MANAMA, Bahrain — The Philippine Bahrain Caregivers Society (PBCS) celebrated its 7th anniversary on September 11, 2026, with a Sports Fun Day and community gathering at the Sentosa Sports Academy. More than 60 members, guests, and supporters came to the event and enjoyed a social environment with games and friendly competition.
The day began with registration and a lively community bazaar along with an opening prayer by PBCS Business Manager Ms. Rain San Pascual.
His Excellency Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga, the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Bahrain, delivered a speech recognizing the contributions of Filipino caregivers to the local community.
Ambassador Gallaga commended the PBCS for its ongoing participation and support at the Philippine Embassy in various community initiatives. He expressed gratitude for the organization’s steadfast assistance to the Embassy and the Filipino community, especially during regional conflict, highlighting how community members showed willingness to help Filipinos in Bahrain.
The ambassador also acknowledged the collaboration between the Embassy and the PBCS, which plays a crucial role in implementing programs beneficial to Filipinos.
A yoga session led by Ms. Rosemarie De Los Santos was followed by team-building exercises and a mix of group and individual activities. Participants also enjoyed various games and raffle draws throughout the morning.
After a lunch break, prayer, and a brief rest period, the sports activities resumed, providing opportunities for healthy competition, friendship, and social interaction outside the workplace.
During an interview, PBCS President Maria Fernandez Perez advocated for her fellow Filipinos to pursue continuous education, cultivate their professional competencies, and apply their expertise toward assisting others. She expressed her aspiration that the organization would serve as a catalyst for inspiring additional Filipinos to strengthen their capabilities and leverage their acquired knowledge to benefit fellow overseas Filipino workers and members of the broader community.
According to Perez, the significance of PBCS extends beyond its function of assembling caregiving professionals. The organization is fundamentally dedicated to establishing avenues for member advancement, facilitating the exchange of specialized abilities, and fostering reciprocal support through assistance to fellow overseas Filipino workers and other constituents within the community.
Glicel Anne Rayos del Sol, a medical secretary in one of Bahrain’s leading hospitals and a resident for nearly two decades, viewed the PBCS anniversary as more than a mere celebration. Having attended in the Nursing Auxiliary Program at the Alwali Training & Development Center (ATDC), she expressed that the day was a chance to connect with the caregivers, community and reflect on the relationships she has developed.
Glicel Anne remarked that being a member of PBCS has ignited her passion for serving others, cultivating meaningful connections, and engaging in a caring community. “Today is not just about participating in games; it’s about returning to a place that has become an integral part of our identity.”
The celebration concluded with the presentation of awards to participants and winners of the games, while PBCS Vice President Ms. Mary Rose Rodriguez Lacson who acted as the master of ceremonies wrapped up the event with a group photo.
The 7th anniversary celebration of PBCS highlighted its role in nurturing camaraderie and friendship among Filipino caregivers in Bahrain, offering members a chance to unwind, enjoy, and celebrate together.
Established in 2019 by Filipino caregivers residing and working in Bahrain, the Philippine Bahrain Caregivers Society (PBCS) aims to foster camaraderie, friendship, and mutual support.
Among those who helped establish the PBCS were Maria Perez Carmona, Maribeth Perez, Dexter Sarmiento, Ivy Diana Ancheta, Racquel Rabino and Alma Ramos. Interestingly, the six also took part in caregiving courses, although in different batches. Their shared experiences in the field became one of the connections that brought them together and later contributed to their journey in building the organization.
In addition to preparing caregivers for participation in community initiatives and providing mutual support across occupational and personal dimensions, PBCS has orchestrated numerous community, athletic, wellness, and social gatherings designed to fortify relationships among Filipino caregivers throughout the kingdom, simultaneously championing the interests and welfare of both its membership and the wider Filipino population.–End-
