Bus from NAIA to Imus, Cavite launched in time for Christmas travel

A new airport bus route from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 to Imus, Cavite has opened in time for the influx of passengers this Christmas.

In Marisol Abdurahman’s report on “24 Oras” on Monday, operations at the airport resumed after some flights were canceled due to the inclement weather.

Authorities are also bracing for the influx of passengers in NAIA as joyful reunions are expected when some overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) return home for the holidays.

Among them is Hasheya Lopez, whose flight from Dubai was delayed so she had to rebook her flight to Davao. Despite that, she can stay in the lounge dedicated to OFWs.

“Parang first time namin naka-encounter ng ganto. Parang naging safe siya unlike before,” Lopez said.

(It’s the first time we encountered this. It feels safer than before.)

Jay Maliao, who came from Saudi Arabia, was also delighted with OFW Lounge, especially since he had to wait for a long time before his flight to Cagayan de Oro.

“Hindi tulad dati na tambay-tambay lang dyan sa ano diba? Ito may mapapahingaan ka ng tama, malamig pa,” Maliao said.

(Unlike before, when you just had to hang around somewhere, here you have a proper place to rest and it has air conditioning.)

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is also proud of its lounge having a chef.

“The food will be extra special for our OFWs,” OWAA Administrator Arnel Ignacio said.

“Enhancement in terms of Immigration counter, that’s part of the plan,” said Eric Castro, acting general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

For those OFWs traveling to Cavite, an airport bus going to Imus is an additional gift this Christmas.

This is not an ordinary bus since these are the kinds used inside the airport that take passengers to airplanes.

“Namo-monitor po yung bus through online. Pwedeng makita saan na 'yung bus [The bus can be monitored online],” said Garrie David, UBE Express president.

The fare is P300 but OFWs can get a 50% discount.
 
“Pag lumabas sila ng airport, dati di nila malaman saan sila sasakay eh. Eh nabibiktima sila lagi ng mga mapagsamantalang nagda-drive dito. Pagkauupo, sisingilin sila ng P2,500 hangang PITX lang,” Ignacio said.

(In the past, OFWs did not know which bus to take when they got out of the airport. They would be victimized by opportunistic drivers. They are charged P2,500 just going to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.) — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News