Dec 20, 2025 | News
DOHA, 19 Dec 2025 — In a significant move to strengthen professional development opportunities for Filipino workers in Qatar, the Bayanihan ng mga Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) formally signed a partnership agreement with DISS, one of the country’s leading providers of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) and Management Training.
The agreement was signed by BMKQ President Joseph O. Catarungan and DISS representative Lorylee M. Santos during a ceremony on 19 December 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha Hotel. The event coincided with two major milestones for the group: the launch of the Workers Support and Insurance Fund’s financial literacy program for migrant workers in Qatar, which BMKQ is leading in both development and implementation, and the organisation’s 10th anniversary and general assembly.
Under the new collaboration, DISS will offer exclusive discounted training programs to BMKQ members, particularly in HSE and other essential management courses. These programs are expected to help Filipino workers enhance their qualifications, improve workplace safety awareness, and open doors to career advancement within Qatar’s competitive labor market.
For several years, BMKQ has been at the forefront of empowering Filipino construction workers through livelihood initiatives, scholarship programs, and skills development efforts. These programs have enabled members to pursue additional certifications, broaden their competencies, and secure better opportunities while working abroad.
The new partnership with DISS reinforces BMKQ’s long-standing mission to uplift migrant workers by ensuring they have access to high-quality, industry-recognized training.
The signing ceremony, held during BMKQ’s 10th anniversary celebration, symbolized not only a decade of service but also a renewed commitment to supporting the professional growth and welfare of Filipino workers in Qatar. Leaders from both organizations expressed optimism that the partnership will create lasting impact and further strengthen the culture of safety and excellence within the community.
Dec 5, 2025 | News
DOHA, Qatar – The Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) and Pinoy Worldwide Initiative for Investment, Savings, and Entrepreneurship (PinoyWISE) International Qatar have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly promote financial literacy among migrant workers in the country.
BMKQ President Joseph O. Catarungan and PinoyWISE President Ferlita Y. Pabalan formally inked the agreement on December 5, 2025, at the Philippines’ Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Doha. The ceremony coincided with the 11th anniversary celebration and general assembly of PinoyWISE.
The partnership aims to empower BMKQ members and other overseas Filipino workers in Qatar by equipping them with essential financial knowledge and skills. The collaboration also paves the way for further joint efforts with the Workers Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF) to develop and implement comprehensive financial literacy programs among migrant workers giving focus on blue-collar workers.
The initiative is already underway, with the Financial Literacy Program for Migrant Workers in Qatar officially launched on December 19, 2025. The WSIF program is designed to help migrant workers make informed financial decisions, strengthen their savings habits, and support long-term economic security.
BMKQ and PinoyWISE officials expressed optimism that the partnership will create lasting benefits for the Filipino community and other migrant groups in Qatar, reinforcing their commitment to the welfare and empowerment of overseas workers.
Nov 26, 2025 | News
Doha, Qatar, Nov 26, 2025 – Backed by the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), the BMKQ convened a consultative meeting with migrant workers from South Asian and African communities, on Thursday evening to collect baseline data on financial literacy awareness.
The session, held at 7:00 pm in the Ministry of Labor’s Meeting Room on the 15th floor of Al Huda Tower in West Bay, forms part of the Workers Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF) initiative. The program aims to strengthen financial literacy among migrant workers in Qatar, with particular emphasis on blue-collar employees.
Organizers said the consultation is intended to guide the development of a Financial Literacy Awareness program under WSIF, ensuring that resources are tailored to the needs of the country’s diverse migrant workforce.
BMKQ, in partnership with BWI, OFIE-M Qatar, and PinoyWise Qatar, will produce financial literacy materials for WSIF. The organization is also expected to take the lead in rolling out the program across Qatar’s labor community.
Officials noted that the initiative underscores growing efforts to provide migrant workers with practical tools to manage their earnings, savings, and remittances, while reinforcing Qatar’s broader labor welfare commitments.
Oct 31, 2025 | News
DOHA, Qatar — The Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) organized a one-day Leadership Essentials Seminar and Workshop aimed at strengthening leadership and governance among Filipino community organization leaders in Qatar.
The seminar, held on October 31, 2025, at the Ministry of Labor Training Hall in Al Huda Tower, West Bay, focused on aligning community leadership practices with Qatar’s laws, regulations, norms, and culture.
The full-day program, running from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., covered eight key modules including the Foundation of Leadership, Core Leadership Competencies and Styles in Action, Leading Community Organizations, Strategic Planning and Mobilisation, Conflict Resolution and Ethics, Project Proposal, Implementation, and Documentation, Basic Parliamentary Rules and Procedures, and Policy Making in Organizations.
The resource speakers — Dr. Raymond E. Carasig (EdD), Engr. Ressie Fos (PMP, RMP), and Ms. Cheryl Marielou V. Cayaban (RN) — are members of BMKQ’s Education, Training, and Events Committee and experts in their respective fields.
The initiative was supported by the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) and the Ministry of Labor (MoL).
Mr. Ali Saleh Al-Khalaf – Head of the Joint Committees Affairs Department, MoL Labor Relations Department
In his message, Mr. Ali Saleh Al Khalaf, Head of the Joint Committees Affairs Department at the Ministry of Labor Relations Department, commended BMKQ for spearheading educational programs that help disseminate vital information to expatriate communities. He noted that the Ministry and the Workers Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF) continue to back initiatives that promote workers’ welfare, awareness, and understanding of their rights and obligations.
The seminar concluded with the awarding of certificates of completion to all participants.
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.
