BMKQ holds migrant workers financial literacy consultation

BMKQ holds migrant workers financial literacy consultation

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.

 

BMKQ holds leadership seminar for Filipino community leaders in Qatar

BMKQ holds leadership seminar for Filipino community leaders in Qatar

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.

Striking for Solidarity: BMKQ Supports Las Damas de Rizal Bowling Tournament

Striking for Solidarity: BMKQ Supports Las Damas de Rizal Bowling Tournament

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.

BMKQ holds labor law awareness session, inducts new members

BMKQ holds labor law awareness session, inducts new members

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.

BMKQ signs partnership with Lifestyle Avenue Restaurant to benefit members

BMKQ signs partnership with Lifestyle Avenue Restaurant to benefit members

Doha, Qatar – September 26, 2025 — The Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) has officially signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Lifestyle Avenue Restaurant, marking the start of a partnership aimed at delivering mutual benefits and strengthening support for both parties, members, and even the Filipino community in Qatar.

The signing ceremony, held on September 26 at Lifestyle Avenue Restaurant, was led by Engr. Jundee Mar B. Tejedo representing the restaurant, and Ms. Malou Moral, Chairperson of BMKQ’s Education Committee.

Under the agreement, Lifestyle Avenue Restaurant will extend special discounts to BMKQ’s active members and provide additional support to the organization. In return, BMKQ has committed to promoting and endorsing Lifestyle Avenue Restaurant within its membership network.

Both parties emphasized that the collaboration symbolizes unity and shared commitment to uplift the Filipino community in Qatar by offering tangible benefits and fostering stronger community ties.

BMKQ Holds Workers’ Rights Awareness Session for Migrants in Qatar

BMKQ Holds Workers’ Rights Awareness Session for Migrants in Qatar

Doha, Qatar — The Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksyon ng Qatar (BMKQ), an association of Filipino construction workers, successfully hosted a Workers’ Rights Awareness Session for Migrant Workers on August 15 at the Ministry of Labour’s training facility in Al Huda Tower, West Bay.

The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the Women Community Leaders Forum (WCLF), the Ministry of Labour (MoL), the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF), and the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI). Together, these organizations ensured participants received well-rounded information and guidance on labour rights and support mechanisms in Qatar.

Attendees included members of The Brotherhood Organization (TBO), such as the Scouts Royale Brotherhood Qatar Alumni Association (SRBQAA), Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association Qatar (APO), and Alpha Kappa Rho Qatar Council (AKRHO). Migrant workers from various sectors—including construction, hospitality, administration, and other professions—were also present.

The session aimed to empower migrants by raising awareness of their rights and responsibilities under Qatari labour laws. Topics included legal protection mechanisms, complaint filing procedures, and available support services. Participants were encouraged to assert their rights through peaceful and lawful means, while also promoting a workplace culture rooted in dignity and respect.

Interactive discussions allowed attendees to share real-life challenges, such as delayed salary payments. Resource persons provided practical, step-by-step guidance on how to lodge complaints with the Ministry of Labour, boosting participants’ confidence in exercising their rights.

Key speakers included Cheryl Marielou V. Cayaban from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Engr. Ressie Fos, senior adviser of BMKQ. Both welcomed the opportunity to address the issues raised and reinforce the importance of informed, empowered migrant workers in Qatar’s workforce.