The Philippine Embassy recently organized a Consular Outreach Mission and Health & Wellness Camp in collaboration with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) “Balik Saya” program for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Bahrain. The event took place at the Oasis Mall in Juffair, where various consular and assistance-to-nationals (ATN) services were provided. Additionally, the Embassy facilitated mobile Overseas Voting Registration for Filipino expatriates in Bahrain. Furthermore, the Social Security System (SSS) Office and a team from PhilHealth in the Philippines were present to offer their services to OFWs in attendance.
In addition to the consular services, the Embassy partnered with the Filipino Club Bahrain (FCB) to organize a health and wellness camp for the Filipino community in Bahrain. The FCB, along with their partners, including KIMSHEALTH Hospital, Abbott, Vision & Style Opticals, Philippine Bahrain Caregivers Society, and the Filisian Institute, offered free checkups, examinations, and therapeutic massages to the attendees. A total of 687 Filipinos registered and availed of the services provided during the Consular Outreach Mission and Health & Wellness Camp.
Following the outreach event, the OWWA “Balik Saya” program featured performances by Filipino artists from the Philippines, including singer Ms. Aila Santos and comedians Mr. Eric Nicolas and Tuko. The event also featured Peter Rosalita from Abu Dhabi, UAE, a semi-finalist in America’s Got Talent season 16. The program aimed to showcase the talents of Filipino artists and provide entertainment to the OFW community in Bahrain.
The collaboration between the Philippine Embassy, OWWA, and Filipino Club Bahrain highlights the commitment of the Filipino government to provide essential services and support to OFWs in Bahrain. By offering consular services, health and wellness initiatives, and cultural programs, the Embassy aims to address the needs and well-being of Filipino expatriates in the region. The successful turnout and participation in the Consular Outreach Mission and Health & Wellness Camp demonstrate the significance of such events in fostering community engagement and solidarity among the Filipino diaspora.
The presence of various governmental and non-governmental organizations at the event, such as the SSS Office, PhilHealth, and partner organizations like KIMSHEALTH Hospital and Abbott, further underscores the collaborative efforts to cater to the diverse needs of OFWs in Bahrain. By extending virtual services through coordination with Pag-IBIG, the Embassy aims to provide convenient and accessible support to Filipino clients in Bahrain. The participation of the FCB and its partners in offering free medical services and therapeutic massages reflects the dedication of the Filipino community in Bahrain to promote health and well-being among their fellow expatriates.
Overall, the Consular Outreach Mission, Health & Wellness Camp, and OWWA “Balik Saya” program have successfully brought together the Filipino community in Bahrain for a day of essential services, entertainment, and camaraderie. Through the combined efforts of the Philippine Embassy, OWWA, and Filipino organizations, such events contribute to the welfare and empowerment of OFWs in Bahrain. As the Filipino diaspora continues to thrive in the Middle East, initiatives like these play a vital role in ensuring the support and welfare of Filipino expatriates in the region.
