A music video dedicated to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) around the world was premiered on Friday, February 26, by Filipino community organizations in Qatar.
The music video entitled ‘Pilipino Ka' was fueled by Filipino communities' strong desire to uplift the spirit and to reinvigorate the aspirations of Filipino workers worldwide.
The original composition and music of the said song for OFWs was created by Mr. Dexter Tumang, one of the well-known musicians in Qatar. The singers were formed by talented OFWs in the field of music, and also had a special performance by one of the children of Doha and popular singer Ms. Thea Astley.
Cirio Caras, one of the Philippine Professional Organizations in Qatar, said that the goal of this project is to reach every Filipinos around the world to inspire and motivate them to continue helping their countrymen.
The joint community project dubbed as ‘Pilipino ka: Gabay at Lingkod ng Mundo' was supported by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Meanwhile, Ressie Fos, president of Bayanihan ng mga Manggagawa sa Konstruksyon sa Qatar – Federation of Free Workers (BMKQ-FFW), said seeing OFWs being together and singing one tune symbolizes the unity of Filipinos.
“Sa kabila ng challenges sa buhay natin, itong pandemic, and other challenges that have come, patuloy po tayong maging isa bilang mga Pilipino, iisa po ‘yung dugo na dumadaloy sa ating mga katawan bilang mga Pilipino (Despite the challenges in our lives, this pandemic, and other challenges that have come, we continue to be one as Filipinos, there is only one blood flowing in our bodies and that is being a Filipino),” he said.
Qatari employers praise OFWs for their honesty, skills
As part of the launching of the music video, employers in the country that houses 250,000 OFWs whom 90,000 are household service workers (HSWs), seen thanking Filipinos for their honesty and hard work.
Mr. Wayne Oliver of Urbacon Trading & Contracting who was part of the video shared his experience with Filipinos which he describes as intelligent, punctual, and very passionate about what they do.
“The passion that they drive with what they're doing is unbelievable, and I'm really glad that I've got a lot of Filipino community in my section,” he explained.
The Qatari government also extended their gratitude to the Filipinos who are working in the country.
Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs H.E. Yousuf Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo in a recorded message said that the Filipino community is positively participating in developing Qatar and that was very much appreciated.
President Duterte commends the Filipino community for promoting solidarity
The online launching of ‘Pilipino ka: Gabay at Lingkod ng Mundo' also gets the attention of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and the Philippine Government.
In his written message, Duterte commended the Philippine Professional Organizations in Qatar and the Bayanihan Qatar for launching the said project as this promotes greater solidarity and fellowship among Filipinos in Qatar.
“May this even further widens your reach so that more of our people can be inspired by our Bayanihan spirit and genuine desire to be of service to one another,” the statement of the President said.
He also encouraged Filipinos to work with renewed vigor to achieve a stronger and more prosperous nation.
Here is the YouTube video of the said music video.
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