When the COVID-19 pandemic struck the Kingdom of Bahrain, it had profound implications on the nation’s health, as well as its economy.

In the midst of such uncertainty and tribulation, Dinah Sta Ana, a 65-year-old leader of Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN) women’s group in Bahrain, stood above the challenge and surpassed expectations by becoming a shining light of hope. She went the extra mile in rendering aid to expatriates regardless of class and status including her fellow countrymen.

Dinah’s commitment to offering support to the needy amidst such trying situations put her on the forefront of community action be it distributing food packs, providing much-needed things, or simply listening to lend an ear, she displayed extraordinary empathy and leadership. Her services not only added beauty to the daily lives of many but also infused the oneness and defiance of the community at a time when they needed it the most. Her selfless deed relieved a hard situation, and her commitment to assisting others was clear.

The crisis sent Dinah surfing on a tide of philanthropy, exercising her charitable bicep during economic hard times. She directed her activities towards supporting Filipino contract workers in industries most affected by the crisis, among them tourism and hospitality. These were beauticians, barbers, hotel staff, waitresses, gym trainers, and massage therapists, all of whom were severely impacted by the crisis.

Recognizing their struggles, Dinah took action to provide assistance, ensuring that these workers received the support they needed to navigate difficult times. Her commitment to uplifting those who were most affected demonstrated her deep empathy and understanding of the community’s needs.

The sense of accomplishment that she felt while distributing goods to our fellow kababayans at the height of the pandemic was overwhelming. “I feel good about it whether in small ways or great ones it is the effort that is fulfilling, I was overcome with emotions and I found tears in my eyes. There is a spirituality in what I did that has taken me over completely,” Dinah related.

Through her personal capacity, she donated financial assistance to overseas workers for their air tickets who have not been fortunate enough to find good employment and took the last resort of having to go back to our country penniless.

Dinah quietly worked behind the scenes, selflessly helping those in need and generously giving her personal resources without seeking recognition or fanfare. Unlike others who often broadcast their contributions to the community, Dinah preferred to operate in humility, focusing on the impact of her actions rather than the accolades.

Her philanthropic approach was based on a strong sense of integrity and compassion. By prioritizing the needs of others over her own needs, she provided an example of true service and social awareness. Dinah’s modest devotion not only provided life-saving assistance to the destitute but inspired other people to serve constructively, sowing in the community a spirit of compassion and kindness.

How acts of charity began

With the unwavering support of her family, especially her husband, Abdulaziz, Dinah recalled how she began her charitable work by giving gifts and providing food at the shelter of the Philippine Embassy. This initial act of kindness marked the start of her involvement in the community.

Dinah’s initial efforts not only met immediate needs but also sparked her passion for performing service. From such humble origins, she broadened her canvassing, becoming increasingly involved in a variety of charitable endeavors. Her dedication to serving others was a source of inspiration in her life, motivating her to serve numerous people and families in need. By her actions, Dinah sent a ripple of kindness and community spirit, showing the immense influence that one person’s commitment can have on numerous lives.

After rushing from home to prepare meals for her family, Dinah joined with members of Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN) to explore ways, strategize programs for the betterment not only for the Filipino migrant women in Bahrain. The group is deeply involved in charitable work, including hospital visitations, providing medical assistance, and referring distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for labor-related disputes.

In addition to these services, Dinah and PIN members facilitate OFWs by facilitating various income-generating projects in collaboration with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and OWWA under the re-integration program. OFWs are prepared for chosen skill programs like dressmaking, food processing, massage therapy, and haircutting.

Through the skills imparted to them, these programs enhance the access of OFWs to vast employment opportunities as well as enhance their livelihood both in Bahrain and upon returning to the Philippines.
This emphasis on skills development not only prepares them with useful means for economic empowerment but also reinforces their confidence level so that they are able to deliver better across disciplines. Through these programs, Dinah and her organization perform valuable services toward the personal as well as professional development of overseas workers.

The voluntary work at PIN is not simply confined to hospital visitation to ailing kabayan patients. As cancer invades the lives of people, Dinah deals with cancer patients to face the challenge of this devastating and life threatening illness though basic counselling framework carving a pathway to patient understanding of the sickness to cope with the challenges that come with it apart from the cash assistance handed.

Her catholic charities also include active membership at the Katolikong Pinoy. She feels that it is a joy to join and play a small part in an organization that positively impacts the lives of so many individuals in need. She also actively joined in church activities such as festivals and fund raising events.

Dinah’s former role as an adviser for the Philippine Nurses Association Bahrain (PNAB) showcases her exceptional qualities of honesty and integrity. Her reputation is built on a foundation of trust, as her judgments are consistently sound, informed, and deserving of the highest regard.

Empowering Filipino women in Bahrain

Re-elected multiple times as an incumbent president of Pinay Ikaw Na, Dinah is highly regarded for her honesty and previous achievements.

In the commemoration of the 2021 National Women’s Month with the theme “Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya!” Dinah Sta Ana was awarded by the Philippine Embassy for her exceptional service to the Filipino community in Bahrain for playing a very crucial role in serving the community amidst the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The award, not just for Dinah’s perseverance and commitment but also for Filipino women in Bahrain, proved their ability to face a challenge in the midst of a crisis. In her award, the Philippine Embassy wanted to inspire others and give emphasis to the significance of women leadership in coming forward in assisting in rebuilding people’s support and recovery efforts.

Throughout her stint, PIN was granted Marilag Award 2022 from OWWA Bahrain for being proactive and worthy in the response to distressed OFWs.

On the 20th year of the Order of the Knights of Rizal Bahrain in the year 2023, Dinah Sta Ana received the Bayanihan Award for Humanitarian Services. This high-caliber award granted her indomitable service spirit.

Receiving the Bayanihan Award was not only a testament to Dinah’s extensive contributions but also a highlight of the importance of humanitarian work in elevating the lives of fellow human beings. It was an inspiration to everyone, motivating individuals to do good deeds and acts of help for others in their own communities.
Dinah, an empowered Filipina, finds migrant workers to be the real heroes.

They are the visionaries who fearlessly leave their native land to pursue a future of hope for their family, striving to create a future. While some succeed at their venture and others experience failure, above all Dinah sympathizes with woes.

She is touched by their misery and spurred on by a deep sense of urgency for their welfare. Dinah’s dedication to the cause of OFWs speaks volumes about her faith in the power of community and empathy. In so doing, she not only helps those who need it but also pays respect to the sacrifices of so many for a better future. Her commitment is a tribute to the power of solidarity and the value of unity in the face of adversity.

Dinah is a native of Guimba, Nueva Ecija. She moved to Bahrain in 1986, a former banker with remarkable career spanning 25-year service with Gulf International Bank.

She built a life with her husband, Abdulaziz Ahmed Marzooq, who worked at The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ. Together, they raised three beautiful and loving children: Ahmed, Sarah, and Zainab.

Ahmed is pursuing a career in marketing and management, reflecting his dynamic approach to business.
Sarah has emerged as a successful doctor, applying herself to healing and enhancing the health and lives of patients. Her dedication to providing quality medical care speaks volumes about her openness to positively affect people’s lives.

Meanwhile, Zainab graduated with honors with Bachelor of Science in Dental Surgery degree at Ras Al-Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University in the United Arab Emirates. Her educational qualifications mirror her penchant for the art of dentistry and her motive to deliver top-notch service to her future clientele.

Dinah’s family exemplifies a commitment to education and professional excellence, highlighting her dedication not just to her work, but also to nurturing the aspirations and achievements of her children.

Apart from her deep love to her family, Dinah’s leadership and guidance were invaluable, as she inspired others to uphold the same values she embodies —compassion, resilience, and a commitment to service.

Her contributions to the community reflect her unwavering dedication to service and her passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others. Her legacy is one of hope and inspiration, encouraging others to follow in her footsteps and continue the work of compassion and service. (Cecil V. Ancheta)