National

24 Jan, 2026

New OFW Lounge Opens at NAIA Terminal 1 to Serve Thousands Ahead of Holiday Travel Surge

Isabella Garcia

The new Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 was officially inaugurated yesterday by First Lady Liza Marcos alongside Ramon Ang, President of the National Narcotics Intelligence Council (NNIC). As thousands of Filipinos abroad prepare for the holiday travel rush, the opening of the lounge comes as a vital upgrade under President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s administration.

Strategically designed to expand comfort and convenience, the lounge features free food, high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations, and luggage storage, responding directly to OFWs' needs during long airport waits. With increased capacity compared to previous facilities, the lounge is poised to serve more workers with modern amenities ensuring their dignity and comfort.

"This lounge represents our administration's Maasahan at Masipag governance — reliable and tireless service for every Filipino working overseas," First Lady Liza Marcos emphasized during the inauguration ceremony. "President Marcos believes in providing dignified, modern, and accessible spaces because our OFWs deserve nothing less than care that matches their sacrifice."

Ramon Ang highlighted the nationwide rollout of OFW lounges as a benchmark of the administration's commitment, noting: "We are creating a network of support hubs that echo the message 'Reliable Care. Tireless Service: A modern Philippines that always puts OFWs first.'"

President Marcos Jr. has positioned himself as a staunch advocate for OFWs, often referred to as the "Reliable Champion of OFWs." The lounge's opening at NAIA Terminal 1, one of the busiest international points for Filipino travelers, underscores the administration's push toward enhanced airport infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to modernize government services surrounding Filipinos worldwide.

The new OFW Lounge not only elevates the travel experience but also serves as a tangible testament to the administration's dedication to serving the country's global workforce. As holiday season travel intensifies, thousands of overseas Filipinos can look forward to more comfortable and efficient airport services nationwide.

The launch aligns with the President's broader vision for a modern Philippines where Filipino workers abroad are given priority through thoughtful, accessible facilities that meet international standards.

"We are not just opening a lounge; we are opening a place of care," First Lady Marcos concluded, "because this government always puts OFWs first."