Philippine minister says Tai Po villa is larger and more comfortable than previous shelter, as advocates for domestic helpers welcome the facility
A new shelter for distressed Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong is prepared to open but is awaiting official approval, as the Philippines' labour minister described the Tai Po villa as "bigger, better and more comfortable" compared to the earlier one.
Hans Leo J. Cacdac, secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers, informed the South China Morning Post that the new shelter is ready, while Cesar L. Chavez Jnr, the labour attaché at the Philippine consulate, offered additional information.
Cacdac made a brief stop in Hong Kong over the weekend following a six-day itinerary through Geneva, Bahrain and Dubai, before heading back to Manila on Sunday evening.
He mentioned that he would report to President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr on his discussions with labour officials in the Gulf region and prepare for an upcoming Asean committee meeting in Manila focused on protecting migrant workers.
Chavez told the SCMP that the new shelter, situated in a secure, gated community in Tai Po, is "more beautiful" than the prior facility.
A three-year lease has been signed after the earlier location—a small three-bedroom flat in Kennedy Town—reached the conclusion of its lease term.