THE House of Representatives has extended assistance to Filipino workers affected by the Nov. 26 fire at the Tai Po residential complex in Hong Kong, with Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs chairman and Agimat party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla visiting the victims over the weekend to convey Congress’ sympathies and support.
“Even if you are not in our country, we are still here to help you,” Revilla told the Hong Kong OFWs.
Among those he visited was Rhodora Tañacao, who was recuperating in the hospital for smoke inhalation. Tañacao had just arrived in Hong Kong on Nov. 26 and bravely stayed in the burning Tai Po complex to protect her infant ward until they were rescued.
Revilla hailed Tañacao’s heroism as “reflective of the Filipino value of helping people wherever they may be.”
He travelled to Hong Kong on the instructions of House Speaker Faustino Dy III, who directed him to check on the OFWs’ wellbeing and extend the House’s assistance.
Dy also authorized the release of financial assistance to each OFW affected by the fire, with the funds to be deposited directly into their accounts.
The Speaker’s office will likewise extend financial assistance to the family of Mary Ann Esteban, the OFW who perished in the incident. According to Revilla, the remains of Esteban would be repatriated within the week at no cost to the family.
Aside from financial support, Revilla’s delegation also brought volunteer mental health experts to help the OFWs process any lingering trauma from the incident, as he stressed that “it is very important that we take care of not only our bodies, but also our spirit and our mind.”
Revilla thanked the Hong Kong-based OFWs for inspiring him to do more and to push for additional legislation that will benefit the OFW community. He assured them that the House remains open to their concerns, including those that affect their families back home.
“If you need anything, if you have concerns, please do let us know. We are here to help you,” he said.
