MANAMA, Bahrain — Bringing together communities in a shared show of compassion and solidarity, representatives of the Philippine Embassy, Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) joined the 13th “Kids Are Gold” Walking Day on 5 September 2026, helping raise awareness of childhood cancer and show support for children battling the disease and their families.
The event began at 8:00 a.m. at Gate 6 of The Avenues Bahrain, with the Filipino delegation led by Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, His Excellency Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga; Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Jose L. Garcia III; and Vice Consul Charlie Florian T. Prenicolas. Officers and staff of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), including Labor Attaché Dr. Orville A. Ballitoc, OWWA Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns B. Gumabay, and SSS Representative Dalynn Mendoza, also joined the walk, demonstrating the Philippine delegation’s strong support for the community initiative.
Various Filipino community organizations and supporters also joined the September kick-off of the “Kids Are Gold” Campaign, collectively expressing hope, compassion, and solidarity for children fighting cancer and their families.
Event officials and organizing committee members, including Mr. Sabah Abdulrahman Al Zayani, Chairman of the Future Society for Youth, were present, along with Mr. Yusuf Lori, Director of Information and Follow-up at the Capital Governorate, and H.E. Asako Okai, Ambassador of Japan to Bahrain. Representatives from various diplomatic missions, civic leaders, families, and community members participated, showcasing widespread support for childhood cancer awareness and initiatives to assist affected children and their families.
The Philippine Embassy maintains its enduring collaborative relationship with the “Smile” Initiative through participation in the annual walkathon event, thereby demonstrating its commitment to supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families while simultaneously advancing public awareness and fostering enhanced community engagement.
As part of the annual “Kids Are Gold” initiative for International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the walkathon prominently featured the gold ribbon, a widely recognized symbol of the cause.
Beyond being just a walk, the event served as a platform for diverse communities to unite in raising awareness and reassuring children with cancer and their families that they are not alone in their struggles.
Initiated in 2012 by the Future Society for Youth, the “Smile” Initiative offers psychosocial support and assistance to children with cancer and their families in Bahrain through various programs, including psychological aid, fulfillment of children’s wishes, and educational support.
For the Filipino community, participating in the walkathon represented an opportunity to align with the broader Bahrain community in support of a significant cause while reinforcing the Filipino community’s engagement in efforts that promote compassion, awareness, and assistance for children battling cancer.
More than a one-day event, the campaign carries a message throughout the month: every child deserves love, support, hope, and the opportunity to grow, dream, and live a meaningful life.
