Manila: Overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Rhodora Alcaraz, hailed as a hero for saving a three-month-old baby during a deadly fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong, arrived in the country on Tuesday, after weeks of medical treatment and recovery. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who formally unveiled the Philippines' first-ever transit tours and medical tourism lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, personally welcomed Alcaraz upon her arrival.

According to Philippines News Agency, the President cited Alcaraz for her extraordinary courage and selflessness in his speech. He emphasized the honor brought to the country by OFWs, referring to them as new heroes. "Despite the danger she faced, she chose to save the baby she was caring for. This shows the natural concern of Filipinos for other people," President Marcos stated.

On November 26, a massive fire broke out in a residential building in Tai Po, where Alcaraz's employers live. Alcaraz, who had just arrived in Hong Kong the day before the fire, bravely stayed inside the burning apartment, holding the baby tightly in a wet blanket and using her own body as a shield against fire and smoke. Her actions ensured the infant's survival until firefighters rescued them hours later.

Alcaraz was subsequently treated in an intensive care unit due to the injuries she incurred during the incident. On December 2, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan visited her at the hospital, where she was declared in a stable condition and received government support.

Upon her arrival at NAIA Terminal 3, OWWA assisted Alcaraz and her siblings in returning home to Laguna. President Marcos highlighted Alcaraz's heroism as a reminder of the bravery and dedication of OFWs worldwide who risk their safety for their families' better future. He assured that the government is committed to enhancing services for OFWs to be more accessible and reliable.