RIYADH, 10 September 2004 — A coalition of Filipino community leaders representing different organizations will launch the Kapihan sa Riyadh today with Ambassador Bahnarim A. Guinomla as guest of honor, according to Alex Veloso-Bello, OFW Congress president.
The Kapihan will serve as a forum for the discussion of current issues affecting the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom as well as in the Philippines.
“As an issue-oriented group, a member may opt not to participate in the discussion and resolution of an issue which is not in line with his own or his organization’s objectives,” Bello has told Arab News.
As the members discuss issues, Bello said, trust and team work among them are expected to be strengthened so that unity for a common cause will prevail.
“Kapihan is hoped to evolve to a more mature organization, which caters not only to social issues but takes on economic-related initiatives as well,” he said.
Bello said the Kapihan will strive hard to foster cooperation among the members, including a commitment to share information and resources whenever possible. “The Kapihan will make key decisions and resolve conflicts by consensus to achieve mutual benefits and foster the development of a partnership that is reflective of the community by keeping membership open to any organization or individual,” he said.
He said the objectives of the Kapihan include the promotion of brotherhood and mutual cooperation among Filipino community leaders and harmonious partnership with the Philippine Embassy and other government officials.
“In this connection, the members will actively participate in shaping government policies and programs for OFWs and ensure their implementation,” Bello said.
On Friday, OFWs in Jeddah will have their turn to dialogue with consulate officials when they hold their own Kapihan forum.
Nazruddin Dianalan, chairman of the Kasapi Congress which is organizing the affair, said Consul General Pendosina Lomondot and other officials of the consulate have been invited to discuss various topics with community members.
Among the topics listed are:
• welfare and protection, especially in the light of local labor and security changes
• reintegration, saving, and investment opportunities and economic outlook;
• new polices and other transformations in the POEA and OWWA
• pending legislation like the review/repeal of Overseas Absenting Voting law, amendments to Migrant Workers Act, and creation of Overseas Filipino Bank; and
• social responsibility toward uplifting Philippine conditions and helping less-fortunate compatriots.
Dianalan said their aim is to come up with a consensus on certain issues to be included in a position paper for presentation to the Philippine government.
The Kapihan starts at 8 a.m. until 12 noon at the Sunset Hotel in Madinah Road, corner Prince Abdullah Road.