That VIP feeling

“Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” — Proverbs 11:25 A week ago today, I happen to pass through Terminal 3 at NAIA and again last Friday, I did the same.

- CITO BELTRAN

On both occasions, I was blessed to observe two things I never ever saw, heard or experienced at NAIA.

As I entered the departure area, I passed by the OFW Lounge and I felt grateful for the fact that our OFWs are now being given the respect and recognition at NAIA.

It was not so long ago that OFWs would be found bunched up on cold steel benches and floors like modern day refugees. While they were given the lip service title of “Bagong Bayani,” the send offs and reception at the NAIA did not honor them or the sacrifice they make for family and country.

When the New NAIA Infra Corporation or NNIC took over only a year and a half ago, their first big accomplishment was not just to put up an OFW Lounge, but to make sure that it would be an ongoing concern and not merely for show. They certainly continue to do so.

I’m glad to report that when I passed through immigration a week ago, I heard someone say something that really caught my attention.

A male immigration officer was guiding OFW passengers towards a special or dedicated lane while saying: “Dito po kayo sa lane ng OFW. Dito po kayo, dahil kayo ay mga VIP.” (Please pass through the OFW Lane, because you are VIPs.)

It was not an attempt to flatter or put on appearances. The officer named “R. Mateo” consistently mentioned those words for the benefit of every OFW passenger. It is clear that the recognition and acknowledgement of OFWs has spread from the NNIC OFW Lounge to the immigration area.