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.
Jun 7, 2024 | News
The BMKQ Bowling Tournament 2024 highlighted community spirit and skill, with 32 Filipino teams competing; OFIE-M Team 2 emerged as champions.
07 June 2024, Doha, Qatar – The BMKQ Bowling Tournament 2024, a vibrant showcase of skill and camaraderie, took place on June 7th, from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at the Qatar Bowling Center. Spearheaded by the BMKQ Sports and Events Committee, the event was a testament to the dedication and organizational prowess of its chairman, Mr. Joseph Catarungan.
This year’s tournament saw enthusiastic participation from 32 teams representing 24 Filipino community organizations, all rallying in support of BMKQ’s cause. The diverse mix of teams and players underscored the strong sense of community and mutual support prevalent among the Filipino diaspora in Qatar.
After intense hours of competition, OFIE-M Team 2 emerged as the champions, demonstrating exceptional skill and teamwork. Their victory was a highlight of the event, celebrating not just their prowess in bowling but also the spirit of unity and sportsmanship that the tournament aims to foster.
Other notable achievers included Oryx Knights Eagles Club (OKEC), who secured the 1st Runner-Up position, and JIMMEK, who took 2nd Runner-Up. Additionally, Engr. Lester Militante of OKEC was recognized for achieving the Most Strikes, while Mr. Allen Dale Zapanta and Ms. Lorie Ramos earned the Highest Scores in the male and female categories, respectively.
BMKQ organizes this bowling tournament at least twice a year, aligning it with their broader mission of promoting sports, healthy lifestyles, and team building among the community. These events provide an excellent platform for members to engage in physical activity, build stronger bonds, and maintain a healthy balance between work and recreation.
In addition to bowling, BMKQ’s commitment to sports and fitness is evident in their annual sports program held every November. This program includes a variety of sports events such as basketball and volleyball, catering to different interests and encouraging widespread participation.
The BMKQ Bowling Tournament 2024 was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of community spirit, healthy living, and the joy of sports. Through such initiatives, BMKQ continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for the Filipino community in Qatar, fostering unity, and promoting a vibrant, active lifestyle.
Mr. Eliseo Bermido, the President of BMKQ, extended his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the tournament’s sponsors: Lifestyle Avenue Restaurant, LBC, and East Optic. In recognition of their invaluable support, each sponsor was presented with a certificate of appreciation. Mr. Bermido also expressed his deep thanks to all BMKQ officers and committee members for their unwavering solidarity and support, acknowledging their essential role in the event’s success.
May 31, 2024 | News
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is a crucial component of any workplace, central to the collaborative initiative focused on enhancing the welfare of Filipino workers through essential resources and education.
31 May 2024, Doha, Qatar – In a collaborative effort to enhance safety and health awareness, the Philippine Association of Safety Engineers Qatar (PHASE Qatar) and Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) have extended their outreach to the Philippine Migrant Workers and Other Overseas Filipino Resource Center (MWOOFRC) in Onaiza, Qatar. The center serves as a refuge for many distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
The joint initiative between PHASE Qatar and BMKQ is focused on educating and raising awareness about occupational safety and health (OSH) focusing more on household safety among the OFWs residing at the MWOOFRC facility. This program is part of their broader mission to support and protect Filipino workers in Qatar.
PHASE Qatar, a proactive organization composed of safety engineers and professionals, has a long-standing commitment to OSH advocacy across various industries. Their expertise and dedication to promoting a culture of safety have made significant impacts on the well-being of workers in Qatar.
BMKQ, representing Filipino overseas workers in the construction and related sectors, plays a crucial role in this initiative. The organization is known for its active involvement in advocating for the rights and welfare of Filipino workers abroad. Through their partnership with PHASE Qatar, they aim to ensure that OFWs are well-informed about safety protocols and health practices that are essential in their daily lives and workplaces.
The outreach program at MWOOFRC includes training sessions, workshops, and interactive activities designed to equip the OFWs with knowledge and skills to manage safety and health risks effectively especially within household settings. By bringing these vital resources to the shelter, PHASE Qatar and BMKQ are making significant strides in fostering a safer and healthier environment for the overseas workers.
This collaboration underscores the importance of community and organizational support in safeguarding the welfare of OFWs, reflecting a shared commitment to improving the lives of Filipino workers in Qatar.
The program concluded by distributing personal items to 55 wards, along with diapers and vitamins provided to 5 children at the MWO center.
May 24, 2024 | News, Programs
Doha, Qatar – May 24, 2024: The Education and Training Committee of Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) successfully initiated its Train the Trainers program, emphasizing workers’ rights awareness. The inaugural session took place on Friday, gathering leaders and key officers from various Filipino community organizations in Qatar to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to facilitate training sessions for Filipino expatriates.
The event saw participation from over 50 leaders representing a diverse array of job industries. The program included comprehensive sessions on case handling and documentation, alongside facilitating referrals to competent authorities.
Keynote speakers at the event were notable figures in the community: Mr. Marco Ferrer, Community Liaison Officer of Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) and long-time BMKQ Advisor; Ms. Cheryl Marielou Valientes-Cayaban, President of HERO-Qatar and Chairperson of the BMKQ Education and Training Committee; and Mr. Henry Dimaano, Chairman Emeritus of HERO-Qatar, former Chairman of UFOQ, Founding Advisor of BMKQ, and recently appointed Council Member of the Philippine National Anti-Poverty Commission.
The discussions delved into specific situational topics, teaching trainers how to identify common workplace violations and guide proper reporting procedures. Emphasis was placed on developing effective communication skills to convey complex legal concepts and rights to diverse audiences. Furthermore, the training covered conflict resolution techniques, empathetic handling of worker disputes, and providing trainers with resources to create engaging and participatory training sessions on workers’ rights.
BMKQ President, Mr. Eliseo Bermido, concluded Part 1 of the training with a message of gratitude, acknowledging the participants’ dedication to becoming effective trainers. “As BMKQ aims to continually equip Filipino community leaders with the knowledge and skills to help resolve worker disputes in line with the case resolution and reporting mechanisms of both the Philippine and Qatar governments, Part 2 of this training program will likely be conducted next month,” Mr. Bermido announced.
Certificates of appreciation and participation were awarded to the keynote speakers and participants, marking the successful commencement of the Train the Trainers program.
May 20, 2024 | News
BWI and the Labour Ministry of Qatar jointly launched an information and education campaign dubbed “Mastering Heat Stress” to manage heat stress in the workplaces and to achieve a safe and healthy working environment for migrant workers in Qatar. Launched in early May 2024 and will continue through September, the campaign aims to reach out to around 50’000 migrant construction workers in Qatar in their worksites, accommodation facilities and community gatherings. The campaign team of the Labour ministry and BWI were joined by migrant workers’ OSH Practitioners Network of the Community Leaders Forum.
Since the launch of the campaign, close to 1’000 migrant workers from various companies, including Qatari Diar – Saudi Bin Laden Group (QD SBG) and Al Balagh Contracting and Trading Company, as well as migrant workers’ organisations like the Nepali Workers’ Welfare Association and BMKQ Filipino Construction Workers’ Association, have participated in the initial awareness sessions. Altogether, these 2 companies and 2 migrant workers’ associations have an outreach of no less than 6’000 workers who are benefiting from enhanced heat stress management capacity. Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee, the Ministry of Public Health and the Qatar Red Crescent Society also participated in some sessions as experts.
The campaign is expected to reach its peak during the summer months, when temperatures in the Gulf region reach about 50 degrees Celsius or more, with hot winds and high humidity. BWI and the Ministry of Labour will conduct a speakers’ training among volunteers from migrant workers’ associations and personnel from participating companies. This training aims to increase the number of mastering heat stress sessions in the next several weeks.
Mar 8, 2024 | News
Doha, Qatar – BMKQ marked International Women’s Day with a significant seminar and workshop themed “Empowering Filipinas: Discovering Your Purpose and Setting Goals.” The event took place on 08 March 2024 from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Lamat Aleayila (Hashi Kamayan) Restaurant, bringing together Filipino expatriates in a day dedicated to empowerment and personal growth.
The initiative was spearheaded by Engr. Meliza M. Ortiguerra, the BMKQ Women Coordinator, whose leadership and vision were pivotal in orchestrating the event. The seminar featured Ms. Karmela Palma, a renowned Filipina empowerment advocate in Qatar, as the resource speaker. Palma’s engaging and motivational speech focused on empowering women to discover their purpose and set achievable goals, resonating deeply with the attendees.
Moreover, Ms. Annaliza Diet, the Dean and CEO of Academia International Institute and Center, shared her insights with the participants. She emphasized the importance of having visions and goals in life and highlighted that women today are equally competitive. Additionally, Ms. Diet announced that two scholarship slots would be available for fortunate participants who qualify for the program.
A total of 28 female Filipino expatriates attended the seminar. The event was held in collaboration with other organizations, including BaK and OFW Ilokano, which helped to broaden the reach and impact of the initiative. The collaborative effort highlighted the solidarity and shared commitment to women’s empowerment within the Filipino community in Qatar.
BMKQ Women, a special programme established in 2019, has been at the forefront of advocating for women’s empowerment within the BMKQ’s overall vision. The programme is driven by the dedication of its female active members, who strive to elevate the importance of women’s roles and contributions in various sectors.
The celebration received substantial support from the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) and the Academia International Institute and Center. Their backing underscored the importance of international and institutional support in driving local initiatives aimed at empowering women.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Eliseo Bermido, president of BMKQ, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the resource speaker for her generous dedication and efforts in imparting valuable insights to the participants. He emphasized the significance of the knowledge gained in boosting their self-esteem and fostering personal growth. Mr. Bermido also extended his appreciation to all the sponsors and working committees for their contributions in making the event a success.
