DAVAO CITY (December 26)— The opening of the first Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Airport Lounge outside Luzon marks a major milestone in the expansion of migrant worker services, with Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno lauding the initiative as a decisive step toward inclusive governance.
Speaking during the launch at Davao International Airport on Monday, December 23, Magno said the project reflects a people-centered approach to development—one that recognizes the indispensable role of migrant workers.
“Hindi lamang imprastraktura, hindi lamang edukasyon at agrikultura ang dapat pag-usapan. Dapat pag-usapan ang tao, lalo na ang ating mga OFWs,” Magno said.
He noted that the lounge will directly benefit more than 300,000 Mindanaoan OFWs who continue to sustain their families and communities through employment abroad.
“Matagal na silang bayani. Sa laki ng tulong na ginagawa nila sa kanilang mga pamilya at pamayanan, dapat lamang na bigyan sila ng importansya,” he added.
The project aligns with the priority agenda of the administration of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which has directed agencies to adopt a whole-of-government approach to OFW welfare—strengthening frontline services and making government presence more visible, accessible, and compassionate.
Under this directive, services ranging from documentation and assistance to reintegration are being delivered in a more humane, efficient, and dignified manner. The administration has also emphasized addressing the emotional toll faced by OFWs, particularly during departures and arrivals, by providing facilities that help ease the bittersweet experience of working overseas.
The OFW Airport Lounge in Davao offers amenities comparable to a business-class lounge, including comfortable seating, free food and coffee, flight announcements, and access to on-site government assistance desks.
“Ang pahiwatig ng ating Pangulo ay ilabas ang ating serbisyo sa labas ng Metro Manila,” Cacdac said, underscoring the intent to decentralize OFW services.
He added that the facility aims to lessen the emotional burden carried by migrant workers as they leave their loved ones behind.
“Ang OFW experience ay very bittersweet—halo ng lungkot at saya. Something as simple yet meaningful as a place where they can stay already tells them that the government supports them,” he said.
Calling the lounge a tribute to migrant workers, Cacdac stressed that respect and dignity should begin even before departure.
“Ito ang aming parangal sa inyo. Dito pa lang sa pag-alis, tinatrato na namin kayo bilang very important persons,” he said.
The launch comes at a poignant time, coinciding with the Christmas season when many OFWs return home or prepare to depart after spending the holidays with their families.
As the first OFW Airport Lounge established outside Luzon, the Davao facility sets a precedent for expanding migrant-focused services across the country. Cacdac said the DMW is studying similar facilities in Cebu and other cities with international gateways.
“Mahalaga na kahit saan tumingin ang OFW, may gobyernong handang lapitan,” he said.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
