WHEN RHODORA Alcaraz Tunacao finally set foot on Philippine soil, it was not just a homecoming — it was the nation embracing a modern-day hero.
This comes as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, personally welcomed the 28-year old Hong Kong blaze hero survivor at the Tambayan Food Hall in NAIA Terminal 3, as part of the 2025 Presidential Pamaskong Salubong Para sa mga Bagong Bayani ng Bansa.
The moment symbolized national gratitude for a Filipina who risked her own life to save another’s.Rhodora, an overseas Filipino worker from San Pablo City, Laguna, became an international symbol of courage after rescuing a three-month old Chinese baby during the deadliest residential fire in Hong Kong in nearly eight decades.
UNCOMMON VALOR
The fire that engulfed Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on November 26, 2025 claimed at least 161 lives and trapped hundreds in thick, toxic smoke.
Barely a day into her new employment, Rhodora was faced with a nightmare.
As flames spread rapidly and smoke filled the apartment, she refused to flee. Instead, she wrapped the infant in a wet blanket, held the baby close to her chest, and used her own body as a shield—enduring hours of smoke inhalation until firefighters rescued them.
TEARFUL HOMECOMING
She survived, but not without consequence. Rhodora suffered severe carbon monoxide poisoning, pneumonia, and emotional trauma.
She arrived in Manila on December 16, on a wheelchair — still frail, yet dignified — met by the President, senior government officials, and members of her tearful family.
“Katulad ni Rhodora, ang bawat OFW natin ay nagsisikap para sa mas magandang kinabukasan ng kanilang pamilya sa kabila ng panganib,” President Marcos said, praising her selfless bravery and reaffirming the government’s commitment to migrant workers.
HEAD OF THE FAMILY
Rhodora is the eldest among eight siblings.
The daughter of a fisherman, she chose to work abroad to help lift her family out of poverty.
Today, she is back home in Laguna, spending Christmas and New Year with her six-year-old son, partner, and siblings — recovering both physically and emotionally.
HEROINE’ REWARD
Government agencies quickly rallied behind her. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provided financial assistance and pledged continued medical and psychological care.
OWWA also committed a college scholarship for her brother — ensuring that her sacrifice opens doors for her family’s future.Her employer in Hong Kong expressed profound gratitude, crediting Rhodora for saving not only the infant but also the child’s elderly grandmother.
Former employers and members of the Filipino community echoed the same sentiment: her care went beyond duty — it was love.
NOT AS LUCKY
Another Filipina worker, Maryan Pascual Esteban, tragically lost her life in the same fire while attempting to save a child under her care.
Together, their stories reflect the quiet heroism of Filipino workers abroad — acts of courage performed without expectation of recognition.
Rhodora Alcaraz Tuñacao did not carry a badge, a uniform, or a weapon. She carried a child in her arms. And in that moment, she carried the soul of a nation.