May 31, 2024 | News
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is a crucial component of any workplace, central to the collaborative initiative focused on enhancing the welfare of Filipino workers through essential resources and education.
31 May 2024, Doha, Qatar – In a collaborative effort to enhance safety and health awareness, the Philippine Association of Safety Engineers Qatar (PHASE Qatar) and Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) have extended their outreach to the Philippine Migrant Workers and Other Overseas Filipino Resource Center (MWOOFRC) in Onaiza, Qatar. The center serves as a refuge for many distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
The joint initiative between PHASE Qatar and BMKQ is focused on educating and raising awareness about occupational safety and health (OSH) focusing more on household safety among the OFWs residing at the MWOOFRC facility. This program is part of their broader mission to support and protect Filipino workers in Qatar.
PHASE Qatar, a proactive organization composed of safety engineers and professionals, has a long-standing commitment to OSH advocacy across various industries. Their expertise and dedication to promoting a culture of safety have made significant impacts on the well-being of workers in Qatar.
BMKQ, representing Filipino overseas workers in the construction and related sectors, plays a crucial role in this initiative. The organization is known for its active involvement in advocating for the rights and welfare of Filipino workers abroad. Through their partnership with PHASE Qatar, they aim to ensure that OFWs are well-informed about safety protocols and health practices that are essential in their daily lives and workplaces.
The outreach program at MWOOFRC includes training sessions, workshops, and interactive activities designed to equip the OFWs with knowledge and skills to manage safety and health risks effectively especially within household settings. By bringing these vital resources to the shelter, PHASE Qatar and BMKQ are making significant strides in fostering a safer and healthier environment for the overseas workers.
This collaboration underscores the importance of community and organizational support in safeguarding the welfare of OFWs, reflecting a shared commitment to improving the lives of Filipino workers in Qatar.
The program concluded by distributing personal items to 55 wards, along with diapers and vitamins provided to 5 children at the MWO center.
May 24, 2024 | News
Doha, Qatar – May 24, 2024: The Education and Training Committee of Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) successfully initiated its Train the Trainers program, emphasizing workers’ rights awareness. The inaugural session took place on Friday, gathering leaders and key officers from various Filipino community organizations in Qatar to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to facilitate training sessions for Filipino expatriates.
The event saw participation from over 50 leaders representing a diverse array of job industries. The program included comprehensive sessions on case handling and documentation, alongside facilitating referrals to competent authorities.
Keynote speakers at the event were notable figures in the community: Mr. Marco Ferrer, Community Liaison Officer of Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) and long-time BMKQ Advisor; Ms. Cheryl Marielou Valientes-Cayaban, President of HERO-Qatar and Chairperson of the BMKQ Education and Training Committee; and Mr. Henry Dimaano, Chairman Emeritus of HERO-Qatar, former Chairman of UFOQ, Founding Advisor of BMKQ, and recently appointed Council Member of the Philippine National Anti-Poverty Commission.
The discussions delved into specific situational topics, teaching trainers how to identify common workplace violations and guide proper reporting procedures. Emphasis was placed on developing effective communication skills to convey complex legal concepts and rights to diverse audiences. Furthermore, the training covered conflict resolution techniques, empathetic handling of worker disputes, and providing trainers with resources to create engaging and participatory training sessions on workers’ rights.
BMKQ President, Mr. Eliseo Bermido, concluded Part 1 of the training with a message of gratitude, acknowledging the participants’ dedication to becoming effective trainers. “As BMKQ aims to continually equip Filipino community leaders with the knowledge and skills to help resolve worker disputes in line with the case resolution and reporting mechanisms of both the Philippine and Qatar governments, Part 2 of this training program will likely be conducted next month,” Mr. Bermido announced.
Certificates of appreciation and participation were awarded to the keynote speakers and participants, marking the successful commencement of the Train the Trainers program.
May 20, 2024 | News
BWI and the Labour Ministry of Qatar jointly launched an information and education campaign dubbed “Mastering Heat Stress” to manage heat stress in the workplaces and to achieve a safe and healthy working environment for migrant workers in Qatar. Launched in early May 2024 and will continue through September, the campaign aims to reach out to around 50’000 migrant construction workers in Qatar in their worksites, accommodation facilities and community gatherings. The campaign team of the Labour ministry and BWI were joined by migrant workers’ OSH Practitioners Network of the Community Leaders Forum.
Since the launch of the campaign, close to 1’000 migrant workers from various companies, including Qatari Diar – Saudi Bin Laden Group (QD SBG) and Al Balagh Contracting and Trading Company, as well as migrant workers’ organisations like the Nepali Workers’ Welfare Association and BMKQ Filipino Construction Workers’ Association, have participated in the initial awareness sessions. Altogether, these 2 companies and 2 migrant workers’ associations have an outreach of no less than 6’000 workers who are benefiting from enhanced heat stress management capacity. Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee, the Ministry of Public Health and the Qatar Red Crescent Society also participated in some sessions as experts.
The campaign is expected to reach its peak during the summer months, when temperatures in the Gulf region reach about 50 degrees Celsius or more, with hot winds and high humidity. BWI and the Ministry of Labour will conduct a speakers’ training among volunteers from migrant workers’ associations and personnel from participating companies. This training aims to increase the number of mastering heat stress sessions in the next several weeks.
Mar 8, 2024 | News
Doha, Qatar – BMKQ marked International Women’s Day with a significant seminar and workshop themed “Empowering Filipinas: Discovering Your Purpose and Setting Goals.” The event took place on 08 March 2024 from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Lamat Aleayila (Hashi Kamayan) Restaurant, bringing together Filipino expatriates in a day dedicated to empowerment and personal growth.
The initiative was spearheaded by Engr. Meliza M. Ortiguerra, the BMKQ Women Coordinator, whose leadership and vision were pivotal in orchestrating the event. The seminar featured Ms. Karmela Palma, a renowned Filipina empowerment advocate in Qatar, as the resource speaker. Palma’s engaging and motivational speech focused on empowering women to discover their purpose and set achievable goals, resonating deeply with the attendees.
Moreover, Ms. Annaliza Diet, the Dean and CEO of Academia International Institute and Center, shared her insights with the participants. She emphasized the importance of having visions and goals in life and highlighted that women today are equally competitive. Additionally, Ms. Diet announced that two scholarship slots would be available for fortunate participants who qualify for the program.
A total of 28 female Filipino expatriates attended the seminar. The event was held in collaboration with other organizations, including BaK and OFW Ilokano, which helped to broaden the reach and impact of the initiative. The collaborative effort highlighted the solidarity and shared commitment to women’s empowerment within the Filipino community in Qatar.
BMKQ Women, a special programme established in 2019, has been at the forefront of advocating for women’s empowerment within the BMKQ’s overall vision. The programme is driven by the dedication of its female active members, who strive to elevate the importance of women’s roles and contributions in various sectors.
The celebration received substantial support from the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) and the Academia International Institute and Center. Their backing underscored the importance of international and institutional support in driving local initiatives aimed at empowering women.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Eliseo Bermido, president of BMKQ, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the resource speaker for her generous dedication and efforts in imparting valuable insights to the participants. He emphasized the significance of the knowledge gained in boosting their self-esteem and fostering personal growth. Mr. Bermido also extended his appreciation to all the sponsors and working committees for their contributions in making the event a success.
Feb 9, 2024 | News
On February 9, 2024, the BMKQ Education and Training Committee successfully organized a Seminar and Workshop on Leadership and Strategic Planning at the Lamat Aleayila (Hashi Kamayan) Restaurant. This event marked a significant milestone for the newly elected officers and committee members of BMKQ for the fiscal year 2024-2025, fostering a robust foundation for the organization’s future endeavors. The event also included the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected BMKQ officers and members of various committees for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
The seminar saw the participation of 50 dedicated individuals, all eager to enhance their leadership and strategic planning skills. Mr. Leo Dote, HMC’s OHS Safety Instructor and Head of Risk Assessment, and an esteemed member of the BMKQ faculty team, served as the main resource speaker. His insightful lecture on strategic planning equipped attendees with essential tools and frameworks to navigate the complexities of organizational management.
Complementing Mr. Dote’s presentation, Mr. Marco Ferrer, a representative from BWI, delivered an engaging lecture on the fundamentals of leadership. His session provided participants with a deeper understanding of effective leadership practices, emphasizing the importance of vision, communication, and team cohesion.
Additionally, Ms. Cheryl Marilou V. Cayaban, Chairperson of the BMKQ Education and Training Committee, presented an overview of the BMKQ Pre-membership and Orientation Seminar. This discussion underscored the importance of the orientation seminar as a prerequisite for membership, ensuring that all members are well-prepared and aligned with the organization’s values and goals.
The event also featured interactive workshops, during which committee members were tasked with developing actionable plans for the upcoming fiscal year. These workshops fostered collaboration and creativity, enabling each committee to tailor their strategies to meet the organization’s objectives effectively.
Mr. Eliseo Bermido, President of BMKQ, expressed his gratitude to all speakers and facilitators for their valuable contributions. He commended the participants for their active engagement and urged them to maintain their proactive stance in implementing their planned programs, projects, and activities. Mr. Bermido assured the attendees of the unwavering support from BMKQ officers and council, highlighting the collective commitment to achieving the organization’s mission.
This seminar and workshop not only provided practical knowledge and skills but also reinforced the solidarity and determination of BMKQ’s leadership and members as they embark on a promising new term.
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.
