RIYADH, 3 September — Long thought to have gone into oblivion, the Overseas Filipino Workers Congress chapter in Riyadh has somehow sprang back to life.
Last Thursday, the umbrella organization of Filipino community groups in the capital city inducted its new set of officers of the Executive Council (EC) at the Philippine Embassy.
The officers are Isagani Manalo, president; Jose Badong, Executive vice president; Alex Bello, vice president for economic affairs; Robert Ramos, vice president for welfare; Matt Bubong, vice president for political affairs; Mohammad Ali Astillero, vice president for strategic planning and good governance; Manuel Lector, secretary-general; Flavio Biox Manilum, comptroller general.
The 13 director generals are: Alexander Sanches, sports; Magdalena Perez, culture and entertainment; Clemencia Montecillo, women; Renato Layug, social affairs and emergency assistance; Noel Santos, health; Macario Escober, government relations; Cenon Sagadal, Jr., youth; Allan Macabangkit, Islamic affairs; Jaafar Angkaya, education; Nasser Lito Paras, legal affairs; Antonio Apolto, community relations and membership; Danilo Morales, media and information; and Mona Pangcoga, external relations.
Consul General Mariano Dumia, representing Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla, and Consul Jesus Domingo, were the guests of honor.
In late 1998, about 8,000 OFWs in the Central Region representing various community organizations came to the embassy to elect 21 representatives of the Executive Council.
The unprecedented event demonstrated the enthusiasm and unity among Filipinos in Riyadh in exercising their right of suffrage.
Manalo explained, however, that the succeeding election in 2000 did not push through as the embassy refused to support it for reasons of order and security.
Because some of the original members of the council had gone home and some had intimated their desire not to continue for reasons personal to them, Manalo said the remaining active officials decided to convene to restructure the body.
The new officers promised to revitalize the organization.
One significant achievement of the OFW Congress, with the help of the embassy, was the holding of OFW Summit 2000. On Oct. 6, 2000, government officials from Manila led by then Sen. Raul Roco came to discuss about the theme of the summit: “Filipino Migration: Issues and Concerns.”