Believing that poverty is not a hindrance in helping other people, a newly embassy-accredited construction workers’ group vowed to raise funds, and organise blood donation activities to help those who are in need whatever their nationalities are.

Filipino construction workers’ group Kalingang Kaibigan Group (KKGI), received accreditation from the Philippine embassy yesterday along with Philippine Guardian Brotherhood (PGBI), a group comprising workers from various
sectors.

KKGI chairman and founder Rodolfo Diwa said the organisation, which was formed only in September last year, has been holding fundraising drives for the last three months to help victims of typhoons in the Philippines.

Aside from Filipino expatriates, the group is also helping other nationalities like Indians, Nepalis and Pakistanis. Despite receiving meagre salaries, Diwa said construction workers are willing to share some of their hard-earned money to the needy. They currently have 75 active members. “It doesn’t matter how small or how big your contribution is. It still counts. What important is that it should come from the heart,” he said.

The group’s president, Bong Degala, said: “Poverty is not a hindrance in helping others.”

KKGI held a fundraising drive in Qatar after the country was struck by typhoon Pablo last year. Proceeds were given to ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya and benefited 300 persons. It also conducted blood donation in November last year at the Hamad Medical hospital.

In November, it conducted a fundraising drive to help Joselito Zapanta who was on the death row in Saudi Arabia.

Diwa also recounted that they helped a number of expatriate workers who have no money to buy food because they were not receiving salaries from their company for months.

“We don’t have to be rich to help others,” a group member said. “We could offer other services, like in the case of blood donation, in a little way it helps save lives.”

After being accredited by the embassy, Diwa said they are now planning to create a system on how to raise more funds for their projects. They will also collect QR60 as annual membership fee and separate monthly dues.

Even non-construction workers are welcome to join the group, he said. “Like other Filipino groups, we also want the spirit of volunteerism to remain alive in Qatar.”

On the other hand, PGBI members serve as volunteer-securities for VIPs and help in other government and Filipino community activities in the country.

During the accreditation, 2013 Philippine independence organising committee chairman Flor Cabrito announced the upcoming activities and events before the celebration. It will be held on June 14.

These included the Gabing Saya on February 22, environmental day (underwater beach cleanup) on March 8, and other activities on April like Freedom Walk and Financial Literacy seminar. OFWs will also be given orientation on “basic but helpful matters” like how to get a health card.

 

 

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