SAN JOSE, Antique – A Hong Kong-based domestic helper from Antique is leading a fundraising drive to help victims of recent typhoons in the Philippines.
Rodelia Villar of San Remigio, Antique has been working in Hong Kong for 17 years already.
She founded the Domestic Workers Corner (DWC) in 2017 with 20 other Filipina overseas workers. They launched #10dlrsmosagipngbuhayko (“10 Dollars Mo, Sagip ng Buhay Ko”) and #DWCbayanihan on Facebook on Nov. 12, 2020.
The fundraising drive appeals for just a $10 donation for victims of typhoons “Rolly” and “Ulysses”.
According to Villar, the fundraising drive so far gathered HK$59,415.95 (as of Nov. 16).
Villar said all the donations came from Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong who are members and followers of the DWC social media group. They sent donations through various online money transfer portals.
The fundraiser aims to address the immediate needs of the typhoon victims like food and water while waiting for supplies from the government, and until everything goes back to normal, said Villar.
The target recipients, according to Villar, are affected barangays that are able to meet their requirements and have provided the needed information. The barangays will receive at least P10,000 cash depending on the damage and number of affected families.
“We ensure that the recommended barangays really exist by double-checking every data collected to avoid failure and frustration among our donors, and that the help will be received by those who really need it,” Villar said.
She added: “We also make sure that every donation is posted in our group and in my Facebook account for transparency.”
As of this writing, the Domestic Workers Corner has already sent at least P180,000 to typhoon victims.
The group is also sending help like clothes and sanitary needs.
“On behalf of the Domestic Workers Corner, I would like to thank everyone who responded and donated for the cause. I also apologize to those who are not able to receive our help,” said Villar. The 42-year-old Villar is the first Filipina nominated for the 8th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards this year for helping troubled fellow Filipina domestic helpers there./PN
