MCIA, partners to set up OFW Facilitation Center at the airport

CEBU, Philippines — The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), in collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Cebu Pacific, is set to enhance its support for Overseas  Filipino workers (OFWs) through the establishment of a dedicated “OFW Facilitation Center” at the airport's Terminal 2.

According to MCIA, the new facility will streamline essential documentation processes, including the issuance of Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs), to provide a more seamless departure and arrival experience for OFWs.

The construction of the center is scheduled to begin this month, with operations expected before the end of the second quarter of 2025.

 Athanasios Titonis, chief exceutive officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), said that as a key international gateway, MCIA has recognized the critical role OFWs play in the Philippine economy.

 Titonis said 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 the MCIA their preferred transit point.

The OFW Facilitation Center is part of the Cebu-Balik Project, an initiative aimed at boosting connectivity and ease of travel for returning OFWs.

The MCIA’s role in this project is to provide an OFW assistance kiosk at the airport to guide workers who may need support in processing travel documents; encourage OFW recruitment agencies to establish Cebu-based operations, allowing new workers to complete pre-departure formalities without traveling to Manila; and expand direct flights between Cebu and the Middle East, catering to the majority of returning workers.

 The MCIA said that with a total of 28 percent Middle East arrivals visiting the Visayas in 2023 and pre-pandemic levels averaging at 47 percent, it is a good opportunity to further solidify Cebu as a strategic hub for OFW travel.

 Additionally, the MCIA said its enhanced connectivity via Cebu is expected to drive further traffic growth, including tourism from international visitors linking through the airport.

 "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. This initiative is a step towards a more accessible, efficient, and welcoming travel experience for them,” said Julius G. Neri Jr., Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) general manager and chief executive officer.

MCIA added that it remained dedicated to collaborating with government agencies and airline partners to enhance services for OFWs, reinforcing its position as a vital link between the Philippines and the global workforce.

Meanwhile, the different partner agencies and stakeholders showed their support with the recently concluded Kabayan Mini-Trade Fair organized by the DMW-7, which is said to be the first in the region by encouraging their employees to buy from the OFW sellers.

Guests from Public Employment Services Office (PESO) Cebu City and PESO Carcar City graced the activity by getting-to-know the OFW sellers who are within their jurisdiction.

This partnership, DMW-7 said bridges the OFWs to the local government who can possibly offer assistance in their continued endeavor as entrepreneurs.

The participating OFW sellers, namely OFW Lisa Rollon, OFW Rhona Mae Quijano, and OFW Yuri Jordan Cañete were previous recipients of financial assistance under the DMW’s Livelihood Program for Overseas Filipino Workers Reintegration (LPOR) who up to date was able to sustain the business that they once proposed. -  JG (CEBU NEWS)