logo
OFW Processing Center to open at Mactan-Cebu Airport

OFW Processing Center to open at Mactan-Cebu Airport

Filipino Times23-03-2025

Cebu Pacific, in collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), is set to establish an overseas Filipino workers (OFW) Processing Center at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Terminal 2.
The new facility aims to simplify the processing of essential travel documents for migrant workers.
Construction of the center will begin this March, with operations expected to start by the end of the second quarter of 2025.
The center will assist in processing Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) and streamline the departure and return procedures for OFWs traveling through MCIA.
Cebu Pacific's Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, Candice Iyog, emphasized the airline's commitment to improving services for OFWs, saying, 'This partnership is part of our ongoing effort to make air travel more convenient and responsive to the needs of overseas Filipino workers.'
DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac expressed full support for the initiative, noting that the center would serve as a one-stop service hub, providing essential services, comfort, and VIP treatment to OFWs and their families.
This initiative underscores Cebu Pacific's role in supporting migrant workers, further enhancing its reputation as a trusted airline partner for the Filipino workforce abroad.
The airline also plans to collaborate with other government and private sector partners to improve services for OFWs in the future.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Pag-IBIG reports strong Q1, urges members to maximize MP2 savings and home loans
Pag-IBIG reports strong Q1, urges members to maximize MP2 savings and home loans

Filipino Times

time21 hours ago

  • Filipino Times

Pag-IBIG reports strong Q1, urges members to maximize MP2 savings and home loans

The Pag-IBIG Fund, on June 9, 2025, held a media roundtable at The Manila Hotel to strengthen ties with its media partners and highlight its latest milestones. The event brought together representatives from print, digital, and radio platforms, providing an opportunity to share updates on the agency's recent achievements and to reinforce support in promoting its services and programs for Filipino members. Speakers and attendees of the Pag-IBIG Fund's event. The session opened with remarks from Mr. Alexander Hilario G. Aguilar, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Marketing, Product Development, and Sales. Pag-IBIG Fund's CEO, Marilene C. Acosta, delivered the keynote speech, thanking media partners and reporting the Fund's performance. Mr. Domingo C. Jacinto Jr., Vice President for Public and Member Relations, led the discussion on the benefits of Pag-IBIG membership and answered questions during the open forum. Ms. Janice Anne P. Delmo, Department Manager III of the Public and Media Affairs Office, closed the program with acknowledgments and a message of continued collaboration. The gathering was also an opportunity for the media to clarify processes and updates related to Pag-IBIG programs, providing feedback and helping bridge the information gap for Filipino workers, both in the country and overseas. Strong first quarter performance Pag-IBIG Fund reported that it released P30.22 billion in home loans from January to March 2025. This marks an increase of over 8 percent compared to the P28.09 billion disbursed during the same period last year. The housing loans helped more than 20,000 members acquire their own homes during the first three months of the year. In support of the government's Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, Pag-IBIG also released nearly P988 million in housing loans, benefitting over 600 families. Under the 4PH program, the agency works with developers, contractors, and local governments to build affordable housing communities for qualified Filipino workers. The Pag-IBIG Fund has secured a PHP 250-billion funding commitment covering the period from 2023 to 2028. Assets surpass P1.1 trillion As of March 31, 2025, Pag-IBIG Fund's total assets exceeded P1.1 trillion, a growth of more than P34 billion in just three months. This growth was driven by increased home loans, income from strategic investments, and higher savings collections from its members. Pag-IBIG Fund statistics in 2024. The agency reported a strong equity base of P776.52 billion and a total of P21.29 billion in cash and cash equivalents. Its investment portfolio expanded to P133.06 billion, showing a strong focus on financial sustainability. Growing member savings and services In the first quarter alone, Pag-IBIG Fund collected P40.41 billion in membership savings, a 41 percent jump compared to the same period in 2024. The agency also maintained a strong performing loans ratio of over 94 percent, which indicates that most members are paying their loans on time. Pag-IBIG Fund members become first-time homeowners, with 1,159 approved loans. During the gathering, the media were also informed that Pag-IBIG Fund is actively encouraging more members to grow their savings through its MP2 Savings Program—a voluntary savings scheme with higher dividend rates than regular savings. The agency aims to increase participation in the MP2 program in the coming months. Participants were also reminded of the benefits of owning a Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus. The card allows members to access discounts on groceries, fuel, travel, tuition fees, and more from partner establishments in the Philippines and abroad. Your Pag-IBIG Fund statistics in 2024. Assurance on funds management Pag-IBIG Fund clarified that all contributions are handled solely by the agency and are not transferred or managed by other government offices. Contributions are invested prudently and are used to fund housing loans, savings programs, and income-generating investments that benefit all members without the influence of other government bodies. Benefits of being a Pag-IBIG member Filipinos abroad can continue saving and applying for loans through Pag-IBIG Fund via its online platforms. They may register and pay contributions through remittance centers and partner banks. Online services are also available through the Virtual Pag-IBIG platform, allowing members to monitor their savings, apply for loans, and update records without needing to visit a branch. The benefits of being a Pag-IBIG member include access to housing loans, short-term loans, regular and MP2 savings programs, annual dividends, and partner discounts through the loyalty card. These benefits are available as long as the member consistently pays their monthly contributions, which start at as low as P100.

There's been a brilliant visa update for Indian tourists travelling to the Philippines
There's been a brilliant visa update for Indian tourists travelling to the Philippines

Time Out Abu Dhabi

timea day ago

  • Time Out Abu Dhabi

There's been a brilliant visa update for Indian tourists travelling to the Philippines

Got the Philippines on your travel list? If you're an Indian national, packing for paradise just got a whole lot simpler. Starting June 8, Indian passport holders can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days for tourism purposes – no lengthy embassy visits or paperwork required. All you need is a passport valid for six months beyond your stay, proof of accommodation, funds to cover your trip and a return or onward ticket. That's your beach getaway sorted. But it gets even better. According to the same announcement, made by the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, if you're an Indian citizen holding a valid visa or residence permit for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore or the Schengen area, you can extend your island time to a full 30 days – no visa necessary. Just show your valid passport and return ticket at the border and you're in. The visa-free entry applies at all Philippine ports and while extensions aren't on the table (so don't overstay your welcome), this move is a major step towards smoother travel between India and the archipelago nation. There are a few fine-print notes: the policy is strictly for tourism. If you're transiting through, planning a longer stay, or heading to the Philippines for business, study or work, you'll still need to apply for the relevant visa through the usual consulate channels. Still, for Indian travellers dreaming of white sands, warm seas and unforgettable Filipino hospitality, this is very good news indeed. Need some travel inspo? Travelling from Abu Dhabi is about to be so much faster Zayed International Airport is the world's first airport to make this change 18 countries offering visa-on-arrival to UAE residents Here's where to go UAE citizens now get visa-on-arrival for India: a game-changer for travellers That quick trip to India just got even easier

Gov't issues new rules to speed up delivery of OFW balikbayan boxes
Gov't issues new rules to speed up delivery of OFW balikbayan boxes

Filipino Times

timea day ago

  • Filipino Times

Gov't issues new rules to speed up delivery of OFW balikbayan boxes

The Philippine government has introduced new regulations aimed at expediting the delivery and improving the security of balikbayan boxes sent by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This comes in response to numerous complaints about undelivered, delayed, or missing boxes, and growing concerns over fraudulent freight forwarding services. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), together with other key government agencies, signed a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) on Monday at the DMW Central Office, outlining a coordinated government effort to regulate sea cargo forwarders, protect OFWs from scams, and ensure their packages reach recipients safely and on time. The initiative supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to prioritize the needs and welfare of OFWs. The administrative order was developed following investigations and public hearings conducted by the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs (HCOWA), which identified regulatory loopholes and a lack of accountability mechanisms that have long plagued balikbayan box shipments. 'This JAO is the product of sustained collaboration and strong legislative oversight,' said DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac. The administrative order establishes a comprehensive framework to monitor and regulate freight forwarding services. It also introduces a multi-agency complaints and tracking system to help OFWs report issues and follow up on the status of their packages. Additionally, a nationwide public information campaign will warn against using unaccredited cargo services and educate OFWs on their rights and available support. Since 2023, the DMW and BOC have helped retrieve and deliver over 9,900 balikbayan boxes. Just last week, 2,500 more boxes were recovered at the Port of Davao and are currently being prepared for free delivery to recipients in Mindanao. To support OFWs affected by unrecovered shipments, the DMW has made ₱30,000 in financial assistance available through its AKSYON Fund. The program now operates under expanded guidelines to speed up aid and include more beneficiaries.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store