Lingkod Kababayan Friday, IELTS Orientation, and Barista Training underscore whole-of-government support for Filipino migrant workers
MANAMA, Bahrain (17 July 2026) – The Philippine Embassy in Bahrain, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Filipino Club, Philippine Teachers Association Bahrain (PTAB) and private sector partner Medici Global Professional Development & Consultancy WLL, conducted a series of programs on Friday that highlighted the Philippine government’s continuing commitment to protecting, empowering, and preparing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for greater opportunities despite the challenges posed by the regional security situation.
At the Philippine Embassy in Manama, the monthly Lingkod Kababayan Friday once again brought together key Philippine government agencies to provide convenient, one-stop frontline services to the Filipino community in Bahrain.
OFWs availed themselves of various essential government services, including consular services, Overseas Voting Registration, Social Security System (SSS) services, Pag-IBIG Fund virtual assistance, and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN). The Migrant Workers Office (MWO)-Bahrain also provided employment contract verification and other labor-related services, while OWWA facilitated membership renewal and welfare-related assistance.
Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain His Excellency, Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga, together with Vice Consul Charlie Froilan T. Prenicolas, Labor Attaché Dr. Orville A. Ballitoc, OWWA Welfare Officer Juvilyn B. Gumabay, and SSS Representative Dalynn Mendoza, led the monthly Lingkod Kabayan initiative, reaffirming the Philippine government’s commitment to delivering integrated and accessible services to the Filipino community in Bahrain. The program continues to strengthen inter-agency collaboration by bringing essential government services closer to OFWs through a one-stop service platform.
Mary Ann Salmona, 50, a widow from Novaliches, Quezon City, and currently working in the sales industry, availed herself of the opportunity to renew her OWWA membership. “It is one way of legalizing my status as an OFW and activating my membership,” she shared.
Meanwhile, Gladiz Songcuan, 41, single, and a resident of Gen. T. de Leon, Valenzuela City, who has been working in Bahrain for 17 years, a promoter, took the opportunity to reactivate her SSS and Pag-IBIG memberships. Both OFWs recognized the importance of maintaining active government memberships to access available programs, benefits, and services while working abroad.
More than 50 OFWs and aspiring professionals gathered at Crowne Plaza Bahrain for an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Orientation Program, a joint initiative of OWWA, MWO-Bahrain, Philippine Teachers Association Bahrain and Filipino Club.
According to PTAB President Rowena M. Desierto, the first of the five-session IELTS orientation series focused on strengthening participants’ listening skills for both the Academic and General Training modules It was facilitated by Dr. Arthur Basbas, Vice President of the Philippine Teachers Association Bahrain (PTAB) and the Filipino Club Bahrain, who shared practical techniques, interactive listening exercises, and proven examination strategies designed to enhance participants’ listening comprehension, build their confidence, and improve their readiness for the internationally recognized English proficiency test.
Later in the afternoon, 20 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) participated in a Barista Skills Training held at Medici Global Professional Development & Consultancy W.L.L. in Gudaibiya. The two-week training program, conducted in partnership with the OWWA and the MWO, aims to equip participants with practical barista skills that can enhance their employability, career advancement, and future livelihood opportunities.
The two-week training began with an engaging introduction to the coffee industry, where attendees explored the basics of coffee production from the bean to the final cup. The initial session which was facilitated by Edmund B. Cammayo focused on different coffee bean varieties, crucial barista tools, and the art of espresso tasting, offering participants both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
In her opening remarks, Dinah E. Sta. Ana, President and Owner of partner institution Medici Global Professional Development & Consultancy WLL, expressed her sincere appreciation to the partner agencies for their valuable support and collaboration in making the training program possible. She highlighted the importance of strong partnerships in providing skills development opportunities that empower overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and enhance their capacity for personal and professional growth.
“We thank Philippine Embassy OWWA, and Migrant Workers Office Bahrain for partnering with us as we embark on this journey of empowering our fellow Filipinos through skills development,” Sta. Ana said.
Addressing the participants, His Excellency Ambassador Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga welcomed and congratulated the participants for investing in a globally competitive skill and emphasized the value of preparation and opportunity.
“Learning to prepare a good cup of coffee requires dedication, discipline, and continuous practice. In the same way, investing in yourselves today broadens your horizons and creates greater opportunities for tomorrow,” Ambassador Gallaga said.
For her part, OWWA Welfare Officer Juvilyn “Butch” Gumabay acknowledged that several OWWA programs had been temporarily suspended due to the recent regional tensions. Despite these challenges, she assured participants that OWWA remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting OFWs through continuous learning and skills development.
“Although some of our programs were affected by the regional situation, we will continue providing skills training so our OFWs can acquire new competencies that they can use in their present work, future employment, or even in starting their own livelihood,” Gumabay said.
The day’s activities showcased the Philippine government’s holistic approach to migrant worker welfare by combining accessible frontline services, professional development, and livelihood skills enhancement. Through the monthly Lingkod Kababayan Friday, the IELTS Orientation Program, and the Barista Skills Training, OFWs were provided not only with essential government services but also with opportunities to improve their qualifications and broaden their career prospects.
These initiatives reaffirm a shared commitment to empowering Overseas Filipino Workers through responsive public service, lifelong learning, and practical skills development helping them build more secure, resilient, and globally competitive futures.
Complementing community empowerment efforts, the Alpha Phi Omega Bahrain Alumni Association (APO Bahrain AA) continues to promote volunteerism and service among Filipinos in Bahrain. During the Lingkod Kababayan activity, the organization provided free coffee and photocopying assistance to participants, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the Filipino community.
Established as AA 207 in July 2009, APO Bahrain AA upholds the values of Leadership, Friendship, and Service through various outreach initiatives, including charitable activities, community assistance programs, and collaborative projects. Led by Mrs. Maryam Padayao, the association’s 16 active members continue to contribute to the welfare of Filipinos in Bahrain and the Philippines.
