OFIE-M Marks 14 Years of Service with Reintegration, Entrepreneurship and Digital Platform Launch

September 25, 2026
News

DOHA, Qatar — The Overseas Filipino Investors and Entrepreneurs Movement (OFIE-M) marked its 14th anniversary in Doha with a community learning programme focused on financial preparedness, entrepreneurship, reintegration and long-term planning for Overseas Filipinos.

Held on September 25 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Doha Old Town, the celebration carried the theme “Beyond OFW Life: From Overseas Work to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship” and the message “Prepare Today. Build Tomorrow. Come Home Ready.”

Organised in collaboration with AAALSE – Alumni Association ALSE, the hybrid event brought together OFIE-M members, community partners, guests and participants joining both in person and online.

The programme highlighted OFIE-M’s continuing advocacy in financial literacy, entrepreneurship education, responsible financial preparation, reintegration readiness, leadership development and community empowerment.

In her opening remarks, OFIE-M President Kristine Marie Zapanta reflected on the organisation’s 14-year journey and acknowledged its founders, advisers, Council of Consultants, past and present officers, members, volunteers, partners and community supporters whose contributions continue to sustain its work and legacy.

She underscored the importance of preparing early for life beyond overseas employment by building financial readiness, protecting hard-earned resources, developing realistic livelihood plans and seeking reliable information before making major business or financial decisions.

The opening programme was followed by an inspirational message from H.E. Mardomel Celo D. Melicor, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the State of Qatar.

From preparation to implementation

The learning sessions were structured as a practical journey from reintegration planning to entrepreneurship and business implementation.

Aris Jay Riparip led the session on Reintegration Planning, focusing on financial readiness, transition funds, emergency reserves and practical preparation before returning to the Philippines.

Benilda “Nhelie” Rosopa followed with Ideation to Business Plan Mapping, encouraging participants to transform business ideas into clearer and more workable plans through proper research, validation and planning before committing significant resources.

Joining online, Jose Reynante “JR” Papel presented Execution Beyond the Business Plan, discussing the realities entrepreneurs may encounter when turning written plans into actual operations, including resource management, cash flow, suppliers, customers and adapting to changing business conditions.

The programme also featured an online session on MSME Reintegration Support by Trade Commissioner Vichael Angelo D. Roaring of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The discussion introduced participants to entrepreneurship development, capability-building, market access and government support that Overseas Filipinos and aspiring entrepreneurs may explore when considering business activities in the Philippines.

A key message throughout the programme was that entrepreneurship should be approached as one possible component of a well-planned reintegration strategy, supported by preparation, research and responsible use of financial resources.

Digital milestone for OFIE-M

The anniversary also marked the official launch of the OFIE-M Website and Management Information System (MIS), presented by Engr. Ressie Fos, OFIE-M Website and MIS Developer via Pixxelsis Digital Media.

The platform is designed to strengthen member services and organisational processes through improved access to information, event registration, membership functions, communication and documentation.

OFIE-M said the launch forms part of its continuing effort to become a more accessible, organised, transparent, responsive and connected volunteer organisation.

The event was also supported by its media partners, Balitang Q and Bilyonaryo News Channel, whose coverage helped extend the reach of OFIE-M’s advocacy and community initiatives to a wider Filipino audience.

In his closing remarks, OFIE-M Vice President for External Affairs Raymond Carasig expressed appreciation to the Ambassador, resource speakers, AAALSE, DTI, media and institutional partners, community leaders, guests, members and participants who supported the celebration.

OFIE-M also extended its sincere gratitude to its Board of Directors, officers, committee leaders, members and volunteers, whose collective efforts in planning, coordination, registration, programme management, technical support, communications, documentation and other behind-the-scenes work made the anniversary celebration possible.

As OFIE-M enters its next chapter, the organisation said it will continue developing practical learning initiatives that encourage Overseas Filipinos to prepare early, strengthen financial awareness, explore entrepreneurship responsibly and approach reintegration as a planned transition.

The anniversary carried the continuing message:

“Don’t just prepare to come home. Prepare to build a sustainable life beyond OFW employment.”

OFIE-M — Serve. Lead. Empower.