Filipina among Hong Kong’s new ‘unsung heroes’

Hong Kong OFW Rodelia Pedro Villar received the Lion Rock People’s Choice award during the 8th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards. Photo from the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards

MANILA, Philippines —  A Filipina domestic helper was awarded in the 8th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards on Thursday for her contribution to the Hong Kong community, particularly in her service to fellow domestic workers.

Rodelia Pedro Villar, 42, an OFW from Western Visayas became the first-ever Filipina to clinch the Lion Rock People’s Choice award. Villar was recognized for the support she provided the domestic worker community through Domestic Workers Corner, a group she founded in 2017.

Villar thanked the people who supported her and her group.

“Maraming salamat po. Dahil sa support niyo po ito ang narating natin,” she said. “ATIN po ito hindi lang akin. [K]ung wala kayo…wala [rin] ako sa Spirit of HK,”

(Thank you so much. We achieved this through your support. This is ours, not mine. Without you, I will not be a Spirit of Hong Kong awardee.)

Villar has been staying in Hong Kong for more than 17 years. Through her group, she was able to assist fellow domestic helpers who were victims of romance scams, sexual harassment, and termination of contracts.

“At Domestic Workers Corner, I want to focus on how to help members avoid getting into trouble,” she said in an interview with South China Morning Post (SCMP) last July.

The Spirit of Hong Kong Awards honors the remarkable contribution of community achievers.  The annual award is organized by SCMP and property developer Sino Group.

“Established in 2013, the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards shine a light on Hong Kong’s unsung heroes, celebrating the genuine spirit of charity, civic awareness and goodwill of these ordinary yet exemplary Hong Kong citizens,” SCMP stated on its website.

EDV