GOVPH
MENU

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR partnered with the International Organization for Migration-Hong Kong Office (IOM-Hong Kong), Christian Action and Indonesian Consulate General to honor women migrant workers with a day filled with fun, friendship and festivities in celebration of International Women’s Day on 12 March 2017.

 

Spearheaded by IOM-Hong Kong and Christian Action, a charitable organization providing humanitarian services, the event, carrying the theme “Commemorating the Acts of Courage and Determination of Women Migrant Workers in Hong Kong”, featured a talent show titled “Migrant Workers Got Talent!”, cultural performances from various ethnic groups, a photo competition and pep talks from civil society leaders including Ms. Emily Lau, a former HK Legislative Council member and champion of migrant workers’ rights.

 

In her opening remarks, Consul General Bernardita L. Catalla called on the attendees to celebrate womanhood and women empowerment.  Citing the PH Magna Carta of Women, Consul General Catalla emphasized the Philippine Consulate General’s mandate to implement capacity building projects and activities for Filipino workers in Hong Kong, as well as initiatives to ensure the protection and promotion of their rights and wellbeing.

 

Among the initiatives highlighted by Consul General Catalla is the Consulate’s successful negotiation with the Hong Kong government to include in the Standard Employment Contact (SEC) for foreign domestic workers a safety clause to protect the worker while cleaning windows, not only for the benefit of Filipino domestic workers but of all foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong.  The new SEC reflecting the safety clause was made effective on 1 January 2017.

 

Consul General Catalla also urged the women migrant workers to avail of learning facilities and opportunities that will enhance their knowledge, upgrade their skills and further develop their potentials for their own empowerment and to plan a better life for them and their families back in their home countries.

 

Filipino musicians Manuelo Lo and Boyet Billones, and photographer Xyza Bacani served as judges at the event’s talent and photo competitions.  Filipino winners included Eimee Velarde and Janet Sumaga (Migrant Workers Got Talent!), and Joane Monis Pabona and Marilou Caga Dupla (photo competition).  Filipino Community group, The Lord’s Flock, also performed at the event. 

 

Around 300 women and men migrant workers joined the International Women’s Day celebration.

Clockwise from top: First photo-Consul General Bernardita L. Catalla during her opening remarks. Second photo- (from left to right) Mr. Justin Murgai, Manager of Humanitarian Services of Christian Action; Mr. Chuek Yan Lee, Secretary General of HK Confederation of Trade Unions; Ms. Emily Lau, former HK Legislative Council Member; Indonesian Consul General Tri Tharyat; Mr. Sonny W. Manalu, Director of Social Rehabilitation and Victims of Trafficking Protection of the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs; Consul General Bernardita L. Catalla; and Ms. Nurul Qoiriah, Head of IOM-Hong Kong, during the plaque presentation ceremony. Third photo-women migrant workers participate during the celebration.
Above photo (clockwise from top): Performers at the Migrant Workers Got Talent!; The Love Flock Filipino Community group during their performance; African drum number of the Centre for Refugees; and Reog Ponorogo dance of the Singo Wiromo Indonesian group.
Migrant workers enjoying the International Women’s Day celebration.