Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) were honoured in a simple but meaningful celebration of the 30th National Migrant Workers day held at the University Technology Bahrain (UTB) on 7 June 2025. The event coincided with the Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE), further underscoring the enduring contributions of overseas Filipino workers for nation-building and professional development.
Staged under the theme “Bayan, Bayani, Bayanihan,” the commemorative program—attended by representatives from various professional organizations under the Philippine Professional Organization (PPO) began with an opening prayer led by Criselda Remis, setting a reflective and solemn tone for the event.
Her Excellency Ambassador Anne Jalando-on Louis delivered an encouraging message, extending her heartfelt greetings to all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and acknowledging the dedication and hard work of Filipino workers abroad. She emphasized that OFWs not only enhance the welfare of their families and loved ones but also play a significant role in the advancement and growth of both the Philippines and the host country.
“Wherever you are, you’re making a difference, not just to your family but to the communities to which you’re giving back overseas,” stated the Ambassador.
She conveyed her heartfelt appreciation for the leadership in Bahrain, highlighting the enabling and supportive atmosphere that permits Filipinos to live and work with dignity and security.
Ambassador Louis, together with OWWA and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), conveyed her gratitude for the proactive participation of Filipino community organizations in endorsing the initiatives and services led by the Philippine Embassy.
Members of the Philippine Professional Organization (PPO) were particularly lauded for assisting qualified examinees and volunteer mentors who extended their activities to hold review sessions and provided assistance to licensure examinees for both personal and professional advancement.
“You are sharing your blessings and expertise to help others succeed. I hope you continue to share your talents and uplift others on their journey,” she said.
Emphasizing the event’s link to a larger national celebration, Ambassador Louis remarked that the Filipino community convened for a Mass commemorating Philippine Independence Day on June 6, 2025, at Sacred Heart Church, where prayers were dedicated to the 105 examinees participating in the certification exams in Bahrain
She also extended her appreciation to the UTB Management headed by President Dr.Hasan Almulla and Dr. Rodalin Asenas, the Director of the Centre for General Education represented by Ms. Rosemarie Rosales, for opening the university’s facilities for the examinations, ensuring a conducive and supportive environment for the examinees and organizers alike.
In a gesture of inclusivity, Ambassador Louis also extended warm greetings to the community observing Eid al-Adha, acknowledging the significance of this religious occasion.
Before concluding, she encouraged everyone to monitor the Philippine Embassy’s official social media channels for forthcoming events, particularly the activity related to Independence Day that is scheduled to occur.
She announced that on June 13, there will be a webinar 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐝, “𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐥’𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲”, livestream via Facebook in celebration of the birth anniversary of Dr. José Rizal, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, the resource speaker is former National Historical Commission of the Philippines Sir Emmanuel F. Calairo, KGCR.
In a touching speech, Ms. Celia V. Cabadonga, the Officer In Charge of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), extended her best wishes to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for their important contributions and sacrifices, while also encouraging them to proactively prepare for their eventual return in the Philippines as overseas work is a temporary journey.
Ms. Cabadonga’s message revolved around the very important idea of reintegration. Having an understanding that foreign employment, though life-changing as it may be, is not a lifetime status, she asserted that OFWs must ready themselves for their going back home. “Foreign departure is not permanent. We will all go home someday, and it is important that we orient ourselves for reintegration,” she further added.
According to OIC Cabadonga, this year signifies the third consecutive year in which the PRC has been conducting the licensure examination in the Kingdom of Bahrain. She’s delighted that Filipinos in Bahrain can now take the exams locally as the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) administers the exams abroad, eliminating the necessity to return to the Philippines.
The candidates who took the licensure test include: Architects – 3, Master Plumber – 11, Physical Therapist – 1, Psychometricians – 1, Rad Tech – 2, Civil Engineers – 7, Electronics Engineers – 5, REE – 5, Nurses – 18 Veterinarian Medicine – 1. Mechanical Engineer – 1, CPA – 1, RME – 3. Electronics Tech – 5, LET (Elementary) – 14 and LET (Secondary) – 27.
Delegation from PRC in Manila is composed of Ms. Wilma T. Unana, who serves as the head of the delegation. The team members include Ms. Cheyenne G. Hatulan, Ms. Ariane Olga G. Agbayani, and Mr. John Keneth F. Piquero.
OIC Cabadonga concluded her message by expressing gratitude and solidarity, encouraging the OFWs to take pride in their identity and role as essential pillars of the nation’s progress.
Meanwhile, Migrant Workers Department Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac shared a video message to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) across the globe. In his message, he once again expressed his heartfelt gratitude for their untiring support and sacrifices and hailed them as “modern-day heroes” who help the country grow.
He emphasized that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is resolute in upholding its commitment to look after and safeguard OFWs in order to offer them the right support and assistance they require during their foreign land journey.
He underscored that the Department of Migrant Workers is steadfast in ensuring the welfare and care of the OFWs in striving to provide them with the proper care and attention they deserve while they are in their foreign land.
In addition, the DMW seeks to establish complete cycle reintegration programs, including livelihood, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy programs, to assist the OFWs when they return back to the Philippines.
Migrant Workers’ Day is held every June 7, established under the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 (R.A. No. 8042), to recognize the invaluable contributions of modern-day heroes, the OFWs.
Owwa Welfare Officer Ms. Juvilyn Anns Gumabay was also present along with MWO and OWWA personnel.
The Philippine Professional Organization Bahrain (PPO Bahrain) is a non-sectarian, non-political, and non-profit umbrella organization and the administrative body of different accredited Filipino professional organizations in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is instituted to promote unity, professional growth, and community service among overseas Filipino professionals upholding ethical standard and national pride.
Member organizations affiliated with PPO composed of Philippine Nurses Association (PNAB), Philippine Teachers Association Bahrain (PTAB), Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE), Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) and Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP).
Ms. Rowena Desierto, President of the Philippine Teachers Association Bahrain (PTAB) and the current Vice President of PPO Bahrain, skilfully facilitated the program.
