Jun 26, 2026 | News
DOHA – More than 150 Filipino expatriates and community leaders gathered at the Valley Forge Academy Qatar on Friday, 26th June 2026 for a one-day volleyball tournament aimed at fostering unity and promoting health awareness amid the soaring summer heat.
Organized by BMKQ Women under the leadership and coordination of Mayla “Mags” Laja, the tournament brought together 11 teams representing diverse Filipino grassroots and migrant workers in Qatar. The event was backed by the 20-strong federation Bayanihan Qatar alongside local Filipino volleyball enthusiasts.
After a grueling day of competitive matches, the Igorota Aces (BIMAAK) clinched the championship title. Bayanihan Domestic Workers Qatar (BDWQ) secured the first runner-up spot, while Serve Squad finished as second runner-up.
Focus on Health and Worker Welfare
Beyond the courts, the event placed a heavy emphasis on occupational safety, featuring a specialized heat stress awareness session to help workers navigate Qatar’s extreme summer temperatures.
Participants were trained to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion, implement proper hydration practices, and execute emergency responses to heat-related illnesses.
Representing the Workers Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF) Executive Director Khulood Saif Abdullah Al-Kubaisi, Public Relations Researcher Lulwa Al Merehi praised the initiative during her keynote address, highlighting the vital role of community programs in championing workers’ rights, physical wellness, and social inclusion.
Marco Polo Ferrer, Community Liaison Officer for the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), also delivered a solidarity message, emphasizing that sports serve as an effective platform for collective empowerment and mutual respect among migrant workers.
Diplomatic Support
The afternoon sessions saw a visit from Philippine Consul General Cassandra B. Sawadjaan, who lauded the tournament’s organizers and athletes for their commitment to community engagement.
“These community-driven initiatives are essential in strengthening the bond of the Filipino community abroad,” Sawadjaan said, encouraging the attendees to continue backing programs that safeguard the welfare of overseas Filipinos.
BMKQ President Engr. Joseph Catarungan expressed gratitude to the volunteers, corporate sponsors, and institutional partners, including the Philippine Embassy and local labor groups, noting that the strong turnout underscores the community’s enduring enthusiasm for sports and solidarity.
Related News: Volleyball serves as rallying point for health, community – Gulf Times
Jun 25, 2026 | News
Doha, June 25 (QNA) – Qatar’s Ministry of Labor has said that amendments to Labor Law No. (9) of 2026, issued by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, represent a significant step in the development of the country’s labor legislation, aimed at enhancing economic competitiveness and improving the efficiency and stability of the labor market.
In a statement, the ministry said the reforms are designed to create a more attractive and stable business environment, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. It added that the changes respond to ongoing developments in the labor market and focus on improving regulatory flexibility, strengthening service efficiency, and balancing the interests of employers and workers.
The amendments introduce provisions allowing part-time work and freelance employment under forthcoming regulatory frameworks, offering greater flexibility for businesses to access talent and adapt to emerging economic models, including platform-based work.
The revised law also strengthens oversight of recruitment practices by regulating licensing procedures, operational requirements and penalties for recruitment offices, with the aim of improving service quality and ensuring compliance with legal standards.
In addition, the ministry said the reforms provide clearer rules governing non-compete clauses, seeking to balance workers’ professional mobility with the protection of employers’ legitimate interests, trade secrets and client relationships.
To improve dispute resolution, the amendments introduce faster and more efficient mechanisms for settling labor disputes, including enhanced mediation procedures and the use of digital platforms by labor dispute committees, whose decisions will carry enforceable legal authority.
The reforms also require companies employing 100 or more workers to establish joint committees comprising representatives of both employers and employees, aimed at strengthening workplace dialogue and addressing operational challenges.
Further provisions introduce professional certification and testing requirements for certain occupations to raise workforce qualifications, improve service quality and enhance productivity and safety standards across sectors.
The ministry also highlighted strengthened wage protection measures to ensure timely and regulated salary payments, as well as expanded enforcement tools, including the suspension of services for violating entities, publication of violators’ names in specified cases, and stricter penalties to ensure compliance.
According to the ministry, the reforms mark a qualitative shift in Qatar’s labor regulatory framework, supporting business development, improving government services, attracting skilled professionals, and promoting long-term stability in employment relations. (QNA)
Jun 5, 2026 | News
DOHA — In a major effort to uplift and educate the migrant workforce in Qatar, a comprehensive empowerment seminar was held on June 5, 2026, equipping participants with critical knowledge on labor rights, workplace safety, and financial management.
The day-long event was organized by the Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ), with the vital backing of the Workers Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF), Ministry of Labor (MoL), and Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI). Hosted at the MoL, the session ran from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and was attended by members of Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Abra, Apayao, and Kalinga (BIMAAK), a Filipino regional organization representing the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) in the Philippines.
A Comprehensive Approach to Workers Welfare
The seminar was structured into four distinct, high-impact sessions designed to address the most pressing needs of migrant workers living and working in Qatar.
- Know Your Rights and Obligations
The opening session focused heavily on navigating Qatar’s Labor, Domestic, and Residency Laws. Facilitated by Engr. Jerry Ronquillo, participants received practical guidance on legal protections, labor rights, and official pathways for dispute resolution.
The dialogue was further enriched by technical insights from BMKQ Adviser Engr. Ressie Fos, sparking an active Q&A session where workers openly discussed real-world legal scenarios.
- Beat the Heat: Heat Stress Awareness
With rising summer temperatures, workplace safety took center stage in the second session. Facilitated by Jayson Avila, the segment broke down the complexities of heat-related illnesses into simple, actionable steps. Workers learned how to identify early signs of heat exhaustion and implement life-saving preventive measures in their daily routines.
This safety drive directly aligns with the current MoL’s, WSIF’s, and BWI’s Summer Heat Stress Awareness Campaign, a crucial national initiative designed to protect outdoor laborers during Qatar’s peak summer months.
- Securing the Future: Financial Literacy
Under the umbrella of the WSIF Programme, Dr. Raymond Carasig led an interactive workshop on the fundamentals of financial literacy. It can be recalled that BMKQ has consistently paved the way in this area, previously leading the roll-out of the WSIF Financial Literacy Program for migrant workers across Qatar, with a special emphasis on empowering blue-collar workers.
Moving beyond theory, the session involved practical exercises focused on:
- Creating realistic monthly budgets.
- Strategies for consistent savings.
- Responsible debt management.
- Long-term financial planning for life after overseas employment.
- Community and Organization Building
The seminar concluded with a Pre-Membership Orientation led by BMKQ Vice President Malou Valientes. She outlined the organization’s ongoing programs, support services, and community initiatives. The day ended on a high note for the group, with three new participants formally registering as BMKQ members to join the advocacy.
Collaborative Progress
By bridging the gap between government regulations and grassroots workers, the collaboration between BMKQ, WSIF, BWI, and the Ministry of Labor highlights a continuous commitment to improving the lives of expatriates in Qatar. Organizers hope to replicate this educational model across other community organizations in the coming months.
May 2, 2026 | News
DOHA — Several migrant community groups and leaders, including three prominent Filipino organizations, have been honored by Qatar’s Workers Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF) for their outstanding service to blue-collar workers. The accolades were presented during an International Labor Day celebration on May 1 at the Rosewood Hotel Doha in Lusail, jointly hosted by the WSIF, the International Labor Organization (ILO), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ), an organization dedicated to migrant workers in the construction industry and allied sectors, was among the primary awardees. The group was recognized for its active involvement in initiatives supporting the WSIF, particularly programs aimed at uplifting migrant workers in the country’s blue-collar sector. BMKQ spearheaded the rollout of WSIF’s Financial Literacy Program for migrant workers in Qatar—with a special focus on blue-collar workers, which kicked off in December 19, 2025.
BMKQ President Joseph O. Catarungan accepted the plaque of appreciation alongside the group’s past President, Engr. Meliza Ortiguerra, and PRO, Engr. Elenie Nicomedes.
The award was presented by WSIF Executive Director Kholoud Saif Al-Kubaisi, who was joined by ILO Qatar Director Francesco d’Ovidio and IOM Qatar Office Migration Management Officer Roula Hamati.
Two other major Filipino community groups, Bayanihan Qatar and the Bayanihang Domestic Workers Qatar (BDWQ), were also recognized for their community welfare efforts. The awards were not limited to the Filipino community, as the WSIF also honored several other migrant community organizations from Africa and South Asia for their grassroots support.
Ms. Rhoselyn Dolloso, BMKQ Secretary, accepts the award on behalf of Bayanihan Qatar (BQ) President, Mr. Jerry Ronquillo.
BDWQ officers and members accept the award, presented by WSIF Executive Director Ms. Kholoud Al Kubaisi.
In the individual category, Engr. Ressie Fos received special recognition for his community leadership and consistent collaboration with Qatar’s Ministry of Labor and the WSIF in implementing various welfare programs for the expatriate workforce.
Qatar has introduced a series of labor reforms in recent years, with the WSIF playing a key role in ensuring migrant workers receive unpaid wages and financial support.
Jan 31, 2026 | News
DOHA, Jan 30, 2026 – The BMKQ executive officers and committees convened on Saturday to consolidate their strategic plan for 2026, holding action planning sessions at the Ministry of Labor’s Al Huda Tower in Westbay.
The workshop, facilitated by Dr. Raymond Carasig and Engr. Ressie Fos, was organized alongside the Workers Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF) planning sessions for the Financial Literacy Program for migrant workers in Qatar.
BMKQ outlined a series of initiatives to be rolled out throughout the year, including the full implementation of the WSIF-initiated Financial Literacy Program, expansion of membership, and a comprehensive slate of education and training activities. The organization also pledged to strengthen welfare and outreach programs, conduct paralegal trainings and awareness sessions on laws in Qatar and the Philippines relevant to migrant workers, and accelerate the digitalization of its services to enhance its online presence.
Mr. Joseph Catarungan, President of BMKQ, announced the organization’s commitment to launching programs that will benefit its members, emphasizing the importance of forging a stronger partnership with the Qatar government. The collaboration aims to create initiatives that support migrant worker communities while ensuring full compliance with Qatar’s laws and local regulations.
Mr. Catarungan reflected on a notable milestone achieved earlier this month when BMKQ, together with OFIE-M Qatar and Pinoy WISE Qatar, led an introductory session on financial education for Qatar Foundation workers. The event, held on January 17, 2026, at Qatar Foundation, was organized and initiated by WSIF, the Ministry of Labor, Qatar Foundation, and BWI, marking a significant step forward in empowering migrant workers with essential financial knowledge.
During the meeting, Mr. Catarungan called upon the executive council to actively support the organization’s 2026 goals, underscoring the vital role of volunteerism and dedication in achieving BMKQ’s mission for the year ahead.
The action plans developed during each committee’s workshop and discussions will be integrated into BMKQ’s 2026 Strategic Plan.
Jan 17, 2026 | News
DOHA, Jan 17, 2026 – More than 150 workers at Qatar Foundation took part in a multi-agency seminar on Saturday aimed at bolstering the financial, physical, and mental well-being of the country’s migrant workforce.
The event, held at Awsaj Academy within the Qatar Foundation (QF) campus, was organized through a collaboration between Qatar’s Ministry of Labour, Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF), Qatar Foundation, the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI).
Financial Empowerment
The first part of the seminar was the introduction of Financial Literacy Program for migrant workers. The initiative, spearheaded by WSIF, was launched in 19th December 2025, kicks off the milestone of empowering migrant workers in Qatar giving more focus on the blue-collar workers by educating them on financial personal and household management. WSIF has partnered with BMKQ, BWI, and IDWF in the preparation of materials and implementation of the program, while BMKQ expanded the collaboration to Overseas Filipino Investors and Entrepreneurs Movement (OFIE-M) Qatar and Pinoy Worldwide Initiative for Investment, Savings, and Entrepreneurship (PinoyWISE) International Qatar.
Dr. Raymond Carasig, chairman of the BMKQ Education and Training Committee, provided an overview of the program’s objectives. Following the introduction, Ferlita Pabalan, President of PinoyWISE, led the first instructional module, which focused on the practicalities of managing a financial life while working abroad.
Safety and Mental Wellness
Beyond finances, the seminar addressed critical life skills. BWI representative Bimal briefed attendees on essential occupational health and safety protocols. To address the emotional challenges of migration, the group “Gulf Good Vibes” facilitated a session on stress management, providing workers with actionable tools to maintain mental health while living far from home.
Concluding at noon, the session represents the latest in a series of collaborative initiatives in Qatar aimed at strengthening support systems for the nation’s diverse international workforce.
