International Forum on Migration in Doha

The second International Forum on Migration was held at the Intercontinental Doha in Doha, Qatar on December 1, 2017. The Forum was organized by the Inter-Agency Committee on the Celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos (IAC-MOF) with the Philippine Embassy and POLO Doha. The activities was also attended by 250 participants composed of OFWs and Filipino Community leaders.

Ambassador Alan Timbayan gave his message by placing importance on reintegration among OFWs. PMRW President and IAC-MOF Chair Carmelita Nuqui commended the active involvement of the Filipino community in Qatar in promoting the welfare of migrants and members of their families. Several government agencies presented their services, such as Consul General Roussel Reyes on Overseas Absentee Voting registration and Mr. Mark Espina on NRCO’s programs and services.

Ambassador Alan Timbayan

PMRW President Carmelita Nuqui

Consul General Roussel Reyes

Mr. Mark Espina of NRCO

Filipino NGOs in Qatar also shared their programs and services such as PinoyWISE and WASAHQ. Ms. Leslie De Leon of SSS and Ms. Maria Analyn Gaoat of Pag-IBIG shared updates on their respective programs and services.

To impart inspiration to the forum’s attendees, POLO-Doha IT Training Program consultant,  Mr. Robin Oira, shared his training experience and its impact to his students that returned to the Philippines. A special number then followed rendered by Philippine School Doha student and Tawag ng Tanghalan Middle East Edition finalist, Ms. Thea Astley. Afterwards, an open forum was facilitated by Labatt Des Dicang.

Mr. Robin Oira, consultant of POLO-Doha IT Training Program

Ms. Thea Astley sharing a special song number to the participants of the forum.

Open Forum

Labatt Des Dicang

International Forum on Migration in Hong Kong

The International Forum on Migration was held at the Admiralty Conference Centre in Hong Kong on November 19, 2017. The Forum was organized by the Inter-Agency Committee on the Celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos (IAC-MOF) with the Philippine Consulate General and POLO Hong Kong. The activity was attended by 250 participants composed of OFWs and Filipino Community leaders. This is the first of two international fora conducted this year, with the second forum held in Doha, Qatar.

PMRW President and IAC-MOF Chair Carmelita Nuqui presented the activities lined up for this year’s celebration and the importance of reintegration as this year’s theme. Deputy Consul General Roderico Atienza of PCG Hong Kong gave his remarks with highlighting the recent signing of the ASEAN Accord on the Protection of Migrant Workers.

PMRW President Carmelita G. Nuqui

Deputy Consul General Roderico Atienza of PCG Hong Kong

Several government agencies provided their services for OFs as well as tackle several issues affecting them. Mr. Mark Espina of NRCO presented their reintegration programs and services, while Mr. Frencel Tingga of the CFO presented the initiatives of the Philippine government to combat human trafficking and CFO’s programs and services. Mr. Raymond Francis Ramos of Pag-IBIG Hong Kong and Ms. Lucille Blesilda Simbol of SSS Hong Kong presented updates on their respective programs and services.

Leo Selomenio of Global Alliance shared her experience as a domestic worker and community leader in Hong Kong. She is also one of the main cast of the award-winning film, “Sunday Beauty Queen.” An open forum and cultural presentation followed, performed by OFWs. The forum was capped by a message from Labor Attaché Jalilo dela Torre. 

Leo Selomenio of Global Alliance and cast member of "Sunday Beauty Queen"

Open Forum

Cultural Presentation by OFW group in Hong Kong

Labatt Jalilo dela Torre

2016 International Forum on Migration in Kuala Lumpur

The IAC-MOF held its 2016 International Forum on Migration at the Federal Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 20, 2016. The Forum was co-organized by the IAC-MOF with the Embassy of the Philippines in Kuala Lumpur, Philippine Overseas Labor Office-KL and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

The second forum to be conducted this year, around 160 participants attended, most of which are members of the Filipino community, professionals and representatives from the civil society and government. The forum was graced by Ambassador Jose Malaya and Prof. Stella Go of the Philippine Migration Research Network served as resource person on Filipino culture.

The International Forum on Migration held at The Federal, Kuala Lumpur

Amb. Jose Malaya delivering his message to the participants

PMRW President Carmelita Nuqui with Ambassador Malaya

PMRN Convenor Prof. Stella Go with Ambassador Malaya