RECOGNIZING the big contribution of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to the country’s economy, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Cebu Pacific have joined forces to establish a dedicated OFW Facilitation Center at Terminal 2.
The facility, aimed at streamlining essential documentation processes, will provide a seamless departure and arrival experience for OFWs, including the issuance of Overseas Employment Certificates. Construction is set to begin in March 2025, with operations expected before the end of the second quarter of 2025.
“As a key international gateway, MCIA recognizes the critical role OFWs play in the Philippine economy. With 35 percent of OFWs coming from the Cebu catchment and a significant portion traveling to and from different areas of the world particularly the Middle East, we see this initiative as an important step in making MCIA their preferred transit point,” said Athanasios Titonis, chief executive officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp., in a statement.
The OFW Facilitation Center is part of the Ceb-Balik Project, a strategic initiative aimed at improving connectivity and ease of travel for returning OFWs. Under this initiative, MCIA will establish an OFW assistance kiosk at the airport to help workers navigate travel document processing as well as encourage OFW recruitment agencies to set up Cebu-based operations, reducing the need for workers to travel to Manila for pre-departure formalities. The agreement also aims to expand direct flights between Cebu and the Middle East, addressing the needs of returning workers and enhancing Cebu’s role as a central transit hub.
“We recognize the valuable contributions of OFWs to our economy and the need for seamless access to essential services. This partnership is part of our ongoing commitment to making air travel more convenient and responsive to the needs of overseas Filipino workers,” said Candice Iyog, CEB chief marketing and customer experience officer.
The DMW also expressed its full support for the initiative, reaffirming its commitment to providing OFWs with more accessible and efficient services.
“This partnership is not just about building a facility; it symbolizes our deep appreciation for the invaluable contributions of our OFWs. This center will be a one-stop service hub offering essential services. It will be a place where they and their families can find comfort, guidance, a sense of community and VIP treatment,” said DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac.
With 28 percent of Middle East arrivals in 2023 destined for the Visayas—compared to pre-pandemic levels of 47 percent—MCIA aims to further solidify Cebu as a strategic hub for OFW travel. Additionally, enhanced connectivity is expected to drive increased passenger traffic, including international tourism.
According to Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority general manager and chief executive officer Julius G. Neri Jr., MCIA remains committed to providing a more accessible, efficient and welcoming travel experience for OFWs.
“We are committed to making MCIA a hub not only for travelers but also for the hardworking
OFWs who contribute immensely to our nation’s progress,” he said. / KOC