The Philippine government extends full assistance to our compatriots in Hong Kong, following a devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court, a residential complex in Tai Po District.

Delegates from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Philippine Consulate General (PCG), and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) deployed in the shelters organized by the Hong Kong government to assess the current situation and condition of affected Filipinos and provide the necessary support.

Financial aid to the family of Maryan and to Rhodora

The fire incident in Wang Fuk is undeniably massive and detrimental. The death toll rises from time to time. Along with that, one Filipino migrant worker, Maryan Pascual Esteban, died from the incident.

Philippine Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr. confirmed that fact in his exclusive interview with UNTV. He also stated that the institution expedites the repatriation process of the demised OFW.

"We’ll do everything para mapabilis ito. Usually, ang timeframe ho natin n’yan, 2 weeks. So, susubukan natin pong pabilisin pa para maayos ‘yung mga documents niya," he said

OWWA Administrator, Atty. Patricia Yvonne Cuanan reiterates that commitment in speeding up the repatriation. She also stated that Esteban’s child will receive educational assistance from the OWWA, on top of death and burial benefits. Moreover, the DMW will give a separate P100-K financial assistance for Esteban's family.

Meanwhile, another OFW, Rhodora Alcaraz, was confined to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after saving her employer’s baby from the incident. On December 1, CG Israel confirmed her recovery. 

“Na-extubate na ho siya… Nakakapagsalita na nang malinaw. Syempre mahina pa dahil may nararamdamang sakit sa lalamunan sa mga nalanghap niyang carbon monoxide. So, nasa ICU pa rin pero mas stable na po. Mas maganda na ‘yung kanyang medical condition,” he said 

The DMW plans to provide hospital assistance of P75,000 and facilitate her sibling's compassionate visit.

The employment concerns of affected OFWs

The fire incident and its devastating effect on the community raised concerns regarding the employment status of the affected migrant workers, especially domestic workers. CG Israel reiterated the “two-week rule” in Hong Kong. 

Domestic helpers terminated due to the employer’s displacement or death due to the fire have 2 weeks to look for a new employer and continue working there. The Consulate is collecting further details from those 60 individuals who survived the incident regarding their current employment status and will provide necessary support once confirmed.

For concerns and assistance, Atty. Cuanan advised reaching out to the OWWA through the following hotlines available below:

Manila: 1348

Regional: (02) 1348

International (from abroad): (+632) 1348

Individuals may also proceed to the nearest OWWA office available in their area.

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