DOHA – Filipino entrepreneurs and community leaders in Qatar have launched a new migration and development program, “Habi Bayan,” as part of an end-of-year push to bolster financial resilience and reintegration for overseas workers.
The initiative was unveiled during the Overseas Filipino Investors and Entrepreneurs Movement (OFIE-M) gala on December 12, held in partnership with the Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (ALSE) alumni.
The “Habi Bayan” program aims to provide a structured framework for migration and development, specifically targeting ALSE alumni to bridge the gap between overseas employment and sustainable return to the Philippines.
State Support for Entrepreneurs
Speaking on behalf of Philippine Ambassador Mardomel Celo Melicor, Consul General Cassandra Sawadjaan told the assembly that the embassy remains committed to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship within the diaspora.
“This year, the thrust of the embassy was helping entrepreneurs. We’ve assisted homegrown entrepreneurs,” Sawadjaan said, noting that Qatar’s environment is increasingly conducive to Filipino-led business initiatives.
The event, themed “OFIE-M Goes Classic,” also saw the formal induction of the organization’s 2026 Board of Directors, led by incoming President Kristine Zapanta, who succeeds outgoing head Layla Bernal.
Financial Literacy for Laborers
Expanding its reach beyond entrepreneurs, OFIE-M formalized a renewed partnership on December 20 with the Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ), a prominent construction workers’ group.
The collaboration focuses on the Workers Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF) Financial Literacy Program. The initiative is designed to provide blue-collar migrants with practical tools for debt management and long-term financial planning.
“The goal is to help individuals and families make informed decisions and build resilience,” the organization said in a statement, emphasizing the “bayanihan” (community spirit) necessary to secure the future of the approximately 250,000 Filipinos residing in Qatar.
‘Home for Good’
The gala also highlighted the “Home for Good” movement, an advocacy aimed at shifting the mindset of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from temporary migration to purposeful, planned reintegration.
The evening concluded with a celebration of Filipino culture, featuring performances by musical group Reson8 and awards recognizing outstanding community volunteers and partners who contributed to the movement’s growth throughout 2025.