Around 80 community members came together to celebrate the 65th birthday and charitable work of a long-standing Bahrain resident and key figure in the kingdom’s Filipino community.
Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN) president Dinah Sta. Ana, who arrived in the kingdom in 1986 as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), told the GDN she feels honoured to be recognised for her social work, which she has always been passionate about.
Philippines Ambassador Anne Jalando-on Louis attended the celebratory event, which was hosted at the Downtown Rotana in Manama, together with representatives from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and other community groups.
“It was truly an honour to see so many people from all walks of life attend the event to celebrate my birthday and charitable work,” said Ms Sta. Ana.
“Being the president of PIN since 2021 has taught me a lot, and I want to highlight that it is a very important job, one that I feel grateful for that I am able to help the Filipino community here in Bahrain.”
The mum-of-three also reaffirmed her commitment to continuing to empower Filipino women by building community partnerships and organising additional fundraising events.
“I came to the kingdom as an OFW and gradually developed a life for myself here, which has now become my home,” she said, adding that she is now happily married with three beautiful children who work in business management and the medical field. “My main mission has been to provide those in need with clothes, medical care and financial assistance, as well as organising programmes to teach them important skills.
Ms Sta. Ana worked at Gulf International Bank for 25 years before taking on the job as PIN president. She also volunteered at numerous charitable initiatives through Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Bahrain.
“I aim to continue making PIN a leading voice for Filipino women in Bahrain, promoting welfare and charitable work programmes, as well as professional growth and cultural pride.”
During the celebration, a special tribute video recapping her journey as a leader, mentor and role model was played for the audience.
Ms Louis, left, and Ms Sta. Ana at the event at Downtown Rotana
Messages from her siblings – Elizabeth, Purificacion, Lolita, Myrna, and Edgardo – were also shared in the video. In addition, a colourful and lively traditional Filipino dance Bulaklakan was performed by PIN members, highlighting the rich heritage of the Philippines.
Bulaklakan is a Philippine folk dance performed in May to celebrate the Virgin Mary and Santa Cruz. Female dancers hold garlands of flowers above their heads as they sway and turn with male partners.
Filipino Writers’ Circle president Cecil Ancheta also delivered a speech underscoring Ms Sta. Ana’s passion for helping people in need.
“I got to know Dinah in 2014 when both of us became engaged in the formation of a women’s organisation,” she said.
“It was clear from the beginning that she is hardworking and benevolent, and her dedication towards public service and offering a helping hand is inspiring.”
Established in 2015, PIN is an organisation aiming to help OFWs in Bahrain who need medical and financial assistance.
It has organised a range of programmes in partnership with the Philippine Embassy to help OFWs gain new skills, such as dressmaking, baking, massage therapy and food processing, so that they can also take these skills back home with them.
As the organisation enters its second decade of operation, it looks forward to organising more initiatives and uplifting the voices of Filipino women in Bahrain.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))