Filipino federation reaches out to needy compatriots
Bayanihan Qatar – a federation of more than 20 Filipino community organisations hosted an outreach programme recently for the benefit of overseas Filipino workers sheltered at Philippine Overseas Labor Office’s (POLO) facility. A total of 14 member organisations under the forum came together for the event which saw distribution of groceries, foods, and personal hygiene items to beneficiaries, all of whom were women. “We are doing this outreach programme at least once every quarter, not only at POLO’s shelter facility but also in labour camps and Filipino communities,” said Bayanihan Qatar president engineer Jerry Ronquillo in a statement.
The participating organisations were TGBI TO, GSSI, FESTA Qatar, TSDQ, FFQ, Buklod, TKSQ, GP OFW, Advocates (OFWAI), GRII, Filipino Institute (FI), BDWQ, AGWI, and NIKTIK. Ronquillo thanked the participating organisations under the Bayanihan Qatar umbrella for their support and co-operation in various programmes of the federation. Ronquillo also applauded the officers and committees of the federation for their untiring support and commitment.
Engineer Caesar Ternida, founding chairman and adviser of Filipino Expatriate Sepak Takraw (Festa) Qatar – also a member organisation of Bayanihan Qatar, said that in addition to enjoying Sepak Takraw – the Philippines’ national sport, his forum understood the significance of helping those in need.
“As we hear of fellow Filipinos in need and facing issues related to their job, we believe that extending our helping hands for them, and seeing them smile again is truly gratifying and fulfilling a sense of responsibility. Our organisation has done similar outreach programmes in the past benefiting distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and we will continue this endeavour and partnership with other organisations in fulfilling this commitment”, he said. Ternida also expressed his gratitude on behalf of Festa Qatar officers and members to Bayanihan Qatar federation for consistently allowing them to become a partner in reaching out to distressed OFWs in the country.
‘Bayanihan’ or civic unity and cooperation is among the virtues of Filipinos practised since the ancient times.