DOHA – More than 150 Filipino expatriates and community leaders gathered at the Valley Forge Academy Qatar on Friday, 26th June 2026 for a one-day volleyball tournament aimed at fostering unity and promoting health awareness amid the soaring summer heat.
Organized by BMKQ Women under the leadership and coordination of Mayla “Mags” Laja, the tournament brought together 11 teams representing diverse Filipino grassroots and migrant workers in Qatar. The event was backed by the 20-strong federation Bayanihan Qatar alongside local Filipino volleyball enthusiasts.
After a grueling day of competitive matches, the Igorota Aces (BIMAAK) clinched the championship title. Bayanihan Domestic Workers Qatar (BDWQ) secured the first runner-up spot, while Serve Squad finished as second runner-up.
Focus on Health and Worker Welfare
Beyond the courts, the event placed a heavy emphasis on occupational safety, featuring a specialized heat stress awareness session to help workers navigate Qatar’s extreme summer temperatures.
Participants were trained to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion, implement proper hydration practices, and execute emergency responses to heat-related illnesses.
Representing the Workers Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF) Executive Director Khulood Saif Abdullah Al-Kubaisi, Public Relations Researcher Lulwa Al Merehi praised the initiative during her keynote address, highlighting the vital role of community programs in championing workers’ rights, physical wellness, and social inclusion.
Marco Polo Ferrer, Community Liaison Officer for the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), also delivered a solidarity message, emphasizing that sports serve as an effective platform for collective empowerment and mutual respect among migrant workers.
Diplomatic Support
The afternoon sessions saw a visit from Philippine Consul General Cassandra B. Sawadjaan, who lauded the tournament’s organizers and athletes for their commitment to community engagement.
“These community-driven initiatives are essential in strengthening the bond of the Filipino community abroad,” Sawadjaan said, encouraging the attendees to continue backing programs that safeguard the welfare of overseas Filipinos.
BMKQ President Engr. Joseph Catarungan expressed gratitude to the volunteers, corporate sponsors, and institutional partners, including the Philippine Embassy and local labor groups, noting that the strong turnout underscores the community’s enduring enthusiasm for sports and solidarity.
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