Manama Bahrain — Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Bahrain have been visiting the Convention Hall of Crowne Plaza since January 24, 2026 to process their OWWA e-Cards, a vital identification card that provides access to a wide range of welfare programs and services. According to OWWA Welfare Officer Juvilyn “Butch” Gumabay, OFWs can complete their transactions at the venue until January 28, 2026.
Joyce Piñuela, 41, a beauty consultant from Dumaguete City who has been living in Bahrain for 18 years, visited the venue on January 27, 2026 to process her e-Card. She expressed satisfaction with the efficiency of the transaction, saying, “It was very fast, I got my e-Card now,” beaming proudly. Joyce is among the many OFWs who rushed to the venue after the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Bahrain announced that the release of the e-Card would begin on January 24, 2026 for those who comply with the requirements. She added, “I will be travelling to the Philippines next month, and I am very excited to use my card.”
The same day, Virgielyn Sangalang, 26, single, a domestic helper from Calasiao, Pangasinan, visited the venue to register her OWWA membership. Having been in Bahrain for only three months, she shared that she recently learned about the benefits available to OWWA members. “I grabbed this opportunity to temporarily leave my work for the day, as it benefits my future,” she said.
Meanwhile, Merla dela Torre Macadaya, a medical representative from Negros Occidental employed at Dr. Behzad Pharmacy, emphasized the importance of regularly renewing her OWWA membership, saying it serves as a vital form of security for OFWs. Having resided in Bahrain for 16 years, Macadaya shared that maintaining an active membership ensures continued access to essential programs and services. She also recounted a personal experience about a fellow OFW who suffered an aneurysm and was hospitalized for six months, incurring a very high medical bill. “OWWA Bahrain helped her even though she was not an OWWA member until she was repatriated, but for me, I want to secure my regular membership—we never know what will happen in the future,” she added.
The OWWA e-Card serves as both a digital and physical ID, providing proof of active membership and, in some cases, functioning as a government-issued ID or linking to banking features through OWWA partner banks. The card allows members to access essential programs and services, including education and scholarship assistance, livelihood support, social and welfare services, and repatriation and reintegration aid.
OWWA Cup at the Alagang OWWA Service Caravan in Bahrain
For the first time, the Alagang OWWA Service Caravan will feature the official launch of the OWWA Cup, a special activity aimed at promoting unity, camaraderie, and active participation among OFWs through sports. The event will take place from January 29 to 31, 2026 at Oasis Mall, Juffair, Bahrain, alongside the delivery of essential OWWA services.
Fellow OFWs in Bahrain are encouraged to participate, connect, and enjoy the debut of the OWWA Cup as part of the enhanced Alagang OWWA Service Caravan.
