The remains of Maryan Pascual Esteban, the only Filipino killed in Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades, were repatriated to the Philippines over the weekend, officials said Monday, as the government pledged ongoing support for her grieving family.
Esteban, a domestic worker who had served in Hong Kong for five years, died November 26 while attempting to save her employer’s 5-year-old daughter during the massive blaze at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po. Both Esteban and the child perished in the inferno, which consumed seven of the estate’s eight blocks, raged for more than 43 hours, and claimed 161 lives, including one firefighter, according to Hong Kong authorities.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced the repatriation at a media briefing in Mandaluyong City. Esteban’s remains arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Saturday evening and were flown the following day to her home province in Tuguegarao, where they were turned over to her next of kin.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan oversaw the handover and remained in the province to assist the family during the initial wake, which began Sunday.
Cacdac described meeting Esteban’s 10-year-old son, calling him “a very intelligent young man.” He said the boy’s immediate needs include funeral and burial assistance, which the DMW is providing. Longer-term aid will include livelihood support for the family and a scholarship for the child to pursue his education.
Hong Kong authorities have indicated that Esteban’s family will receive statutory compensation, Cacdac added.
Esteban, who had been planning to return permanently to the Philippines to reunite with her son, was hailed as a heroine by the DMW for her courage. “She performed a heroic act because of her bravery and concern to save the life of a 5-year-old girl of her employer in the midst of the fire,” the agency said in a statement.
The Wang Fuk Court fire, one of Hong Kong’s worst disasters in modern history, displaced nearly 5,000 residents and prompted investigations into renovation materials, including flammable bamboo scaffolding and safety netting that fueled the rapid spread. The complex was undergoing major repairs at the time.
Philippine officials coordinated with the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, the Migrant Workers Office, and Hong Kong authorities to facilitate the repatriation.
Esteban’s death has underscored the risks faced by overseas Filipino workers, particularly domestic helpers, in the region. The DMW said it continues to monitor the welfare of other Filipinos affected by the tragedy, with most now accounted for and safe.
