OFW killed in Hong Kong cited for bravery

SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya ,Philippines  — An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Hong Kong has been cited for her bravery in saving her ward, a six-year-old boy, at the expense of her own life.

Juanita Agustin Limbago, who hails from this province, is the subject of a posthumous congressional citation for sacrificing her life to save her ward in car accident in Hong Kong on June 10.

Without thinking of her safety, Limbago, who was buried on June 26, used her body to shield the boy when a vehicle hit them. She was pinned down by the speeding car and died on the spot, while her ward only sustained minor bruises.

“(Her) death was a great tragedy but the bravery and heroic deed she had done serves as an inspiration for all OFWs and a remarkable example worthy of utmost recognition and commendation,” said House resolution No. 1457.

The resolution, received by the House on June 25, was authored by Rep. Carlos Padilla of this province’s lone congressional district.

According to Emilie Veringa-Tobias, chair of the Nueva Vizcaya Association for Filipino Migrants-Hong Kong, Limbago was new in the Chinese special administrative region, having only arrived there last March 25.

Tobias, also a native of this town, said assistance is now being facilitated by the group for Limbago’s family.

“Juanita’s husband will be coming to Hong Kong this week (to claim) some benefits from (her) employer. (We) will see what help we can extend to (the family). We hope that we can be of assistance,” she said.