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| OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3 |
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has amended the rules at its OFW lounges at the Manila Airport, to accommodate those who arrive from abroad and have domestic connecting flights within 24 hours.
The amendment came after a Facebook post that became viral
recounted an OFW's experience of being initially rejected upon her arrival at NAIA
Terminal 3 from Miami, because her connecting domestic flight was more than 6 hours
later. She was later accommodated, but only for six hours.
“OWWA listens to the experiences, comments, and suggestions
of our OFWs,” it said in a Facebook page. “… we apologize for the added fatigue
and frustration this has caused to our compatriots upon their return home.
Every comment is an opportunity to review our policies and further improve our
service.”
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
The post said OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan, along with OWWA Management, visited the OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3 to observe the actual operations, listen to OFWs, meet with frontline personnel, and ensure that the clarifications and improvements are clearly and properly implemented.
OWWA clarified the following guidelines:
- Returning OFWs who arrived from an international flight and have a confirmed domestic connecting flight within 24 hours of their arrival may use the OFW Lounge.
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- But the maximum of six hours per Loungevisit for all other OFWs will remain to ensure equitable access and to provide an opportunity for everyone to use the Lounge.
- The 24-hour period for inbound OFWs with connecting flights is the basis of eligibility and does not imply a continuous 24-hour stay in the Lounge.
- Extension of stay may be considered based on available capacity and verified special circumstances, such as medical needs, senior citizen status, disability, and other situations requiring additional assistance.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
The OWWA post said that every day, an estimated 4,000 to
6,000 OFWs depart from NAIA. “The seating capacity of the OFW Lounge in
Terminal 3 is limited to 216 and 140 in Terminal 1. The six-hour limit is
important so that more OFWs can take advantage of the facility, especially
those whose departure time is approaching,”it added.
OWWA has an online, real-time OFW Lounge Management and
Monitoring System to monitor the number of users and available seating capacity
in each Lounge. Before entering, OFWs can see on the display outside how many
slots are still available. Through this, they can immediately know the actual
situation in the facility, avoid overcrowding, and better manage the use of the
Lounge.
“When the Lounge is full, our personnel will implement a
proper waiting or queuing system. OFWs will also be clearly informed of the
current occupancy, expected waiting time, and available assistance,” OWWA said.
It added that all frontline personnel were reminded of the
proper implementation of the clarified guidelines.
“Beyond following the policy, they are expected to treat
each OFW with understanding, patience, respect, and concern, especially those
who are tired from long trips or have special needs,” the OWWA said.
OWWA will also coordinate with the New NAIA Infra Corp. to
study possible measures to improve operations and expand the OFW Lounges.
“We also request that respect and understanding be practiced
among each other. May personal judgments be avoided against the OFW who shared
their experiences and our frontline personnel who continue to serve. We can
express our opinions, listen to each side, clarify policies, and improve
services without hurting or belittling anyone,” the OWWA said.
