Retiree puts maid's 3 children through university

SINGAPORE - The three children of Filipino maid Rodalina Dalauidao, 42, have attended or are attending university, and they have their mother's employer, Madam Tey Ah Neo, to thank for this.

The retired accounts manager paid for their university education.

"Education would help the children get a good job, and then they would be better able to care for their mother when she grows old," said Madam Tey, 68, who has two children of her own.

For her generosity, she yesterday received the Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Employer of the Year award, which was given out by the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training (Fast), a non-governmental group.

The award was presented by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health, during FDW Day at the Grandstand mall in Turf Club Road.

Ms Dalauidao has worked for Madam Tey and her husband, retired contractor Ten Jin Xiu, 68, for 14 years.

"There are no words that can express my gratitude... just the nursing degree that my daughter took cost a million pesos (S$29,000)," said Ms Dalauidao.

Yesterday, Dr Khor also presented the FDW of the Year award to Ms Chona Balisme, 47, who showed patience and consideration in caring for members of her employer's family who were ill.

Dr Khor called the workers "valuable additions" to households here.

At the event, attended by more than 5,000 guests, Fast president Seah Seng Choon announced it will set up a second clubhouse. The first - which has karaoke facilities, a library and a computer lab - opened at Raeburn Park near Everton Road in May.

The new facility, whose location has yet to be confirmed, is likely to open late next year. It will have a shelter for distressed foreign domestic workers.

Said Mr Seah: "Through counselling, support groups and case management, we hope to assure FDWs that they are never alone."

audreyt@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Dec 1, 2014.
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