Oct 25, 2025 | News
In a strong show of solidarity and community collaboration, the Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) hit the lanes yesterday, October 24, 2025, to participate in a Bowling Tournament organized by the Las Damas de Rizal. The friendly competition, held at the Qatar Bowling Center, was more than just a game; it was a visible demonstration of support for the noble cause championed by Las Damas de Rizal.
A Unified Front
The participation of BMKQ underscores the organization’s commitment not only to its members, Filipino workers in Qatar’s construction sector, but also to the wider Filipino community and its collaborative endeavors. The tournament provided a relaxed, engaging environment for both organizations to strengthen their partnership and work toward shared community goals.
BMKQ fielded a dedicated and enthusiastic team, demonstrating the spirit of bayanihan, a Filipino value of communal unity and cooperation, even outside of their professional field.
The team featured key leaders and active members, including: Joseph Catarunan, President of BMKQ; Mr. Daryl Violenta, a member of BMKQ’s Membership Committee and the Chairman of The Brotherhood Organization (TBO); and three representatives from the BMKQ Education, Training, and Events Committee: Chairperson Malou Valientes Cayaban, alongside members Raymond Carasig and Irene Ainza.
More Than Just Pins
While the thrill of knocking down strikes and spares was certainly a highlight, the core purpose of BMKQ’s involvement was to lend support and collaboration to the event’s organizers, Las Damas de Rizal. Las Damas de Rizal, a respected organization, often engages in activities that benefit the community, and BMKQ’s presence ensures that these noble causes receive the maximum possible backing from various sectors of the Filipino expatriate population in Qatar.
Events like this bowling tournament provide a vital opportunity for Filipino organizations in Qatar to network, share resources, and present a united front in their efforts to uplift and assist the community. BMKQ’s participation is a clear testament to the fact that community building is a collaborative sport, requiring effort from everyone, regardless of their primary sector of work or focus.
The energy and cooperation displayed at the Qatar Bowling Center yesterday serve as a reminder of the strong, vibrant spirit of bayanihan that thrives among Filipinos in Qatar, striking a powerful blow for unity and mutual support.
For their support of the tournament, BMKQ received a certificate of appreciation from Las Damas de Rizal.
Oct 3, 2025 | News
Doha, Oct 3, 2025 – The Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ), in cooperation with the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) and Qatar’s Ministry of Labor, organized an awareness session on the country’s labor law on Friday at the Crowne Plaza The Business Park in Doha.
Newly inducted BMKQ members pose for a photo with officials from the Ministry of Labor, and BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson.
The event, attended largely by construction and allied sector workers, outlined key provisions of the law, stressing that while workers enjoy legal rights, they are also bound by duties and responsibilities. Under Article 61, failure to meet such obligations may lead to immediate termination or deportation, depending on the gravity of the violation.
The program also included an orientation for new BMKQ members, capped by an oath-taking ceremony administered by BWI General Secretary Alberto Yuson.
New BMKQ members took their oath following the labor law awareness session, with the ceremony officiated by BWI General Secretary Alberto Yuson.
Joseph Catarungan, BMKQ president, said the group aims to work closely with the Ministry of Labor and other stakeholders to help inform the Filipino community about workplace rules and proper conduct. “We want our members, especially those in construction, to know the dos and don’ts to ensure they live and work in Qatar in accordance with its laws and norms,” he said.
BMKQ, founded in 2015, has been an active partner in reaching out to the Filipino community in Qatar, particularly those in the construction sector, through information campaigns and community-based programs and initiatives supported by both Qatari and Philippine government offices.
Sep 26, 2025 | News
Doha, Qatar – September 26, 2026 — The Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) has officially signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Lifestyle Avenue Restaurant, marking the start of a partnership aimed at delivering mutual benefits and strengthening support for both parties, members, and even the Filipino community in Qatar.
The signing ceremony, held on September 26 at Lifestyle Avenue Restaurant, was led by Engr. Jundee Mar B. Tejedo representing the restaurant, and Ms. Malou Moral, Chairperson of BMKQ’s Education Committee.
Under the agreement, Lifestyle Avenue Restaurant will extend special discounts to BMKQ’s active members and provide additional support to the organization. In return, BMKQ has committed to promoting and endorsing Lifestyle Avenue Restaurant within its membership network.
Both parties emphasized that the collaboration symbolizes unity and shared commitment to uplift the Filipino community in Qatar by offering tangible benefits and fostering stronger community ties.
Aug 17, 2025 | News
Doha, Qatar — The Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksyon ng Qatar (BMKQ), an association of Filipino construction workers, successfully hosted a Workers’ Rights Awareness Session for Migrant Workers on August 15 at the Ministry of Labour’s training facility in Al Huda Tower, West Bay.
The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the Women Community Leaders Forum (WCLF), the Ministry of Labour (MoL), the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF), and the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI). Together, these organizations ensured participants received well-rounded information and guidance on labour rights and support mechanisms in Qatar.
Attendees included members of The Brotherhood Organization (TBO), such as the Scouts Royale Brotherhood Qatar Alumni Association (SRBQAA), Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association Qatar (APO), and Alpha Kappa Rho Qatar Council (AKRHO). Migrant workers from various sectors—including construction, hospitality, administration, and other professions—were also present.
The session aimed to empower migrants by raising awareness of their rights and responsibilities under Qatari labour laws. Topics included legal protection mechanisms, complaint filing procedures, and available support services. Participants were encouraged to assert their rights through peaceful and lawful means, while also promoting a workplace culture rooted in dignity and respect.
Interactive discussions allowed attendees to share real-life challenges, such as delayed salary payments. Resource persons provided practical, step-by-step guidance on how to lodge complaints with the Ministry of Labour, boosting participants’ confidence in exercising their rights.
Key speakers included Cheryl Marielou V. Cayaban from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Engr. Ressie Fos, senior adviser of BMKQ. Both welcomed the opportunity to address the issues raised and reinforce the importance of informed, empowered migrant workers in Qatar’s workforce.
Jun 15, 2024 | News
In a groundbreaking move, BMKQ and OFIE-M have teamed up to launch a financial literacy program aimed at empowering overseas Filipinos, set to kick off this August.
15 June 2024, Doha, Qatar – In a significant step towards empowering grassroots Filipino organizations, BMKQ and OFIE-M have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to roll out a comprehensive Financial Literacy program. The MoU was signed by Eliseo Bermido, President of BMKQ, and Engr. Edgar Boyano, President of OFIE-M, on June 15, 2024, at Somerset Hotel Doha. The signing ceremony was attended by officers from both organizations, highlighting the collaborative spirit and shared vision for financial empowerment.
The partnership focuses on conducting a 5-week financial literacy class series, meticulously tailored for overseas Filipinos. These classes aim to address critical aspects of financial management and entrepreneurship, aligning with the Philippine government’s reintegration program. This initiative underscores the importance of equipping Filipinos abroad with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage their finances effectively and explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
Scheduled to kick-off this August, the program targets an initial batch of at least 30 participants. This first batch is just the beginning, with the program expected to continue with additional batches through the end of the year. The structured modules are designed to provide practical and actionable insights, ensuring that participants can apply what they learn to their personal and professional lives.
The MoU between BMKQ and OFIE-M also includes provisions for extension, allowing the program to expand and adapt as needed. This flexibility ensures that the collaboration can evolve to meet the ongoing needs of the Filipino community.
This initiative marks a crucial milestone in the efforts to foster financial literacy among overseas Filipinos, ultimately contributing to their financial stability and entrepreneurial success. Both BMKQ and OFIE-M are committed to supporting the Filipino diaspora through education and empowerment, reflecting a deep dedication to community development and sustainable growth.
BMKQ is a non-profit organization of Filipino construction workers in Qatar, accredited by the Philippine Embassy on July 24, 2015. It focuses on enhancing the social, civic, and spiritual well-being of its members, fostering responsibility, and providing assistance and support. BMKQ operates under the laws of Qatar and the Philippines, collaborating with governmental agencies to implement community programs.
OFIE-M, another non-profit organization, promotes financial literacy among Overseas Filipinos, particularly Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It was accredited by the Philippine Embassy in Qatar on September 20, 2012.
