PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. commended the bravery of a Filipina overseas worker (OFW) who shielded her three-month-old ward from harm during a recent high-rise fire in Hong Kong, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting OFWs.
Speaking at the launch of new amenities at NAIA Terminal 3 on Tuesday, Marcos recounted meeting Rhodora Alcaraz, a domestic helper who was trapped with the baby in a smoke-filled room for several hours during the fire last month.
“Sa kabila ng panganib na kanyang hinarap ay pinili niyang iligtas ang sanggol na kanyang inaalagaan. Pinapakita nito ang likas na malasakit ng Pilipino sa kanyang kapwa,” Marcos said, emphasizing Alcaraz’s selfless act. (Despite the threat to her life, she chose to save the infant that she’s taking care of. This action manifests the genuine trait of Filipinos of showing concern for other people.)
Marcos pledged that his administration is dedicated to providing improved services and support for OFWs.
Following the fire, representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Hong Kong, the Philippine Consulate General, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Migrant Workers Office visited Alcaraz at the hospital where she received medical treatment. The OWWA Regional Office also reached out to her family in the Philippines to offer assistance.
The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong previously reported that 89 Filipinos were safe and accounted for in the aftermath of the fire. Tragically, one OFW perished in the blaze, which was the deadliest fire to strike Hong Kong in a decade.
