The body of a 55-year-old Filipina domestic worker who died of a heart attack after collapsing in her employer’s home in Hong Kong in February, was flown back to the Philippines last Friday.
Donna M. Avanceña, who had worked for her employer for 23 years, was rushed to Ruttonjee Hospital by ambulance at dawn on Feb 2 after collapsing twice in her employer’s home, sunwebhk.com reported. She died shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Eleanor Javier, 60, who along with Avanceña and her niece Aida Ajihil worked for a 99-year-old employer on Kennedy Road, said they were “closer than sisters” and were happy as their employers treated them like family.
Avanceña never complained of having a heart problem, nor did she tell Javier or other friends of any health issues. However 11 years ago, Avanceña survived Stage 3 breast cancer.
Avanceña’s body was accompanied from Hong Kong to Manila by her elder sister Ligaya, also a domestic worker.
Danny Baldon, officer of the Consulate’s assistance to nationals section, said the employer paid for the repatriation and agreed to pay a long service award of HK$73,000 (US$9,301) to Avanceña.
Avanceña was married with a 14-year-old daughter. Her husband is jobless.
Her family will receive a total of PhP135,000 (US$2,597) death benefit, funeral assistance plus livelihood assistance for the husband. Her daughter will be granted a monthly high school stipend and a college scholarship.
Read: Filipina domestic worker dies at employer’s home in Hong Kong