Dec 30, 2022 | News
Doha. The Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) successfully concluded its 2022 year-end thanksgiving celebration at Brilliant Café in Doha, Qatar on 30 December 2022. The event was attended by officers and members of the organization who truly enjoyed the event on fun games, prizes, and exchange gifts.
Normally, BMKQ organizes a year-end event annually for its general assembly and election of officers. This year however, the Constitutional Committee on Elections postponed the election of new officers, which paved the way to the current elected officers to remain in their seats until their successors are duly elected and/or appointed, as provided for under the organization’s constitution and by-laws.
The BMKQ has once again set its commitment as a proactive partner of the Philippine and Qatar authorities in community-based programs.
BMKQ President – Engr. Meliza M. Ortiguerra, on behalf of the members of officers of the organization, expressed her gratitude to LBC, East Optics, and PIIQ for their support and collaboration not only for this event, but during the year on many BMKQ’s programs.
Nov 1, 2022 | News
More than a hundred participants attended the ‘Pink October’ event organised by the Women Community Leaders’ Forum (WCLF) in Qatar, in collaboration with Qatar Women’s Sport Committee on 28 October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the need for breast cancer prevention.
The fun-filled event was attended by 105 community participants from across 15 countries namely Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, South Africa, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and the Philippines.
The lead speaker for the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign was Dr. Navitha Aziz, an Obstetrics & Gynecology specialist from Wellkins Medical Centre in Qatar. She made an informative presentation about cancer, its signs and symptoms, its risk factors and prevention. She also debunked some myths about cancer and stressed the importance of being ‘breast-aware’ and conducting regular breast self-examination. Dr. Aziz advised participants to protect themselves against cancer by going for regular screening and mammogram for early detection and treatment.
Volunteer nurses from United Nurses of India-Qatar also made a demonstration about self-breast examination in addition to offering free vital sign checks to participants. Staff from East Optics were also present to offer free eye check-ups and gifted eyeglasses to participants in addition to gift vouchers and coupons sponsored by Radisson Blu and Queens Beauty Centre and Spa.
The attendees also had fun at a Zumba class by Pipit Nufianti, a volunteer from Indonesia, and a Pound exercise by Lena Liew, a volunteer from Malaysia. Some light refreshments and water were donated by Naija Restaurant Doha. Lunch also provided.
The organisers offered special appreciations to the Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) for their continuous unwavering support.
Jul 16, 2022 | News
The Education and Training Committee of Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) in collaboration with Bayanihan Qatar organized a one-day Strategic Planning Seminar and Workshop on 15th July 2022 at Inspire Management Training Institute in Doha. The seminar and workshop was attended by at least 47 officers of various Filipino community organizations in Qatar under the Bayanihan Qatar’s umbrella.
A pre-membership orientation, which is required for membership in BMKQ, was presented by Ms. Malou Valientes before the main topics presentation.
Mr. Leo S. Dote, spoke about developing the organization’s vision, mission, goal and objectives (VMGO), while Engr. Ressie Fos lectured and facilitated the workshop on developing successful strategies, SWOT analysis, developing action plans, obtaining feedback from members of organizations, identifying action steps, and the common documentations in an organization such as developing the annual program, procurement plan, writing memos, circulars, resolutions, minutes of meetings, terms of reference, and others.
In his welcome and opening message, Bayanihan Qatar President – Mr. Jerry Ronquillo stressed on the importance of the strategic planning seminar and workshop among the organizations noting that they should have strategic plans and actions in achieving the organizational vision, missions and specific objectives.
Meanwhile, BMKQ President – Engr. Meliza M. Ortiguerra also stressed on BMKQ’s commitment to support allied organizations in various programs such as providing and facilitating trainings, through the support of other stakeholders such as BWI and other sponsors.
While the participants in the said seminar and workshop rated the event as highly satisfactory, they wished for a longer duration or at least a follow-up seminar be organized in the near future to allocate more time for writeshop.
Jul 8, 2022 | News
The spirit of ‘bayanihan’ or civic unity and cooperation among Filipinos is still alive demonstrated in helping fellow overseas working in need.
Doha. Bayanihan Qatar – a federation of more than 20 Filipino community organizations in Qatar has proven once again that the spirit of ‘bayanihan’ is alive in many Filipino residents in the country, as fourteen (14) member-organisations supported and participated in the federation’s outreach program this year benefiting distressed overseas Filipino workers sheltered at Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)’s facility. The program was held on Friday, July 8, 2022 from 1:00pm to 7:00pm.
The outreach program aimed to distribute groceries, foods, and personal hygiene items to beneficiaries, all were women.
“We are doing this outreach program at least once in every quarter in bigger or smaller scales, not only at POLO’s shelter facility but also in labor camps and Filipino communities to benefit workers whose salaries are delayed, or those who have lost their jobs.” Said Mr. Jerry Ronquillo – President of Bayanihan Qatar.
There were fourteen (14) organizations and entities who contributed and participated in the outreach program, including TGBI TO, GSSI, FESTA Qatar, TSDQ, FFQ, Buklod, TKSQ, GP OFW, Advocates (OFWAI), GRII, Filipino Institute (FI), BDWQ, AGWI, and NIKTIK.
Engr. Jerry Ronquillo thanked all the participating organizations under the Bayanihan Qatar umbrella for their unending support and cooperation in various programs of the federation. Ronquillo also applauded the officers and committees of the federation for their untiring support and commitment.
Meanwhile, according to Engr. Caesar Ternida – Founding Chairman and Adviser of Filipino Expatriate Sepak Takraw (FESTA) Qatar – a member-organisation of Bayanihan Qatar, in addition to enjoying Sepak Takraw – the Philippine’s national sport, FESTA Qatar also realized that helping those in real need is satisfying both personal and organizational causes.
“As we hear of fellow Filipinos in need and facing issues related to their job, we believe that extending our helping hands for them, and seeing them smile again is truly gratifying and fulfilling a sense of responsibility. Our organization has done similar outreach programs in the past benefiting distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and we will continue this endeavor and partnership with other organisations in fulfilling this commitment”, added Engr. Ternida.
Engr. Ternida also expressed his gratitude on behalf of FESTA Qatar officers and members to Bayanihan Qatar federation for consistently allowing them to become partner in reaching out distressed OFWs in the country.
‘Bayanihan’ or civic unity and cooperation is among the virtues of Filipinos practiced since the ancient times, commonly demonstrated by folks helping a neighbor in relocating a hut or light shelter.
Jul 1, 2022 | News
Doha. The Welfare and Outreach Committee of the Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) in collaboration with Bantay at Kasangga (BaK) ng OFW International, Inc. – Qatar Chapter organized the 3rd Blood Donation Campaign held on July 1, 2022 at the new HMC Blood Donor Center.
“We are doing this campaign at least once in every quarter and we receive overwhelming support from many Filipino community organizations and volunteer-blood donors. This is our 3rd time of the campaign titled “Dugo Ko, Buhay Mo” (My Blood, Your Life)”, said Mr. Eliseo S. Bermido, President of BaK and Chair of BMKQ Education and Training Committee.
In addition to BMKQ and BaK, this 3rd blood donation campaign was supported by fourteen (14) community organisations namely Grupo Pilipino-OFW, Guardians Socialite Society International, Inc., Buhay Tsuper Doha Qatar, Guardians Alakdan Brotherhood International, Inc., Tropang Qabayan sa Qatar, Goal Keep Charity Qatar, Guardians Philippines International Inc. Anti-Crime Organisation, Qatar OFW Tambayan – Qatambayers 2022, OFW Advocates International, Confederation of Ilokano Association, Inc. known as Samahang Ilocano – CIAISI 61892 – State of Qatar, Buklod ng Bayaning Filipino sa Qatar, Bayanihan ng Domestic Workers sa Qatar (BDWQ) and Tropang Positive of Doha Qatar.
“On behalf of BMKQ Welfare and Outreach Committee and BDWQ, I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation and congratulations to 58 blood donors and all who intended to donate. You are all heroes as your blood may save lives sooner or later.”, said Ms. Rosario Daño – Chairperson of BMKQ Welfare and Outreach Committee.
There were 113 volunteers who participated but only 58 donors were finally qualified after examination at the HMC Blood Donor Center.
Jun 24, 2022 | News
An association of domestic workers in Qatar (Bayanihan ng Domestic Workers sa Qatar or BDWQ) organized a ‘Bowling for a Cause’ on June 24, 2022 at Qatar Bowling Center (QBC) to extend assistance to Filipino cancer patients in the country as major beneficiaries. BDWQ which is primarily composed of household service workers in Qatar, believes that aside from getting regular rest day, domestic workers must also spend their day-off productively by attending skills training and participating in sports and other activities aimed at helping one another and others.
“I am overwhelmed to see my fellow domestic workers and other migrant workers from the Filipino and Kenyan communities gather together, not only for camaraderie but also for a cause”, said Ms. Rosario S. Daño, president of BDWQ. She added that without the support of these organizations and communities, this event would not have been materialized successfully.
The event was supported and participated by many Filipino community organizations such as HERO Qatar, BMKQ, Bantay at Kasangga (BAK), Buklod and Buklod Coop, Kabayan 101, Guardians Socialite Society Incorporated (GSSI), OFW Advocates, The Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated, The Original TGBI, Grupo Pilipino OFW, Advancement of Guardians Worldwide (AGWI), Tambayan sa Doha Qatar (TSDQ), and Kenyan Household Workers.
HERO Qatar bagged the championship trophy, while Buklod Coop got the 1st Place, TGBI-TO the 2nd Place, and BMKQ the 3rd Place.
The event was also supported by LBC Express Qatar and EO Optical.
