Dec 21, 2025 | News
BMKQ celebrated its 10th founding anniversary in Doha on 19 December 2025, using the milestone gathering to kick off the WSIF Financial Literacy Program for migrant workers and elect its officers for the 2026–2027 term.
Doha, Qatar — The Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ), one of the country’s largest Filipino construction workers’ associations, celebrated its 10th founding anniversary and held its General Assembly on 19 December 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha.
This milestone gathering also marked the official launch of the Workers Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF) Financial Literacy Program for Migrant Workers in Qatar. BMKQ serves as the lead partner in designing and implementing the initiative, working in collaboration with the Building and Wood Workers International (BWI), the International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF), Overseas Filipino Investors and Entrepreneurs Movement (OFIE M) Qatar and Pinoy Worldwide Initiative for Investment, Savings, and Entrepreneurship (PinoyWISE) International Qatar.
WSIF Executive Director – Ms. Kholoud Al Kubaisi [Photo: WSIF]
WSIF Executive Director Kholoud Saif Al Kubaisi, who graced the launch, commended BMKQ for a decade of sustained education, organising, and empowerment efforts within the construction sector. She highlighted the “tangible benefits” these initiatives have delivered for Filipino migrant workers and reaffirmed WSIF’s commitment to supporting BMKQ and other migrant-led organisations across Qatar.
Philippine Ambassador to Qatar H.E. Mardomel Celo D. Melicor also attended the event, commending BMKQ for its decade-long service to Filipino construction workers. In his message, he encouraged members to uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership, values he underscored as essential amid ongoing concerns about corruption in the Philippines.
Philippine Ambassador to Qatar – H.E. Mardomel Celo D. Melicor
Philippine Ambassador to Qatar – H.E. Mardomel Celo D. Melicor, pose with officers and members of BMKQ
A key highlight of the assembly was the election of BMKQ’s officers for the 2026–2027 term. The newly elected leadership includes:
- Joseph O. Catarungan, President
- Cheryl Valientes, Vice President
- Irene Ainza, Secretary
- May Shael Laguindab, Treasurer
- Alliver Revilla, Auditor
- Myla Laja, Business Manager
- Elenie Nicomedes, Public Relations Officer
BMKQ Senior Adviser, Engr. Ressie Fos, and Adviser Engr. Meliza Ortiguerra officially announce the newly elected BMKQ officers for the 2026–2027 term.
BMKQ’s anniversary celebration and its role in launching the WSIF Financial Literacy Program signal a renewed commitment to strengthening worker empowerment, financial resilience, and community leadership among Filipino migrants in Qatar.
Dec 20, 2025 | News
DOHA, Dec 20, 2025 – The Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) and the Overseas Filipino Investors and Entrepreneurs Movement (OFIE-M) Qatar have signed a partnership agreement aimed at strengthening collaboration in financial literacy programs for migrant workers in Qatar.
The agreement was formalized on December 19 at the Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha by BMKQ President Joseph O. Catarungan and OFIE-M Qatar President Kristine Marie M. Zapanta. The signing coincided with BMKQ’s 10th anniversary celebration and general assembly, as well as the launch of the Workers Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF) Financial Literacy Program for Migrant Workers in Qatar.
Photo: OFIE-M Qatar
The WSIF program, developed in partnership with BMKQ, Building and Wood Workers International (BWI), and the International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF), held pilot awareness sessions attended by 150 participants from South Asian and African migrant communities, many of whom were community leaders representing their organizations.
BMKQ, which leads the development of financial literacy modules and program implementation, has also engaged two Filipino organizations in Qatar recognized for their work in financial education among overseas Filipinos – OFIE-M Qatar and PinoyWISE International Qatar.
The initiative seeks to provide migrant workers with practical knowledge on financial management, savings, and investment, aiming to empower communities and reduce vulnerabilities linked to economic hardship.
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.
