Oct 4, 2026 | News
DOHA, QATAR — Bayanihan Qatar (BQ) has officially proclaimed its newly elected executive officers for the 2026–2027 term following a successful election held on October 2, 2026.
The elections, which commenced at 3:00 PM, were conducted in strict accordance with the organization’s Constitution, By-Laws, and Election Guidelines. Following the close of polls, the Election Committee meticulously tallied, verified, and validated all votes cast to confirm the winners.
From L-R: Joseph Catarungan (President), Rosario Thomason (Vice-President Internal), Marnie Alvarez (Vice-President External), Thelma Darao (Secretary), and Mitchell Nolasco (Treasurer)
The newly proclaimed executive officers, along with their respective organizational affiliations, are:
- President: Joseph O. Catarungan (BMKQ)
- Vice-President – Internal: Rosario Thomason (BDWQ)
- Vice-President – External: Marnie Alvarez (BUKLOD)
- Secretary: Thelma Darao (QPNA)
- Treasurer: Mitchell Nolasco (OFW International Kasangga)
The proclamation was formally issued and executed in Doha, State of Qatar, on October 2, 2026. The newly elected leaders are set to assume their respective offices in accordance with the organization’s established procedures, ready to guide Bayanihan Qatar through the upcoming term.
Oct 3, 2026 | News
DOHA — In a milestone move to champion community welfare, Qabayan Radio and the Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today, October 3, 2026, at the Qabayan Radio office in Al Muntazah.
The agreement, set for a one-year term, establishes a strategic framework for collaboration on community-focused programs and mutual initiatives designed to uplift the Filipino community and wider migrant workforce in Qatar.
From L-R: Ms. Rhoselyn Dolloso (BMKQ Secretary), RJ Cody (Station Manager), Ms. Cheryl Marielou C. Valientes (BMKQ Vice-President), and Rj Erick (Qabayan Radio). Photo Credit: Qabayan Radio
The partnership was formally sealed by Qabayan Radio Station Manager RJ Cody and BMKQ Vice-President Cheryl Marielou V. Cayaban, who signed on behalf of BMKQ President Joseph O. Catarungan.
Expanding Community Impact
Under the new MoU, both organizations will pool their resources and reach to execute high-impact programs. The collaboration aims to amplify vital public awareness campaigns, deliver essential educational sessions, and provide robust support systems for expatriates.
BMKQ brings a strong track record of advocacy to the partnership. The organization works closely with Qatari authorities—including the Ministry of Labor and the Workers Support & Insurance Fund (WSIF)—to spearhead multi-national blue-collar migrant worker initiatives such as the following:
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Heat Stress Awareness Campaigns to protect outdoor workers during peak summer months.
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Know Your Rights and Obligations educational sessions covering Qatar Labor Law, Residency Law, and regulations concerning domestic workers.
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Financial Literacy Workshops aimed at promoting long-term economic stability for families.
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Health and Safety Seminars focused on workplace and personal wellness.
Beyond labor advocacy, BMKQ is widely recognized for its civic engagement and community service. Notably, its officers and members recently played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the Sarah G x Bamboo Live in Doha concert, volunteering their time to manage ticketing and crowd control gates.
With this new alliance, Qabayan Radio and BMKQ look forward to rolling out a series of joint radio show through the Usapang Qabauyan platform, outreach events, and empowerment programs in the coming months, further strengthening the ties within Qatar’s vibrant expatriate community.
Aug 28, 2026 | News
DOHA — Filipino community leaders and migrant workers gathered in Doha on August 28, 2026, for an intensive day-long training program focused on Qatar labor laws, workplace safety, financial literacy, and organizational leadership skills.
The seminar, held at the Ministry of Labour Office in West Bay, was organized by the Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) with support from the Workers Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF) and Building Wood Workers International (BWI).
The program brought together 28 participants, including leaders and members from various Filipino community organizations representing the construction, domestic work, administrative, and public sectors—specifically from BIMAAK, SEEC, and GSSI.
Empowering Workers Through Rights Awareness
Facilitated by BMKQ alongside the Overseas Filipino Investors and Entrepreneurs Movement (OFIE-M) and the Philippine Association of Safety Engineers (PHASE Qatar), the session aimed to strengthen awareness of migrant workers’ rights and responsibilities. The sessions were led by Engr. Ressie Fos on rights and obligations, Ms. Cheryl Marielou V. Cayaban on the Domestic Workers Law, Engr. Benjun G. Buat on heat stress awareness, Engr. Jason B. Quizon on financial literacy, and Dr. Raymond E. Carasig on organizational leadership skills.
BMKQ President – Mr. Joseph O. Catarungan
Participants received detailed briefings on core Qatari legislation, including Law Nos. 14 of 2004 and 21 of 2015, alongside regulations covering domestic workers and recent legal updates. Resource speakers also addressed heat stress prevention, emergency response guidelines, and workplace safety protocols.
Strong Focus on Financial Literacy
Financial literacy emerged as a standout component of the workshop, drawing high engagement and overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees. Delivered under the WSIF Financial Literacy Program, the sessions introduced foundational savings and financial planning principles, which participants identified as critical for long-term stability.
Evaluation results underscored the success of the initiative. Out of the participants who completed feedback forms, 100% rated the overall satisfaction as either “Excellent” or “Very Good,” with nearly 90% expressing high confidence in applying their new knowledge.
Closing the event, BMKQ President Joseph O. Catarungan emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to partnering with Qatari authorities and community organizations to champion migrant worker welfare and capacity-building initiatives in the country.
Additional support was provided by Ms. Angel ‘Mavs’ Ardeza as documentation officer, alongside Ms. Vicky Musngi and Ms. Rhea Flor de Leon, who served as the secretariat.
Aug 14, 2026 | News
DOHA, Qatar — In a robust display of community collaboration and advocacy, Filipino community organizations, government agencies, and migrant support groups gathered on August 14, 2026, for a comprehensive workshop titled “Workers’ Rights and Wellbeing Awareness: Labor Law, Heat Stress, and Financial Literacy.”
Held at the Ministry of Labor Meeting Hall on the 15th floor of Al Huda Tower, the full-day seminar drew leaders, agency representatives, and advocates committed to championing the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Qatar.
A Collaborative Mission for Worker Welfare
The high-impact event was organized through a powerful partnership between the Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ), the Workers Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF), and Building and Wood Workers International (BWI).
Resource speakers and facilitators brought cross-sector expertise to the table, featuring representatives from the Overseas Filipino Investors and Entrepreneurs Movement (OFIE-M) for financial literacy, the Philippine Association of Safety Engineers (PHASE Qatar) for workplace and heat stress awareness, and the Philippine Migrant Workers Office (MWO) addressing domestic workers’ laws.
The workshop successfully targeted officers and members of Filipino Association of Manpower Services Qatar (FAMS), an association representing manpower recruitment service providers for domestic workers. Because these agencies serve as the primary bridge throughout recruitment, deployment, and monitoring, equipping them with deep legal and wellness insights directly protects some of the most vulnerable members of the migrant workforce.
Comprehensive Modules and Practical Insights
The curriculum spanned six intensive modules, covering critical areas designed to safeguard workers and secure their futures:
- Legal Empowerment: Participants deep-dived into Qatari legislation—including Law Nos. 14 of 2004, 21 of 2015, 15 of 2017, and the newly enacted Law No. 9 of 2026—clarifying residency rules, labor rights, domestic worker protections, and official complaint mechanisms.
- Health and Safety: PHASE Qatar led critical sessions on recognizing early warning signs of heat stress, executing proper emergency responses, and implementing practical workplace safety protocols.
- Financial Resilience: Under the WSIF Financial Literacy Program, OFIE-M introduced fundamental tools for income management, expense tracking, savings, and long-term financial planning.
- Community and Support: BMKQ outlined its vision and mission, while discussions focused heavily on strengthening multi-agency coordination to effectively handle and report minor labor disputes.
Unanimous Acclaim and Future Partnerships
Participant evaluations reflected overwhelming success. Every attendee who completed the feedback form rated the training modules, facilitation, materials, and overall organization as “Excellent.” Furthermore, 100% of participants indicated they would recommend the program to other workers, highlighting its high practical value and potential for peer-to-peer outreach.
Looking ahead, BMKQ leadership expressed deep appreciation for the collective effort alongside WSIF and the Ministry of Labour.
“United by shared values and common aspirations, we embrace this collaboration as a testament to collective purpose,” shared Mr. Joseph O. Catarungan, President of BMKQ. He added that future initiatives with the FAMS will focus heavily on rolling out Post-Arrival Orientation Seminars (PAOS) to guide newly arrived domestic workers through local guidelines and government support services.
As partnerships expand, this seminar sets a high benchmark for worker advocacy, proving that cooperative education is a vital pillar for a safer, more secure migrant workforce in Qatar.
Jul 31, 2026 | News
For many migrant workers leaving home for the Gulf, the dream is simple: save money, support family back home, and eventually return to build a better life. But navigating living costs, remittance demands, and high-risk financial traps along the way is rarely easy.
Photo by: Mavs Ardeza
To help bridge that gap, dozens of foreign workers gathered at the Radisson Blu Doha on July 31 for an interactive, full-day financial workshop organized by the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) Qatar Office.
The venue was filled with a diverse cross-section of Qatar’s workforce—from healthcare staff and hospitality workers to security guards, teachers, and domestic workers. Attendees travelled from across the globe, originating from India, Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Uganda.
“I don’t need to wait to start saving—it should start now,” reflected one participant during the interactive exercises, capturing the general mood of the room.
The workshop was facilitated by community groups including the Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ), the Overseas Filipino Investors and Entrepreneurs Movement (OFIE-M), and PinoyWISE International Qatar.
Steering clear of dry financial theory, the training grounded itself in practical, real-world advice. Facilitator Engr. Ressie Fos urged participants to reconnect with their original motivation for working in Qatar, reminding them that their families’ dreams should serve as their guiding light. To stay on track, he emphasized smart financial management—specifically distinguishing needs from wants to cut daily expenses and boost intentional monthly savings. To drive the point home, he illustrated how disciplined budgeting directly impacts the timeline required to fund and build a dream home back home.
Subsequent sessions turned money management into a simple habit. Presenter Engr. Jason Quizon challenged traditional spending order by introducing a savings-first formula: setting aside personal savings and remittances before calculating daily living expenses.
Meanwhile, trainers Edgardo Alcantara and Aris Riparip tackled debt traps, credit card pitfalls, and goal-setting—capping the day off with a “seven-day action challenge” to encourage participants to take their first real financial step within a week.
The approach appeared to resonate. In post-workshop surveys, 93.3 percent of evaluated participants strongly agreed that the day helped them better understand budgeting, remittance planning, and smart spending.
While organizers noted minor hiccups—such as managing participant punctuality and a long walk to the lunch venue—the overall sentiment was overwhelmingly positive.
For community groups like BMKQ, the event highlighted the power of practical education.
“United by shared values and common aspirations, we embrace this collaboration,” the group said, adding that empowering workers with financial independence remains a vital, ongoing mission in Qatar.
Jun 27, 2026 | News
Doha, Qatar. A financial literacy session held on June 27 at Qatar Foundation’s Multaqa Student Center trained 196 workers on practical money management, responsible financial behavior, and scam awareness. The program was jointly organized by the Workers Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF), Qatar Foundation (QF), and Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), with facilitation from BMKQ, OFIE‑M, and PinoyWISE Qatar.
The two‑hour session focused on strengthening workers’ understanding of daily budgeting, building consistent monthly savings, and recognizing fraudulent schemes that commonly target migrant communities. Participants—representing maintenance, hospitality, welfare, security, and healthcare roles—came from nine Asian and African nationalities, reflecting Qatar Foundation’s diverse workforce.
Mr. Bimal Subaide of BWI delivered the safety induction ahead of the session, setting the tone for a structured and secure learning environment.
Opening the program, Mr. John Fabia of Qatar Foundation Workers Welfare welcomed all participants and expressed appreciation to the initiative’s partner organizations. He emphasized that the training reflects Qatar Foundation’s ongoing commitment to workers’ welfare, noting that the foundation continues to conduct awareness sessions, skills trainings, and capacity‑building activities to equip its workforce.
Engr. Ressie Fos led the opening module by walking participants through the financial journey of migrant workers, highlighting the realities that shape how workers earn, spend, and save. He placed strong emphasis on smart, disciplined, and intentional spending, noting that for most workers, the idea of “earning more to save more” is rarely practical or within their control.
Instead, he underscored a more achievable path: managing expenses deliberately. By controlling day‑to‑day spending, workers can secure fixed and predictable savings at the end of each month, regardless of income level. Engr. Fos explained that this shift—from chasing higher income to mastering personal budgeting—empowers workers to build financial stability using tools already within their reach.
The second module, delivered by Mr. Aris Riparip, deepened the discussion by shifting from budgeting to safe financial practices and scam prevention, grounding the lesson in real‑world risks faced by migrant workers. His session featured actual fraud cases shared by participants and a role‑play demonstration of a scam phone call, giving workers a clear picture of how deceptive schemes operate.
Mr. Riparip positioned his module as a natural continuation of the first: once workers begin saving consistently and feel motivated to grow their money, they often become more curious—and more vulnerable—to offers promising quick returns. He explained that this is precisely the stage where investment scams typically strike, targeting workers who have predictable monthly incomes and newly accumulated savings.
He stressed that migrant workers remain among the top targets of scammers, and that a single fraudulent scheme can wipe out months or even years of hard‑earned savings. By understanding how scams are structured and how scammers manipulate trust, workers can better protect the financial progress they have worked hard to build.
Ms. May Shael Laguindab skillfully hosted the session, providing a clear sense of direction from start to finish. She guided the flow of discussions, ensured smooth transitions between modules, and kept participants engaged throughout the program. Her facilitation helped maintain the session’s momentum, reinforcing key messages and creating an environment where workers felt comfortable sharing experiences and asking questions.
Organizers reported strong and sustained engagement throughout the program, with evaluation results reflecting overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. Workers described the topics as highly relevant to their daily financial realities, commended the clarity and practicality of both speakers, and expressed interest in more interactive learning tools such as videos, case studies, and scenario‑based demonstrations. Many attendees also requested future sessions on digital safety, labor rights, mental health, first aid, and heat‑stress awareness, signaling a growing appetite for broader worker‑focused education.
Despite minor logistical challenges, the initiative successfully met its core objectives of strengthening financial awareness and equipping workers with practical tools to safeguard their earnings. Organizers noted that the session served as an effective introductory program, laying the groundwork for more comprehensive training in the future and affirming their openness to expanding similar worker‑support initiatives across Qatar Foundation.
Photos by: Imelda Enrille & Mavs Ardiza
