In spite of the intense summer heat, the Filipino community in Bahrain warmly and enthusiastically welcomed Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac during a special event held at Sentro Rizal, Philippine Embassy in Manama on 26th June 2025. This occasion showcased a strong sense of unity and active participation among overseas Filipinos, who greeted the Secretary with profound appreciation and hope.
He was joined by Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi, and this visit was part of a larger initiative aimed at enhancing support systems for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Bahrain and the Middle East. The gathering acted as an essential forum for open communication between the DMW and the Filipino community, enabling attendees to voice their concerns, provide feedback, and discuss new initiatives for the welfare of OFWs.
The program which was attended by community leaders and representatives began with interfaith prayers led by Rev. Father Anthony Almazan and Mr. Abdullah Roozbah, symbolizing the spiritual solidarity of the Filipino community in Bahrain. The open forum was facilitated by Ms. Celia Viernes-Cabadonga, Supervising Administrative Staff of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and the overall event was hosted by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Welfare Officer Juvylyn Anns Gumabay.
In her welcome speech, Her Excellency Ambassador Anne Jalando-on Louis gave a warm welcome to Secretary Cacdac and presented Dr. Orville A. Balitoc, who took office as the new Labor Attaché on the same day.
The Ambassador reminded the Filipino community to remain calm, follow official embassy and Bahrain government advisories and announcements. “We continue to pray for peace and stability in the region’’. She also urged Filipinos to register in the embassy’s online consular mapping, which she described as a vital tool for designing programs and initiatives tailored to the community’s profile—not only during times of conflict, but as part of the embassy’s ongoing services.
In his message, Assistant Secretary Legaspi addressed the growing apprehension among OFWs amid escalating regional tensions:
“We understand the fear and concern of our OFWs over the ongoing tensions in the region. Your government is ready to support you. Our personal visit is a testament to that concern and care for each one of you. Please know that your government is here for you. Your safety is our priority, and we have contingency plans in place”.
Meanwhile, Secretary Cacdac reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of overseas Filipinos by echoing the concern of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.:“Our President thinks of nothing else but your well-being.
The Secretary’s visit, although previously arranged, strengthened the government’s determination to remain in touch with Filipino overseas workers on the ground.
Several major government initiatives that aim to protect and empower OFWs were presented:
The Aksyon Fund – A vital support mechanism providing legal, medical, and financial assistance to distressed OFWs and their families.
Livelihood Programs – Aimed at helping returning OFWs reintegrate into Philippine society through training, startup capital, and enterprise development.
Upskilling Initiatives – Focused on aligning OFW training with in-demand, market-driven skills to improve employment opportunities abroad and at home.
An open forum took place, during which attendees actively participated and shared their insights and concerns, receiving positive feedback and assurances of assistance from the concerned officials
Also present at the meeting was Captain Noel Escalona, the Senior National Representative of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain, which further signifies the continuous inter-agency support for the welfare of Filipino migrant workers.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Consul Bryan Jess T. Baguio, who expressed gratitude to the Filipino community for their active participation and reaffirmed the embassy’s unwavering commitment to serve and protect all Filipinos in Bahrain. He also thanked Secretary Cacdac and his delegation for their visit and for bringing government services closer to the people.
