President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the heroism of overseas Filipino worker Rhodora Alcaraz Tuñacao, who risked her life to save a three-month-old baby during the tragic Tai Po fire in Hong Kong, as he met her at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Marcos encountered Tuñacao while inspecting new facilities at NAIA designed to benefit travelers, especially overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
“Kanina po ay nakita ko si Rhodora Alcaraz Tuñacao,” the President said, commending her courage. “Isa siya sa mga biktima ng Tai Po fire… 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.”
Marcos added that Tuñacao’s bravery reflects the sacrifices of many OFWs: “Katulad ni Rhodora, ang bawat OFW natin ay nagsisikap na mabigyan ng mas magandang kinabukasan ang kanilang pamilya sa kabila ng pangungulila at panganib.”
Tuñacao saved the infant by shielding him in her arms as flames engulfed the building in Tai Po last month.
She was rushed to intensive care afterward, where her condition stabilized after nearly a week of treatment. (Betheena Unite)
