MANILA, Philippines — The Commission of Human Rights (CHR) said that the establishment of a lounge for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 is a gesture of the country’s appreciation towards them.
According to the rights commission’s statement on Friday, the lounge will give tribute to OFWs whom they hailed as “modern-day” heroes.
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“Amidst the noise and crowd, airports bear silent witness to our OFWs’ tears as they bid farewell to their loved ones. The establishment of a lounge for them is a simple yet meaningful gesture that reflects our gratitude for their perseverance and sacrifices as the country’s modern-day heroes,” the CHR said.
In January, the lounge, which was a collaborative project between multiple government agencies, was opened.
It offers 24/7 amenities such as free food, water, seats, Wi-Fi connectivity, and charging stations.
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“This measure reflects our shared goal of maintaining our OFWs’ dignity and well-being, as well as their right to decent treatment and comfort while traveling,” the CHR added.
According to House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the lounge will be the first of other lounges that are planned to be built across other airports in the country, such as in Clark, Cebu, and Davao.