Filipino Rodelia Pedro Villar is the first Filipino recipient of the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award in the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards.
Now in its 8th year, the 2020 Hong Kong awards, co-organized by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) and Sino Group, honored Villar among the annual campaign’s “unsung heroes” for making a positive impact and inspiring others with selfless work and compassion.
The award series cited Rodelia Villar’s noble service and contribution to fellow Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong as the founder of the group “Domestic Workers Corner” which has helped her colleagues in need. The 42-year-old Villar has lived in Hong Kong for more than 17 years and says she wanted to utilize her network and knowledge to support others.
“The purpose of Domestic Workers Corner in Hong Kong is to provide psychological and material support for domestic workers especially if they require assistance in suspected romance scams, contractual disputes, and cases of sexual harassment,” Villar said.
The Western Visayas native was nominated in the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards 2020 which celebrated six outstanding individuals and their inspiring stories of community contribution, acts of self-sacrifice, and tenacious entrepreneurship through a virtual awards ceremony on November 26, 2020.
“The spirit of Hong Kong is not limited to nationality. I hold the same notion as all Hong Kong citizens to help others,” Villar added.
In addition to the online voting poll for the Lion Rock People’s Choice Awardee selected by SCMP readers, esteemed judges selected winners out of 19 nominations in each of six Spirit of Hong Kong awards categories: community, perseverance, culture, innovation, youth, and teamwork.
Filipino workers who have received international recognition include factory worker Evelyn G. Kaguitla and careworker Amelia A. Comilang who won the Outstanding Migrant Workers by Taiwan’s Labor Affairs Department for their dedication and hard work and Cagayan’s Herson Raquinio who reached the finals in the Hong Kong Volunteerism Awards.
SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to Rodelia Pedro Villar for being the first Filipino recipient of the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award in the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards!
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