Manila, Philippines — A service hailed as a gesture of gratitude for the country’s “modern-day heroes” may soon be discontinued, with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) warning that its OFW lounges could shut down in 2026 due to insufficient funding.
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan made the disclosure during the House committee on appropriations’ hearing on the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). She explained that the Alagang OWWA Fund lacks the resources needed to sustain the operation of the lounges next year.
Lounges for Comfort and Dignity
Currently, OFW lounges operate at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3, offering a safe and comfortable waiting area for Filipinos leaving the country. Open 24/7, the lounges provide free food, charging stations, Wi-Fi connectivity, and other amenities to ease the travel experience of OFWs.
“These lounges are not contingent services; they are direct assistance for OFWs and their families,” Caunan emphasized.
Budget Shortfall
According to Caunan, the P142-million allocation in the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) is not enough to cover even a single lounge’s operations.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Chair, if we follow the P142-million allocation in the NEP, then we cannot continue the level of service that we’re giving our OFWs for not even one of the lounges. Mr. Chair, these lounges operate 24/7,” she said.
Call for Support
Agimat Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla had earlier raised the question on the status of the OFW lounges during the hearing, underscoring their importance to migrant workers.
OWWA is now appealing for additional budget support to ensure that the lounges can continue operating and expanding as part of its direct assistance to OFWs and their families
Source – Inquirer
