The city government of San Pablo, Laguna recently recognized the heroism of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who saved her infant charge in a massive fire in Hong Kong last year.
In a statement Wednesday, January 7, the San Pablo City Information Office (CIO) announced additional financial assistance for the family of Rhodora Alcaraz-Toñacao in recognition of her courage and bravery.
Mayor Najie Gapangada personally handed over to Alcaraz and her family a check containing P49,000 from the Square and Compass Club, an organization of Masons from San Pablo City.
Aside from this, Alcaraz also received P50,000 from the San Pablo City LGU, as well as a housing unit at the St. Barts Southville Heights, a National Housing Authority (NHA) project in Barangay San Bartolome.
“Ang kabayanihang ipinakita ni Gng. Rhodora Toñacao ay tunay na sumasalamin sa diwa at katangian ng isang San Pableño — matapang, mapagmalasakit, at handang magsakripisyo para sa kapwa,” the San Pablo CIO said in its statement.
Alcaraz was hailed as one of the heroes of the massive fire inside the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong last November 26, 2025, in which at least 160 persons were killed.
Instead of fleeing for her own safety, Alcaraz, who just arrived in Hong Kong the day before the fire broke out, bravely stayed inside the burning apartment, held the baby tightly in a wet blanket, and used her own body as a shield against fire and smoke.
She and the baby were miraculously saved by firefighters hours later.
However, due to the injuries incurred, Alcaraz was treated in an intensive care unit in a hospital.
On December 2, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan visited Alcaraz at the hospital and extended government support.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. also accorded Alcaraz a hero’s welcome on her return to the Philippines on December 16.
“Sa kabila ng panganib na kanyang hinarap ay pinili niyang iligtas ang sanggol na kanyang inaalagaan. Pinapakita nito ang likas na malasakit ng Pilipino sa kanyang kapwa," the President said.
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