More than 25 Filipino groups come together for iftar drive

Led by Elite Group OFW Qatar and Filipino Vloggers Qatar (FVQ), around 2,500 iftar boxes containing light snacks and drinks were distributed to fasting people during the initiative

MORE than 25 Filipino community groups came together on Friday to distribute iftar meals to motorists passing through one of the busiest streets in Doha.

Led by Elite Group OFW Qatar and Filipino Vloggers Qatar (FVQ), around 2,500 iftar boxes containing light snacks and drinks were distributed during the initiative.

Majority of the groups that participated and supported the iftar campaign are members of Bayanihan Qatar.

Commenting on the activity, Elite Group OFW Qatar President Ramel A. Gardiano said, “It is an honour for our group to lead this iftar community service which is aimed at demonstrating solidarity and respect towards our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. I am pleased with the level of support demonstrated by each group

to make this campaign a success as well as to show our respect and love to our beloved second home Qatar.”

FVQ Adviser Melanie Joana Laud also reiterated the importance of such projects. She said, “There are a number of Filipino expats as well as other nationalities supporting the service that we do to the community through our Facebook live broadcasts. When we learned about the iftar campaign of Bayanihan Qatar, we did not hesitate to be part of the project as our simple way of giving back to the communities here. It is an honour to be part of the Bayanihan movement given our shared desire to be of help and service to our compatriots and other expats. Through this iftar drive we were able to reach out to our Muslim brothers and sisters.”

Just like in the previous iftar distribution activities, Bayanihan Qatar President Jerry Ronquillo took the lead in providing guidelines and instruction to ensure the smooth implementation of the activity as well as safety of the volunteers. The organisations were distributed into four big groups to reach out to as many motorists as possible.

“We are glad to be able to unite the different community groups to support a common cause. We intend to continue sharing love and joy to our Muslim brothers and sisters every year during the holy month of Ramadan,” Ronquillo said.

Aside from members of FVQ and Elite Qatar, other community groups who took part in the activity were member of The Filipino Community, SRB, FAMS, Kabisig, HERO Qatar, Kusina ng Pinoy, Republika Supremo, APO Qatar, Qatar Pilipino Helping Hand, GRII Lady Force, BMKQ, AKO OFW, TGBI, OBQ, PGBI, Kapuso, Familia, Buklod, Ilokano Group, Association of Filipino Realtors & Entrepreneur Executives in Qatar (AFREEQ), AGWI , TSDQ, GSSI, Brethren, Ang Munting Tambayan, GGGBAI and Filipino Institute Qatar.