MANAMA: The Philippine Embassy in Manama, in collaboration with the Philippine Teachers Association Bahrain (PTAB), celebrated Buwan ng Wika (Language Month) with poetry and short story writing contests, culminating in an awards ceremony at the embassy premises. A total of 40 Bahrain-based Filipino expats participated in the competitions, submitting 31 poetry entries and 9 short story entries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Gines D. Gallaga praised the resilience, unity, and creative talents of the Filipino community in Bahrain. He highlighted that the Filipino language is an integral part of national identity and cultural heritage, serving as a vital medium to express shared experiences and aspirations in the Kingdom.
The event was attended by key embassy officials, including Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Jose L. Garcia III, Vice Consul Charlie Florian Prenicolas, Labor Attaché Orville Ballitoc, Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns Gumabay, and PTAB President Rowena Desierto, alongside contest participants and community members.