Filipino Bakery Mogul Maria Paz Leads Private Food Relief for UAE Expats Facing Massive Job Losses

Maria Paz Banaag-Marquez distributes 300 grocery packets to UAE expats facing unpaid leave. Learn how this former domestic helper is giving back to society.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 4:00 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Times of India

Direct Humanitarian Response to Economic Displacement

A prominent Filipino entrepreneur in the United Arab Emirates is taking personal action to mitigate the financial impact of recent regional instability on the expat workforce. Maria Paz Banaag-Marquez, the 59-year-old founder of the Maria Paz pastry chain, announced a relief program aimed at residents currently grappling with reduced wages and forced unpaid leave. The initiative began on Monday, focusing on providing immediate sustenance to families who have seen their primary income streams interrupted by the broader geopolitical crisis.

Logistics of the Three-Branch Distribution Phase

The first phase of the grocery distribution is concentrated in three high-density areas: Deira, Satwa, and Sharjah. Each of these branches has been tasked with distributing 100 grocery packets, totaling 300 units in the initial rollout. Each packet is valued at approximately Dh75 and contains a curated selection of essential staples, including rice, eggs, coffee, and canned goods. This specific inventory was determined through direct feedback gathered from customer WhatsApp groups to ensure the aid met the most urgent household needs.

Sustainability Over Temporary Employment

Banaag-Marquez addressed the difficult decision to focus on food aid rather than hiring the numerous individuals who have reached out to her for work. She revealed that she receives daily messages from residents seeking part-time roles to compensate for lost salaries. However, she explained that long-term hiring is currently unsustainable, as she could not guarantee future salary payments if the economic situation does not improve. Direct grocery support was identified as the most effective and responsible way to provide relief without creating unfulfillable employment promises.