DAVAO CITY — The inauguration of the first OFW Airport Lounge outside Luzon at the Davao International Airport is, without a doubt, a milestone that deserves recognition. For decades, overseas Filipino workers—especially those from Mindanao—have longed for better and more accessible support services. And this time, they did not have to look toward Metro Manila to feel valued.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno lauded the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for finally extending such frontline services to the region, calling the move a testament to the government’s commitment that no Filipino worker is forgotten.
“Matagal na silang bayani. Sa laki ng tulong na ginagawa nila sa kanilang mga pamilya at pamayanan, dapat lamang na bigyan sila ng importansya,” Magno said during the launch, emphasizing the need to look after the nation’s greatest contributors of remittances—our modern-day heroes.
With over 300,000 Mindanaoan OFWs sending lifelines back home, this initiative is more than just infrastructure—it’s recognition long overdue.
Commendable… but Why Davao First?
While applause is warranted, a fair question lingers: Why Davao first?
Cebu—the busiest international hub outside Manila—handles far more departing and arriving OFWs daily. It has broader global connectivity, more frequent international flights, and a growing base of migrant workers from Visayas and Mindanao who fly out via Mactan Airport. Wouldn’t it make more sense to build such a lounge where the traffic is larger and the demand is greatest?
Some observers can’t help but wonder if this decision is also political.
Davao has been notably distanced from the priorities of the Marcos administration, especially considering its association with the Dutertes. Could this lounge be a subtle peace offering, a compensation for perceived neglect?
These questions do not erase the value of the new facility—but they do deserve honest answers.
Lessons from NAIA’s OFW Lounge
Another concern: sustainability.
When the OFW Lounge at NAIA opened, it was celebrated for its service and warm gesture. But months later, some OFWs complained about:
- Fewer food and drink options compared to its opening week
- Unreliable WiFi
- Deteriorating facility maintenance
A service meant to honor migrant workers should never be allowed to downgrade into mere tokenism.
Will Davao’s facility avoid the same fate—or is it another project at risk of losing its shine once the ribbon-cutting cameras disappear?
A Good Step — If It Leads to More Steps Forward
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized that the lounge reflects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to bring services “outside Metro Manila,” easing the emotional and logistical challenges of departures.
“Dito pa lang sa pag-alis, tinatrato na namin kayo bilang very important persons,” Cacdac said.
With plans to explore similar facilities in Cebu and other provincial international airports, this launch could indeed be the start of something transformative—if the momentum is sustained and the approach is strategic, not political.
OFWs Deserve the Best — Everywhere
The timing of the launch—during the holiday homecoming surge—adds heartfelt symbolism. Yet, for migrant workers, care should not be seasonal. It should be consistent. It should be nationwide. And it should be delivered where the need is greatest, backed by real intent rather than perception of bias.
So yes, Davao deserves this facility. Mindanaoan OFWs certainly earned it.
But so do those in Cebu, Iloilo, Pampanga, General Santos, and every airport that sends Filipinos to sacrifice years away from loved ones.
Because the true measure of this initiative will not be in the speeches during its launch—
but in how well and how long it serves the very people it promises to honor.