Around 62 members and officers of the Philippine Bahrain Caregiver Society (PBCS) came together for their General Assembly, Leadership Training, and Strategic Planning held recently at the Downtown Rotana Hotel, Manama. The gathering served as an opportunity for caregiver leaders to strengthen their skills, share experiences, and prepare for the challenges ahead.
The event was graced by Labor Attaché Dr. Orville A. Ballitoc as guest of honor and Yusuf Yaqoob Lori, Director of Information and Follow-up of the Capital Governorate, as special guest.
Carrying the theme “In Times of Challenges, Leaders Rise!” the program highlighted the importance of compassionate and resilient leadership, especially among healthcare workers who continue to serve others despite difficult circumstances. The training encouraged participants to become not only better professionals but also stronger leaders who can inspire, support, and uplift their teams.
In his address, Dr. Orville A. Ballitoc recognized the dedication and sacrifices of Filipino caregivers and commended PBCS for creating opportunities that nurture leadership, strengthen unity, and promote continuous professional growth. He emphasized that strong leadership plays a vital role in protecting the welfare of healthcare workers and enabling them to provide compassionate, high-quality care to the communities they serve.
“The Migrant Workers Office is always open and ready to extend assistance to our OFWs. In times of uncertainty and difficulties, we want our kababayans to know that they are not alone. The government, through MWO, OWWA, and the Philippine Embassy, is here to listen, guide, and provide the necessary support whenever they need us,” Dr. Ballitoc said.
Meanwhile, Director Yusuf Yaqoob Lori recognized the valuable role Filipino caregivers continue to play in Bahrain’s healthcare sector. He also expressed his appreciation for the Philippine Bahrain Caregiver Society (PBCS), acknowledging its many years of dedicated service and its active support for government initiatives through volunteer work, health awareness campaigns, and community outreach.
He encouraged PBCS members to keep serving with professionalism, unity, and compassion, emphasizing that their continued partnership is vital in promoting better health and improving the well-being of communities across the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Among the attendees was Phoebe Anne Velasco Tolorio, a 38-year-old Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Taguig City. She manages to balance her full-time role as a Project Coordinator at Radius Media with her studies as an Auxiliary Nurse at ATDC, dedicating her only day off each week to her education.
Phoebe’s journey exemplifies the determination of numerous OFWs who continue to invest in their aspirations, demonstrating that with perseverance and purpose, every sacrifice can pave the way for a brighter future.
The leadership training encompassed essential subjects such as emotional intelligence, effective communication, strategic decision-making, and team building, providing participants with practical skills to enhance their effectiveness and compassion as leaders.
Facilitated by Ms. Jennie Ann Pastrana, Mr. John Pastrana, Ms. Mary Rose R. Lacson, and Ms. Maria P. Carmona, the sessions equipped participants with practical leadership skills, while PBCS co-founder Maribeth Perez skillfully moderated the assembly. Members also took the opportunity to reflect on the organization’s accomplishments, discuss future directions, and reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing PBCS’s mission of supporting Filipino caregivers in Bahrain.
The assembly concluded with a strategic planning workshop that outlined the organization’s priorities and future programs. It reinforced the importance of adaptive, compassionate, and collaborative leadership in navigating challenges, fostering stronger teamwork, and sustaining the delivery of quality healthcare services, especially during times when communities need support the most.
Supporting this mission is Alwali Training and Development Center (ATDC), led by Maria P. Carmona, which serves as the official training partner of PBCS.
Ms. Carmona stated, “The Auxiliary Nursing Program at ATDC provides members with vital healthcare skills such as patient care, first aid, and basic life support, enabling them to act as trained volunteers during medical missions, health awareness initiatives, community events, and emergency response activities. Together, ATDC and PBCS persist in fostering skilled and compassionate healthcare volunteers committed to serving both the Filipino community and the broader community in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The officers of the Philippine Bahrain Caregiver Society (PBCS) are Maria P. Carmona, President; Mary Rose R. Lacson, Vice President; Joy Socabon, Secretary; Fleur Dubouzet, Treasurer; Janiz Azur, Assistant Treasurer; Mary Joy Remoroza and Edwin Saliendra, Auditors; Rein San Pascual and Roberta Helena Basanez, Business Managers; and Lorelyn Abing and Jessie Roscain, Public Relations Officers.
