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Mary Ann Benitez

A new shelter for distressed Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong is ready but awaiting official approval to open, with the Philippines’ labour minister describing the Tai Po villa as “bigger, better and more comfortable” than its predecessor.
Hans Leo J. Cacdac, secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers, told the South China Morning Post that the new shelter was ready, while the labour attaché at the Philippine consulate, Cesar L. Chavez Jnr, provided further details.
Cacdac made a brief stopover in Hong Kong over the weekend after a six-day trip to Geneva, Bahrain and Dubai, before returning to Manila on Sunday evening.
He said he would report back to President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr on his discussions with labour counterparts in the Gulf and prepare for a coming Asean committee meeting in Manila on migrant worker protection.
Chavez told the SCMP that the new shelter, located in a gated and well-guarded Tai Po community, was “more beautiful” than the previous facility.
A three-year lease has been signed after the earlier site – a small three-bedroom flat in Kennedy Town – reached the end of its term.
The new facility was ready to receive domestic helpers but was pending approval by the local government, he said.

“Once we get approval from the Hong Kong government, we will invite [the media]. The contract has been signed,” Chavez said.
He added that the shelter, which was already “operational”, was designed to accommodate about 30 workers but could be expanded as additional beds were available.
Speaking at a gathering on Chater Road in Central on Sunday to mark the Philippines’ 128th Independence Day, Cacdac told hundreds of Filipinos that the new shelter was “more beautiful, wider and more comfortable”, and would better support distressed workers, including those facing disputes with employers or left without accommodation after losing their jobs.
“We invite OFW [overseas Filipino worker] leaders to visit our new, bigger, [more] comfortable shelter [in Hong Kong],” Cacdac said.
He said the shelter met “instructions” from Marcos for a bigger facility that would provide greater comfort and protection to Filipino helpers in the city.
Philippine Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jnr told the SCMP that the shelter, which was awaiting Hong Kong government approval, would be run by the consulate’s labour section.
“We have to coordinate, we have to seek the permission of the Hong Kong government and, of course, China. We have to wait,” Manila’s top diplomat in the city said.

Edwina Antonio-Santoyo, executive director of Bethune House, a refuge for migrant workers, welcomed the new shelter in Tai Po.
“Filipinos needing shelter should approach the consulate as this is part of their [entitlement], whether they have a case or are waiting for their visas,” she said.
Cynthia Abdon-Tellez, the general manager of the NGO Mission For Migrant Workers, said the new refuge was “necessary”, but called for the consulate to cease its practice of restricting the movement of workers who sought shelter at its facility.
Asked if there was any written policy on such restrictions, Chavez said helpers who sought refuge at the shelter were “subject to house rules designed for their welfare, safety and protection”.


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Domestic helpers gather in Central on their day off. A three-year lease for a new shelter for helpers in distress has been signed after the earlier site – a small three-bedroom flat in Kennedy Town – reached the end of its term. Photo: Karma Lo

Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers Hans Leo J. Cacdac (right) and Philippine labour attaché Cesar L. Chavez Jnr at a celebration of the country’s 128th Independence Day in Central on Sunday. Photo: Mary Ann Benitez

Domestic helpers gather in Central on their day off. Photo: Sun Yeung

Filipinos celebrate their country's 128th Independence Day at Chater Road in Hong Kong on Sunday. Photo: Mary Ann Benitez

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News

Hong Kong

Society

Philippine minister says Tai Po villa is bigger and more comfortable than previous shelter, while advocates for domestic helpers welcome facility


Philippine minister says Tai Po villa is bigger and more comfortable than previous shelter, while advocates for domestic helpers welcome facility.


Hong Kong society

The Philippines

New shelter for Filipino helpers in Hong Kong awaits government green light

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Philippine minister says Tai Po villa is bigger and more comfortable than previous shelter, while advocates for domestic helpers welcome facility

Philippine minister says Tai Po villa is bigger and more comfortable than previous shelter, while advocates for domestic helpers welcome facility