OWWA offers OFWs free rides to malls near airports

MANILA, Philippines - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is offering free shuttle rides to families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who want to avoid heavy traffic at international airports.

OWWA chief Carmelita Dimzon said OFWs could now avoid the mad rush at airports and meet their loved ones at malls near airports.

“This Christmas season, we are offering OFWs the option to meet their families at nearby malls rather than at the congested parking areas at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, or Cebu International Airport,” Dimzon said.

OWWA officers have sent flyers and e-mail messages to enable OFWs in selected international flights to register and avail themselves of easy parking conveniences under the expanded Pamaskong Salubong Program 2009 for OFWs.

 “Participating OFWs must wear stickers for easy identification by OWWA duty officers at airport terminals. They will likewise be assisted by OWWA officers in handling their baggage,” Dimzon said.

Manila-bound flights selected are those from Taipei (China Airlines, Eva Air and Cebu Pacific); Singapore (Singapore Airlines, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific); Hongkong (Cathay Pacific, PAL, and Cebu Pacific); Inchon (PAL, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways); Dubai (Emirates); and Kuwait (Kuwait Airways).

Participating malls include SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, and SM malls in Clark. SM malls are also providing entertainment and shopping privileges such as discount cards to OFWs.

The government expects at least 50,000 OFWs to return home to spend their holiday season in the country.   – Mayen Jaymalin