The Role and Importance of Church ( Religion ), NGO ( Non- Government Organization and Parks to the Lives of the Filipino Workers in Hongkong

Hongkong SAR ( Special Administrative Region )  is a small yet very progressive country . There are hundreds  of thousands of Filipino workers here and wherever you may go, definitely , you'll spot one or two Filipinos here . It's a good feeling though  to talk to any of your kababayan  whenever you can. A brief chit -chat  goes a long way , it's like a window opens for a new friendship especially when mobile phone numbers are exchange . It means , a new found friend who will listens when you vent, will shares an insight when things are cloudy to your senses , a source of strengths when you feel weak , a new hand to holds on to , a shoulder to cry on and someone who will wipe your tears of joy when good times come .

Church / Religion

Filipino is religious in general. It's part of majority's life, an important aspect of her well-being , a form of strength not just in spiritual manner but in all aspects .Luckily here in Hongkong, anyone can practice or exercise such right . There are various churches rendering services during weekends or even weekdays of different religion such as Roman Catholic, Iglesia Ni Cristo, Jehovah Witness, JIL ( Jesus Is Lord ) and Christians to mention the few . Filipino worker can attend any of those services religiously as long as it couldn't affect to her duty and responsibility .

In a Catholic church ( I am Roman Catholic ) , there are different groups / community ( according to one's day off ) wherein each group enjoys spiritual activities ( mass , seminars , bible study ) and an opportunity to spends time to some Filipino and build friendship . The various inter-church activities is truly a blessings to every Filipino working away from home. It serves as a bridge which connect temporarily to the Philippines (watching those Filipino theme events will somehow ease the feeling of loneliness ) .

NGO / Non- Government Organization 

Not all Filipino workers here are lucky . Unfortunately there are (were) many cases of abuse and maltreatment which caused either they terminate(d) their contract or they were terminated . When this happen , a Filipina with no money at hand , no where to go , in a huge debt ( especially a new comer ) and in total distress . Thankfully, there are many NGO's here who truly and sincerely extend their hearts and hands to rescue all those workers who are in struggles and in troubles . Shelters are open to all individual regardless of ethnicity . They also guide and assist workers who are fighting for their cases through legal battles at the court. Shelters are indeed a huge help to migrant workers who are in distress .

Note : If you have a relative or family member who plans to work abroad, it is important that they have a list of telephone numbers to be able for them to contact when emergency happens  . The following are the list of NGO's here in Hongkong.

The Bethune House  - 2721 3119 / 2522 8264

Helpers for Domestic Helpers  - 2523 4020

United Filipinos in Hongkong - 3156 2447

Mission for Migrant Workers - 2522 8264

International Services  - 2836 3598

Hongkong Christian Service ( CHEER Center ) - 3755 6811

Filipino Migrant Workers Union - 9104-1411 / 9758 5935

Bayanihan Trust Center - 2817 8928

Alliance of Progressive Labor - 2770 0411

Diocesan Pastoral Center for Filipinos ( and Other Minorities ) - 2526 4249

Asian Migrant Center - 2312 0031

Police Report Hotline -  2527 7177

Parks

Saturdays or Sundays are the usual  rest days of Filipina workers here. Each worker must have a one day rest per week . It's a day to literally rest, attend church services , virtual bonding to family and time for friends .

Parks are the common places  where most workers hang out .Them parks witness the workers story of joys, sorrows and struggles . A meeting place , a venue for a happy meals and a wide bed for those who can't resist to rest their tired body ( cardboard and  newspaper are the usual mattress ) . Sometimes parks also serves as a big stage for some church activities.

Fortunately , Hong Kong has several clean and with benches parks . Some are huge like one in the Admiralty , it's truly relaxing .