By Mariela Angella Oladive
Philippine Airlines and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Region 6 have launched a pilot program offering domestic flight discounts to overseas Filipino workers departing from Iloilo.
The program, announced during a press conference May 10, allows OFWs to enjoy up to 10 percent off on unlimited domestic trips until July 31.
“This initiative is being piloted in Iloilo because we recognize this is one of the regions with a large OFW population,” said Leonard Bryan Sansolis, PAL regional head for sales–Philippines.
“This is our small way of recognizing their hard work and sacrifices,” he said.
Sansolis described the program as “a labor of passion,” adding that PAL will evaluate its impact before considering expansion to other regions.
Under the scheme:
● Economy Saver tickets include a 5 percent discount and 10 kg baggage allowance.
● Economy Value and Economy Flex come with a 10 percent discount and 20 kg baggage allowance.
● Comfort Class and Business Class offer a 10 percent discount with 25 kg and 35 kg baggage allowances, respectively.
To avail of the discount, OFWs must present a valid Overseas Employment Certificate, Certificate of Employment, or Seaman’s Book.
Tickets are available only through PAL’s Iloilo ticket office and authorized travel agencies in the city and province.
The offer cannot be combined with other statutory discounts for senior citizens, students, or persons with disabilities.
James Mendiola, OWWA Region 6 officer in charge, expressed support for the program, citing its potential benefit to the estimated 400,000 OFWs in Western Visayas.
“This meaningful undertaking is a powerful step toward honoring their sacrifices by making air travel more accessible,” he said.
Iloilo, which has the highest number of OWWA-registered OFWs in the region, recorded 30,019 departures and 26,018 arrivals in 2024.
