20 February 2014- Filipina waitress Jielyn “Giulia” Rodriguez who found a wallet containing €1,200 and turned it over to authorities, received commendation from the Mayor and the City Council of Arezzo.

Giulia found the wallet on the street while riding a bike on her way home after work on December 20, 2013. When she saw the money, she picked it up and brought it to the local police. Days after, she received a call from the police, informing her of the owner’s gratitude and intent to reward her for her honesty.

Due to this incident, Giulia was featured in several local newspapers in Arezzo and is now a local celebrity in the city.

On February 13, in the presence of Philippine Vice Consul Kristine Margret Malang of the Philippine Embassy in Rome, Giulia was formally commended by the City Mayor, Dott. Giuseppe Fanfani and the City Council Members for her honesty and good deed.

Giulia, 31 years old, was born in Manila, Philippines and finished High School at the Ramon Magsaysay High School. At the age of 19, she joined her mother who has been working in Arezzo. Giulia started to work in a gold manufacturing factory and was subsequently employed as waitress in a local Chinese restaurant.

At present, she is married to Jojo Rodriguez and they are blessed with a son. She is now employed as a waitress in Anticafonte, a famous Tuscan restaurant in Arezzo.

She feels honored and grateful for the commendation given her by the City of Arezzo and hopes that Filipinos in Italy will continue to be recognized and appreciated for their positive contribution to the Italian society. END