Overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Rhodora ‘Jackie’ Alcaraz, who survived the massive residential fire in Hong Kong, is now in stable condition but remains in the hospital for further treatment after she was placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) last November 26.
Reports indicate that the 29-year-old OFW, who arrived in Hong Kong on November 25, refused to leave the three-month-old baby in her care, staying with the infant until they were rescued along with the child’s mother. Her story captured public attention with several media outlets hailing her heroic act.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), citing updates from the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, said Alcaraz is recovering well after suffering smoke inhalation while protecting her employer’s infant during the blaze.
Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr., whose report was relayed by the DMW, said he spoke with Alcaraz on Sunday. “She is now stable and her prognosis is good. Her vital signs are stable, and hopefully in a few days she will continue to improve and be able to leave the hospital,” he said.
Israel said he also visited Alcaraz when she was still sedated and intubated. She managed to open her eyes and give a thumbs-up, he said. By the following day, the tube had been removed and she was able to recount what happened in their building.
Alcaraz went viral in Hong Kong after she reportedly wrapped her employer’s baby in a wet blanket and held the child for several hours as the Level 5 fire engulfed their high-rise residence. She shielded the infant until firefighters reached them.
According to the DMW, Alcaraz asked about the condition of the baby soon after she regained strength. “She was very interested to know what happened to the baby she was taking care of,” Israel said in his report.
The DMW added that 84 Filipinos affected by the fire have been accounted for and are safe. One Filipino was injured and remains under monitoring, while the status of seven others is still being verified.
In a statement released Saturday, November 29, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) described Alcaraz as a “modern-day hero” and urged the public to pray for her full recovery.
OWWA said representatives from the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong, the DMW, and the Migrant Workers Office have personally visited Alcaraz in the hospital “to convey the government’s full support.”
A representative from the OWWA Regional Office also visited the Alcaraz family, distributing rice and food packs, as well as providing assistance for her nine-year-old child, who is currently under the care of her mother-in-law.
However, relatives of Alcaraz appealed that government aid would be more beneficial if it were directed toward the OFW’s needs in Hong Kong—both during her hospitalization and throughout her recovery. Her siblings requested assistance, so they could travel to Hong Kong and help care for their sister while she remains in ICU.
For its part, the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong said it will continue on-the-ground operations to check the welfare of affected OFWs and extend necessary assistance.
As of writing, the consulate reported that one OFW has died, one (Alcaraz) is injured, 84 are safe, and seven remain unaccounted for.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated. Originally posted with the headline “Relatives of OFW injured in HK fire seek help.”
