DOHA, Qatar — The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Qatar, in collaboration with the Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksyon ng Qatar (BMKQ), the Overseas Filipino Investors and Entrepreneurs Movement (OFIE-M), and PinoyWISE Qatar, held a one-day financial literacy seminar and workshop on July 31, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel Doha.
Titled “From Paycheck to Purpose,” the program aimed to strengthen the financial resilience, confidence, and long-term preparedness of migrant workers by providing practical tools they could apply to their income, savings, debts, family responsibilities, and future plans.
The workshop focused on four key areas: budgeting and money management, savings and responsible remittances, debt management and financial protection, and financial goal setting.
Engr. Ressie Fos opened the learning sessions with a discussion on the migrant worker’s financial journey. He helped participants understand where their money goes, distinguish needs from wants, adopt a “save first” mindset, and allocate part of their income toward emergency funds, debt repayment, and long-term family goals.
Engr. Jason Quizon led the session on savings, remittances, and financial tools. He emphasized that saving is a skill developed through practice and consistency and encouraged participants to build emergency, goal, opportunity, retirement, and legacy funds. He also discussed responsible remittance practices, appropriate financial tools, and protection from scams and high-interest debt.
Mr. Edgardo Alcantara facilitated the session on debt management and financial protection. He guided participants in assessing whether borrowing was necessary and affordable while highlighting the risks of informal lending, credit-card debt, and borrowing for non-essential expenses. Participants were encouraged to compare repayment costs and seek assistance from legitimate institutions.
The program concluded with Mr. Aris Jay Riparip’s “Purpose to Plan” session on financial goal setting. Using the Why–What–How–Now framework, participants identified a personal financial purpose, set a target amount and deadline, calculated a realistic monthly contribution, and committed to taking their first action within seven days.
Interactive discussions, worksheets, practical exercises, and question-and-answer sessions helped participants translate the lessons into realistic personal financial plans.
The program was supported by BMKQ President Mr. Joseph Catarungan and Vice President Ms. Cheryl “Malou” Cayaban, who served as program moderator and secretariat, together with Engr. Fos as resource speaker.
OFIE-M was represented by President Ms. Kristine Zapanta, who supported the secretariat and time management; Vice President for Internal Affairs Mr. Aris Jay Riparip and Engr. Jason Quizon as resource speakers; Ms. May Shael Laguindab as program host; Ms. Angelica Ardiza for media and documentation; and Ms. Antoniette David for program support.
PinoyWISE Qatar was represented by Mr. Edgardo Alcantara as resource speaker, with Mr. Rey Balita and Mr. Fermin Guevarra providing program support.
The organizers also acknowledged the leadership and support of IOM Qatar Chief of Mission Mr. Firas Budeiri.
More than a one-day financial education activity, the program advanced OFIE-M’s continuing advocacy to help overseas workers manage and protect their hard-earned income, build disciplined saving habits, avoid harmful debt and financial scams, and prepare for eventual reintegration. The initiative aligned with OFIE-M’s broader advocacy on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, reintegration readiness, leadership development, and community empowerment.
Through the initiative, IOM Qatar and its partners reinforced a shared message: migrant workers should be empowered to move beyond earning only for today toward saving with discipline, planning with purpose, and building a more secure future for themselves, their families, and their communities.