14/06/2026
READ: DMW Secretary Cacdac Joins Bahrainโs Filipino Community in Celebrating the 128th Philippine Independence Day
In a rare and meaningful occasion coinciding with the celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day, the Filipino community in Bahrain was joined by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac during the flag-raising ceremony held at the Philippine Embassy grounds in Manama on 12 June 2026.
The ceremony was attended by officials and staff of the Philippine Embassy led by Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Excellency Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga, and his spouse, Madam Moira G. Gallaga. Also present were Labor Attachรฉ Dr. Orville A. Ballitoc of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns B. Gumabay, Vice Consul Charlie Florian T. Prenicolas, Social Security System (SSS) Representative Dalyn Mendoza and Capt. Noel Escalona, Senior National Representative of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the Combined Maritime Forces (AFPSNR to CMF).
As part of the day's activities and the government's continuing commitment to the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Secretary Cacdac witnessed the distribution of cash assistance to distressed OFWS and those affected by the current situation.
Following the assistance distribution, Secretary Cacdac together with the officials of Philippine Embassy Manama further engaged with the Filipino community during a luncheon and meet-and-greet gathering attended by approximately 110 Filipino community leaders at the Radisson Blu Diplomat Hotel in Diplomatic Area. The engagement served as an important platform for discussing the welfare and concerns of OFWs, while providing updates on the various assistance programs being implemented by the Philippine government through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
In his message to the Filipino community, Secretary Cacdac also reported on the efforts and accomplishments of the MWO Bahrain during the recent Middle East crisis. He highlighted the prompt delivery of assistance to affected OFWs, including the release of financial assistance to more than 4000 qualified beneficiaries, distribution of relief goods to distressed workers, and facilitation of repatriation for those who required urgent return to the Philippines. These interventions, he noted, were carried out in close coordination with the Philippine Embassy and partner agencies to ensure swift and efficient response to the needs of the Filipino community during a period of heightened uncertainty.
Community leaders were likewise given the opportunity to raise concerns, share recommendations, and engage directly with the Secretary during an open forum, fostering a constructive exchange of ideas and strengthening collaboration between government agencies and Filipino organizations abroad.
Secretary Cacdac mentioned the LIKHA (Linangin ang Kakayahan sa Kabuhayan) Competition, a Department of Migrant Workers - National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) initiative that promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. As part of the government's reintegration strategy, the program encourages OFWs to develop business ideas into viable enterprises through training, mentoring, and potential financial support, helping them achieve long-term financial stability beyond overseas employment. He also urged community members to take advantage of the programโs opportunities for skills development and economic empowerment. The competition deadline is set for 30 June 2026.
In the afternoon program of Kalayaan Bayanihan sa Bahrain 2026, held at Oasis Mall Juffair, a recognition and awarding ceremony was conducted honoring Filipino community organizations and individuals who played vital roles in the successful implementation of repatriation efforts, financial assistance distribution, and relief goods packing and distribution.
The awards recognized frontliners during the Middle East crisis and highlighted the spirit of volunteerism and bayanihan demonstrated by community partners who worked hand in hand with government agencies, including the Philippine Embassy, OWWA, and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), in extending timely assistance to distressed OFWs. The ceremony served as a tribute to their dedication, compassion, and unwavering support throughout the crisis response operations.
Complementing the celebration were on-site consular services provided by the Philippine Embassy, allowing Filipinos to conveniently access essential government services and assistance while participating in the Independence Day festivities.
