DOHA — Several migrant community groups and leaders, including three prominent Filipino organizations, have been honored by Qatar’s Workers Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF) for their outstanding service to blue-collar workers. The accolades were presented during an International Labor Day celebration on May 1 at the Rosewood Hotel Doha in Lusail, jointly hosted by the WSIF, the International Labor Organization (ILO), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ), an organization dedicated to migrant workers in the construction industry and allied sectors, was among the primary awardees. The group was recognized for its active involvement in initiatives supporting the WSIF, particularly programs aimed at uplifting migrant workers in the country’s blue-collar sector. BMKQ spearheaded the rollout of WSIF’s Financial Literacy Program for migrant workers in Qatar—with a special focus on blue-collar workers, which kicked off in December 19, 2025.
BMKQ President Joseph O. Catarungan accepted the plaque of appreciation alongside the group’s past President, Engr. Meliza Ortiguerra, and PRO, Engr. Elenie Nicomedes.
The award was presented by WSIF Executive Director Kholoud Saif Al-Kubaisi, who was joined by ILO Qatar Director Francesco d’Ovidio and IOM Qatar Office Migration Management Officer Roula Hamati.
Two other major Filipino community groups, Bayanihan Qatar and the Bayanihang Domestic Workers Qatar (BDWQ), were also recognized for their community welfare efforts. The awards were not limited to the Filipino community, as the WSIF also honored several other migrant community organizations from Africa and South Asia for their grassroots support.
Ms. Rhoselyn Dolloso, BMKQ Secretary, accepts the award on behalf of Bayanihan Qatar (BQ) President, Mr. Jerry Ronquillo.
BDWQ officers and members accept the award, presented by WSIF Executive Director Ms. Kholoud Al Kubaisi.
In the individual category, Engr. Ressie Fos received special recognition for his community leadership and consistent collaboration with Qatar’s Ministry of Labor and the WSIF in implementing various welfare programs for the expatriate workforce.
Qatar has introduced a series of labor reforms in recent years, with the WSIF playing a key role in ensuring migrant workers receive unpaid wages and financial support.