ALKHOBAR, 15 September — Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla urged Filipino community leaders in the Eastern Region to join hands with the Philippine Embassy in tapping OFWs to help push the government’s tourism and economic programs.
On the tourism front, he said, “If each one of the OFWs can bring at least two tourists to the Philippines, we can really make our country a mere tourist destination for Saudi Arabian tourists.”
He said OFWs may also invite their employers and co-workers of other nationalities to visit the Philippines.
On the economic front, Guinomla asked community leaders to promote direct foreign investments and encourage OFW groups in the Kingdom to take advantage of the livelihood opportunities in the Philippines.
“Employment will be generated this way for it can create more jobs back home,” he said.
Guinomla made his pitch in a speech at the induction ceremonies for the new officers of the All Filipino Community and Sports Commission (Afcscom) recently at the Gulf Pearl Compound in Alkhobar.
OFWs must focus on savings and investment and optimize their gains while working in the Kingdom.
“What is the use of all our sacrifices of being away from our families if we are not able to save in order to invest for our future and prepare ourselves when we go back home,” he asked.
Guinomla cited the projects being held by various community groups, such as computer trainings conducted by the Filipino Computer Society (FCS) and the POLO-OWWA, in the Eastern Region, as among the productive efforts that should be encouraged.
The FCS, also a member organization of Afcscom, had recently launched the information technology awareness in this region through its Megbyte 2 project in coordination with the POLO-OWWA team led by Assistant Labor Attaché Jalilo dela Torre.
Afcscom is an umbrella organization of at least 58 community, professional, educational, civic-cultural, and sports organizations in the Eastern Region, including the 23 organizations of the 27 Accredited Community Partners (ACPs) of the embassy.
Guinomla also acknowledged Afcscom’s lead role in assisting the embassy’s programs, particularly during in the embassy’s outreach program.
During the ceremony, the ambassador administered the oath of office to Andy Reyes, overall chairman; Roilo Alojado, deputy chairman for community affairs; Maripaz Sales, deputy chairman for sports affairs; Abelardo Regalado, secretary; Edmond Nicolas, assistant secretary; Robert Uy, treasurer; Jose Espinosa, assistant treasurer; Eduardo Malagapo, auditor; Floserfino Famarin, assistant auditor; Mohammad Zain Ho, public relations officer; Jojie Apolinario, assistant PRO.
The other elected officers are: Jose Gie Sinaon and Ferdinand Arana, commissioners for community affairs; Lito Patricio, Romeo Laus, Rodille Ladera, and Ma. Lourdes Silverio, commissioners for sports affairs.
Elected as district commissioners are Dexter Tugbang for Alkhobar, Severino Reambonanza for Dammam, Flos Famarin for Al-Hassa, and Fernando Gasmin for Jubail.