The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), through its attached agency, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), recently launched the first OFW Global Center, a space dedicated to the comfort and relaxation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Located on the 18th floor of the United Center, Admiralty Building in Hong Kong, the OFW Global Center serves as a place where Filipino workers can relax during their rest days. It features a space for training and learning sessions, as well as Migrant’s Brew, a café serving complementary food and drinks for OFWs and their families.
Soft Launching of First OFW Global Center in HK
“This weekend, we soft launch the first DMW-OWWA OFW Global Center, which will serve as a home for our OFWs in Hong Kong,” announced DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Q. Bay, as cited in a DMW news release. “This center will facilitate training sessions, reintegration programs, and space for relaxation for our OFWs.”
The soft launching was held on April 6, 2025 at the new OFW Global Center. Aside from Undersecretary Bay, Philippine Consulate General Acting Head of Post Maria Sheila Monedero-Arnesto, DMW Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay, and OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio graced the event, along with around 1,000 Hong Kong-based OFWs gathered in various rooms within the center.
For his part, Philippine Alliance Hong Kong Chairman Dante P. Berido stated: “Ang tanging maibibigay po lamang namin sa inyo ay taus-pusong pasasalamat. Malaking bagay po itong nagawa niyo para sa ating mga kababayan dito sa Hong Kong (All that we can give you is our heartfelt gratitude. You have done a great thing for our fellow Filipinos here in Hong Kong).”
A Place to Relax with Fellow Kababayans
Every Sunday, thousands of Hong Kong-based OFWs regularly gather at Chater Road Bridge to relax, or simply to spend time together with other kababayans during their rest days. With the launching of the OFW Global Center, they will now have a place to have some coffee, snacks, and even to attend learning sessions.
The center will be open five times a week. It was formally opened last November 2024, and is set to have a “grand opening” in May 2025, as part of the upcoming International OFW Serbisyo Caravan.
More OFW Centers Coming Soon
According to OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio, at least two more recreational centers for OFWs will be opened soon, The SUN Hong Kong reported.
Ignacio mentioned that the next OFW Global Centers would be located in Taiwan and Malaysia, respectively. When asked how many more centers will be built, the OWWA Administrator answered, “marami pa (there will be more).”
Video: OFW Global Center Hong Kong
Check out this video featuring the highlights of the launching of the new OFW Global Center in Hong Kong, as shared by the DMW Facebook page:
Final Thoughts
Finally! There’s a dedicated place where OFWs abroad can gather for rest and relaxation, aside from having to process their passports and other documents. The OFW Global Center in Hong Kong is only the first of many such centers that will be opened around the world.
Notably, the OFW Global Center is located in the same building as the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), the overseas operating arm of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Hong Kong. Visit this article to learn more about the MWO and its services!