“It's makes me happy to be invited to this event indeed and be part of your celebration. I encourage you to make the best use of your stay here and continue respecting local laws as a way of appreciating the Kingdom which has been a good host to us Filipinos,” Labor Attaché Adam A. Musa of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in the Eastern Region (POLO-ERO) said.

Musa encouraged them to have a fund that they could use in times of necessity. He had earlier been posted in the Central Region.

He said sooner or later the members of the group will be leaving for good and they should prepare for it. Musa urged them to come up with a livelihood project that they could embark on once they are back in the Philippines.

Delivering an inspirational message, George Palencia, an official of the OFW Congress in Alkhobar, noted SMPII had been consistently one of the Filipino groups in the region involved in humanitarian services not only in the Kingdom but also in the Philippines.

“I hope you'll never tire of helping because doing so gives an immense feeling of self-fulfillment,” said Palencia, a Bagong Bayani (New Hero) awardee and who had been a community leader in Riyadh before transferring to Alkhobar.

Raymond Blancaflor, the group's Eastern Province administrator, also talked on the occasion and thanked all visitors who graced the event and finished the training under SMPII so that they could be better employees in their respective companies.

He noted that since it was formed in 1998, the group had grown from strength to strength and has now 26,000 members in the Kingdom and other countries.

Bart Torres, SMPII deputy CEO and director general in the Kingdom, urged the members to show an excellent conduct and be humble always.

An intermission number was given by April Pizarro, who sang “Isang Lahi (One Race)”, the SMPII's theme song.

Elpidio R. Tanaliga, Jr., CEO and founding chairman based in Manila, sent his message for the event through Skype.

SMPII has extended help to various individuals and groups in the Kingdom and in the Philippines. In June 5, 2005, it donated 80,000 Philippines pesos for the operation of the deaf child of SMPII member Jean Rossette A. Catibayan. The operation was successful.

It also donated relief goods worth P86,000 to victims of the landslide in Guinsaugon, in February 2006 through the ABS-CBN Foundation Sagip Kapamilya. The group also mobilized its members to help the victims of a typhoon in southern Philippines recently.

The event started with the presentation of SMPII colors, followed by the singing of the Philippine national anthem led by Mary Ann Lumapas Malazarte.

Those awarded on the occasion for completing their training included Alexander O. Angcanas, Artemio Cabanting, Arsenio A. Baay, Benito V. Mercado, Butch T. Claro, Carlos B. Dagangon Sr., Danilo N. Zonio, Ederlito V. Delos Reyes, Eric P. Revil, Francisco S. Garcia, Honorato B. Ronquillo, Anigo A. Santuele, Ismael T. Fragata, Ivas Prapas S. Nayanetra, Jeriel R. Togonon, Jesus S. Neyra, Joerich C. Alcantara, John C. Antonil, Khalil D. Pazaulan, Lino B. Magtulis, Manuel B. Corpus, manuel D. Talidano, Mario A. Galido, Mario R. Barandino, Marites P. Caya, Nilo Q. Bondoc, Noli B. magtulis, Raul de Guzman, Rey M. Villanueva, Reygie Madamba ( SMPII chapter secretary), Ricardo B. Legaspe Jr., Ricardo G, Ambas, Ricardo M. Serrano Jr., Rongie Nufuar, Ronilo Q. Cabunot, Ryan C. Galero, Sandre S. Cenit, Sonny Boy Moster, Wilfredo R. Cabas, and Willie M. Panunciar.