Consul General Morales Makes Farewell Call On HK’s Chief Secretary

Consul General to Hong Kong Antonio Morales bids Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung farewell during the former’s call at the Office of the Chief Secretary for Administration on 17 July 2019. (Hong Kong PCG photo)

HONG KONG 06 August 2019 – Consul General to Hong Kong Antonio Morales made his farewell call on Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung on 17 July 2019.  

During the call, Chief Secretary Cheung noted that trade relations between Hong Kong and the Philippines has been growing lately and that he hopes that both sides will be able to build on the current strong and dynamic relations between the Territory and the Philippines.

Consul General Morales mentioned that Hong Kong is the fourth largest trading partner of the Philippines, and informed the Chief Secretary about the Hong Kong investment mission to the Philippines and the opening of the direct flight of Hong Kong Dragon to Davao, both in April 2018.

The Chief Secretary emphasized the important role of Filipino household service workers (HSWs) in Hong Kong, saying that they have become part of the “human landscape” of the territory by being members of countless Hong Kong families.

In response, the Consul General expressed his gratitude for the fair treatment of HSWs in the Territory and noted the prominence of the rule of law in Hong Kong. He also acknowledged the commitment of the Hong Kong government in combatting human trafficking.

“It is imperative for employers to protect the HSWs, noting that the Hong Kong economy would not have reached its height without the contribution of foreign HSWs,” Chief Secretary Cheung said. He underscored that Hong Kong women would have been confined in their homes if not for the presence of foreign HSWs.

The Chief Secretary further noted the ageing population of Hong Kong, with the elderly currently numbering 60,000 and expected to grow to 1.2 million in 20 years. He predicts that there will be opportunities soon in Hong Kong for foreign caregivers, especially to Filipinos who are able to speak English.

Consul General Morales mentioned that illegal money lending activities continue to victimize HSWs, thus the continued information campaign by the Consulate General through the Post-Arrival Orientation Seminars (PAOS) and the Financial Literacy seminars. The Chief Secretary was emphatic in saying that education of the HSWs is very important in addressing the issue. He added that the victims should immediately report to Hong Kong authorities, so the entities involved can be black-listed or even legally prosecuted for violating Hong Kong laws.

The Consul General also thanked Chief Secretary Cheung for the Hong Kong government’s assistance during the visits of high-ranking officials from the Philippines, especially the three visits of President Duterte in Hong Kong during his one and a half years’ tenure in Hong Kong.

Consul General Morales broached the idea for Philippine jail officials to visit Hong Kong for them to observe the world-class Hong Kong jail system. The Chief Secretary welcomed the idea of an exchange program for jail officials from both sides to share best practices in penology and jail management, and custody and rehabilitation of prisoners.

The Consul General mentioned that to better address health issues of HSWs in Hong Kong, the Consulate and the Hong Kong Health Department have collaborated on the administration of anti-measles vaccine. The Chief Secretary said that priority should be accorded to HSWs, adding that Hong Kong is a place where the safety, health and welfare of HSWs are looked after by the government. END

For more information, visit https://www.hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinHK/.