Saar, Bahrain — More than 120 Cordilleran overseas Filipino workers from across the Kingdom gathered in a historic show of solidarity and cultural pride as the Cordillera Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) Solidarity Bahrain (COSB) hosted its inaugural Meet-and-Greet gathering on April 28, 2026, in Saar, Kingdom of Bahrain.
Led by President Pilgreg A. Baod and the organization’s officers, COSB’s inaugural gathering marked a significant milestone in bringing together Cordillerans in Bahrain. She explained in her speech that ‘’The first Bahrain wide gathering provided an opportunity for participants from different provinces of the Cordillera Region to reconnect with their roots, build friendships, and foster a stronger sense of community. She also added that the assembly of OFWs served as a venue for COSB to introduce its mission, engage with members, and discuss future initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare and interests of Cordilleran OFWs’’.
The occasion was underscored by the presence of Labor Attaché Dr. Orville A. Ballitoc and Vice Consul Charlie Florian T. Prenicolas, both esteemed representatives from the Cordillera region, their attendance highlighted the importance of enhancing connections among Cordilleran diaspora in Bahrain.
In his inspirational message, Labor Attaché Dr. Orville A. Ballitoc reflected on the rich traditions and lasting values of the Cordilleran people. Drawing on the indigenous Cordilleran practice known as Anido, he emphasized that in past times, community members would assemble around a communal hearth where elders narrated stories, shared wisdom, imparted cultural values, and directed the younger generation.
This gathering also functioned as a platform for reinforcing social connections, addressing community issues, and resolving conflicts through dialogue and mutual understanding. Dr. Ballitoc remarked that the Anido tradition represented unity, cooperation, respect for elders, and collective responsibility are fundamental values that have historically characterized the Cordilleran way of life. He stressed that even though many Cordillerans now reside and work far from their ancestral homeland, these values remain pertinent and continue to influence them wherever they may be.
“As Cordillerans, we have always convened for a purpose,” Dr. Ballitoc stated. “Tonight, we gather for solidarity and cultural bonding.”
A proud son of Ifugao and a seasoned public servant who previously held several high-ranking government positions, including Undersecretary and Assistant Secretary at the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO), Dr. Ballitoc emphasized the enduring unity that binds Cordillerans together despite their diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, ‘’Cordillerans possess a shared heritage grounded in mutual respect, community collaboration, and resilience’’. He urged members of the Cordillera OFWs Solidarity Bahrain (COSB) to uphold these traditions and values, characterizing the gathering as a contemporary manifestation of the Anido spirit, a space where fellow Cordillerans can reconnect with their roots, support one another, and fortify the ties that bind them as a unified community in Bahrain.
Dr. Ballitoc also urged the participants to contact the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) whenever they require assistance, highlighting that the office is dedicated to safeguarding the welfare. He reassured the attendees that the MWO is always available to OFWs in need of guidance, support, or help regarding labor-related issues, employment matters, welfare cases, and other concerns impacting their well-being.
In his address, Vice Consul Charlie Florian T. Prenicolas extended a warm welcome to the members of the COSB, led by President Pilgreg Baod, along with other overseas Filipino workers from the Cordillera Administrative Region residing in the Kingdom. Speaking on behalf of the Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, His Excellency Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga, Prenicolas expressed gratitude for the invitation to the Philippine Embassy and conveyed the Ambassador’s greetings and support to the Cordilleran community.
Prenicolas expressed his joy in attending the gathering, describing it as a significant opportunity to reconnect with fellow Cordillerans and celebrate their shared heritage. As a fellow Cordilleran, he expressed pride in the resilience, diligence, humility, and strong sense of unity exhibited by Cordilleran overseas Filipino workers, even while being away from their homeland.
He underscored that although Cordillerans may be distanced from their native provinces and the mountains they cherish, events like the COSB meet-and-greet serve as vital reminders of their rich cultural heritage and lasting identity. He encouraged the attendees to continue fostering the values that characterize the Cordillera people, particularly the spirit of mutual understanding, cooperation, and solidarity.
Echoing the message of Labor Attaché Dr. Orville A. Ballitoc, Prenicolas reminded the participants to cherish the rich traditions of the Cordillera, including indigenous practices such as the dap-ay and anido, which represent community unity, dialogue, and collective responsibility. He urged members to persist in supporting and caring for one another as brothers and sisters, especially in light of the uncertainties and challenges posed by ongoing tensions and conflicts in various parts of the Middle East.
The Vice Consul also took the opportunity to invite the participants to join the activities organized by the Philippine Embassy in celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day.
He urged the community to engage in the “Kalayaan, Bayanihan Bahrain” celebration taking place from June 11 to 13 at Oasis Mall in Juffair. The event will showcase a range of cultural and community activities, such as a singing competition, a Santacruzan Parade, and a National Dress Parade Contest for children, among other attractions.
Prenicolas concluded by expressing his appreciation for the ongoing support of the Cordilleran community towards the Philippine Embassy, Ambassador Gallaga, government officials, and the wider Filipino community in Bahrain. He commended overseas Filipino workers as modern-day heroes, whose dedication, sacrifices, and accomplishments bring honor and pride to the Philippines on the international stage
The event featured fellowship activities, cultural exchanges, and discussions that highlighted the values of solidarity, cooperation, and community service. For many participants, the gathering rekindled memories of home and strengthened their connection to the traditions and heritage of the Cordillera.
Among those who attended the gathering was Rosalie Dominguez Guerero, a 49-year-old English lecturer originally from Baguio, who has resided and worked in Bahrain for the last 13 years. “I feel privileged to be a member of the Cordillera group in Bahrain. ‘’I feel honoured to be part of the Cordillera group in Bahrain’’, she said.
Furthermore, reflecting on her experience, Jeneline Banawag, a 39-year-old Kalinga-born receptionist working in a consultancy firm in Bahrain, described the gathering as a meaningful journey back to her roots.
“From the moment the cultural dances began, to the familiar songs echoing through the venue, and the comforting taste of traditional food, everything brought me back to the majestic mountains and rich heritage of the Cordillera region that many of us proudly call home,” she shared.
As the organization continues to grow, members expressed optimism that the gathering would be the first of many activities aimed at fostering unity, camaraderie, and pride among Cordillerans throughout the Kingdom.
Situated in the northern Philippines covering six provinces namely Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province together with the vibrant and highly urbanized center of Baguio City, the Cordillera region stands as the Philippines’ premier mountain region, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, unique cultural identity, and deeply rooted values of unity and cooperation.
The organization’s officers include Gian Garcia as vice president, Jeneline Banawag as secretary, Liza Walisen as assistant secretary, Irene Ananey as treasurer, and Erinbert Moises and Jonathan Chulayan as marshals. Together, they play a vital role in organizing activities and initiatives that foster cultural preservation, community engagement, and mutual support among Cordilleran overseas Filipino workers in Bahrain.
The gathering’s success was achieved through the commitment and collaborative efforts of volunteers and sponsors who selflessly offered their time, resources, and support. Notably, Atarah Eatery played a significant role by helping with food preparation.
