SAN JOSE, Antique – A domestic helper from this province was a big winner in the recent 8th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards.
Forty-two-year-old Rodelia Pedro Villar, whose roots were from the Antique towns of San Jose and San Remigio, was cited as the “Lion Rock People’s Choice” – the first Filipino to be nominated and to win the award.
Villar has lived in Hong Kong for more than 17 years. She was cited for her work with the Domestic Workers Corner, formerly Lovely’s Corner, a Facebook page she founded in 2017 to help provide emotional support and information to fellow Filipina domestic helpers who are in need or in trouble.
The annual awards, co-organized by the South China Morning Post and property developer Sino Group, recognize remarkable people whose accomplishments may go unnoticed.
Citing the group’s mission statement, Villar said she wanted to help members in need, explain to them their rights, and encourage them to assert these when necessary.
“I focus on how to help members avoid getting into trouble,” she said.
Villar collaborates with local organizations and churches, and keeps close contact with the Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong in helping those in need of advice or information.
She has also organized outreach programs to empower and improve the lives of domestic workers in Hong Kong. The most recent was a medical mission held in nine churches holding Sunday services, allowing hundreds of domestic workers to receive free medical check-up.
Villar also led a recent fund-raising initiative for victims of typhoons in the Philippines.
“It’s an honor to be the first Filipino to be nominated (and win) the award,” Villar said.
She thanked Pathfinders Hong Kong for the nomination and her employers Peter Wong and family, for the support.
Five other individuals and a group took home awards in other categories.
The winners are chosen by a panel, while the winner of the Lion Rock People’s Choice award is chosen by the South China Morning Post readers through online voting./PN
