MANAMA, Bahrain — Forty Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) marked a significant achievement in their lives after graduating from the Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy Training Program at Orange Hotel on 19 September 2025. The event concludes a life-changing program that aims to arm OFWs with the education and training they need to create jobs abroad, or at home in the Philippines.
The graduation ceremony was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including OWWA Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns Gumabay; Dinah Sta. Ana, President of Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN); and Dr. Ilene Agana, CEO of Eagle Mind Consultancies Co. WLL.
Also in attendance were Cristina Fulgencio, CEO of BrandMe; John Bituin of the Filipino Business Council Bahrain; Antoinette Guese-Avila of Good Cause Bahrain; Enrico Santos of Soho Homes Café; and Dr. Nehal Naggar, Dean of Student Affairs at the Royal University for Women.
This initiative, spearheaded by OWWA in collaboration with Eagle Mind Consultancies Co. WLL and Pinay Ikaw Na, is part of the agency’s ongoing reintegration support for OFWs, providing tools and mentorship for long-term financial success.
Empowering Future OFW Entrepreneurs
Lenilla Estuche Ronco, 53 years old from Iloilo decided to join this training to gain a deeper understanding of how to build a successful business. ‘’I’ve already attempted to start three businesses in the past, but none of them turned out well. I realized that without the proper knowledge and guidance, it’s hard to succeed so I took this opportunity to learn’’.
My dream business is a farm and leisure project, I love farming and being surrounded by nature. I also see how my dressmaking skills can become part of that, I imagine making handmade items or giveaways for our guests, which I created personally.
I started working as a domestic worker here in Bahrain in 2004 I worked as an all-around housemaid. I cooked meals, and I took every opportunity to learn how to cook, bake, and make pastries. I also cleaned and took care of an elderly woman who was diabetic. While caring for her, I learned how to be a caregiver.
I’ve been in Bahrain for 23 years, and I’m still learning and dreaming. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, and I’m excited for what’s still ahead’’.
The 4th Friday session of the Skills Development Training featured a discussion facilitated by Cristina Fulgencio focused on value of personal and business branding in today’s competitive market. She encouraged OFWs to harness their unique experiences, values, and strengths to build authentic, trustworthy brands that resonate with their target audiences.
Business Presentations and New Ventures
The highlight of the afternoon was the Business Model Canvas Presentations by Batch 1 participants. Divided into 9 groups, attendees shared innovative business ideas, applying key concepts such as value proposition, customer segmentation, key partnerships, and revenue models.
The business plans were evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges: Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns Gumabay, Dinah Sta. Ana, Cristina Fulgencio, Dr. Ilene Agana, and Dr. Nehal Naggar. The panel praised the participants for their clarity, creativity, and practical approach to entrepreneurship.
One standout group, the “Habi Pilipina”, presented a comprehensive business plan that combines tailoring services, garment trading, and a future training center for dressmaking, that will cater not only for Filipinos but to other communities as well.
Ruth Rivera Apurado, 58, from Quezon City, an office secretary living in Bahrain for seven years. She is also part of Habi Pilipina, a group of five hardworking and talented women – Leni Estuche, Marife Reyes, Cecilia Ancheta and their mentor Epifania Fuyoc (the head trainer of the OWWA Dressmaking Course), who are proud to be members.
Ruth explained why she wanted to upskill herself “As an OFW I wanted to gain more knowledge on Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy so I can learn the proper way to manage my finances. I believe this is necessary to start a business, and this training helped me learn the attitude and tools to get it done.”
Group members are graduates of the Dressmaking Training Program in cooperation with Pinay Ikaw Na and OWWA which they developed their skills in garment-making.
Following their dressmaking training, the group deepened their capabilities by joining OWWA’s financial literacy sessions. This powerful blend of vocational and entrepreneurial learning became the foundation of Habi Pilipina, a collective that champions self-reliance, economic empowerment, and the preservation of Filipino culture through fashion and craft.
The intent of Habi Pilipina is to bring back and modernise the traditional Filipino dress, the Filipiniana, and other clothing styles that are influenced by Filipino culture.
Their plan is bigger than a business, they want to build a learning and creative center that will cater to the Filipino people, and will also provide skill development and cultural exchange opportunities to other nationalities.
Awards and Continuing Support
The event concluded with an Awarding Ceremony, where participants received Certificates of Attendance, a symbol of their commitment and effort. In her remarks, Dr. Agana announced a forthcoming mentoring schedule to ensure continuous support and guidance for the participants.
Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns Gumabay and Dinah Sta. Ana congratulated the graduates, reminding them that the end of the training marks the beginning of their journey as empowered entrepreneurs. They encouraged everyone to pursue their business dreams with resilience and purpose.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), is one of the government agencies responsible for protecting and helping Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families, continues to run programs that support migrant workers through skills training, livelihood projects, and support for reintegration. The Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy Training is one of these programs. It aims to help OFWs learn the skills and gain confidence to build a stable future, whether working abroad or returning back home in the Philippines.
