Grief filled a rain-soaked home in Jones, Isabela as the remains of an overseas Filipino worker who died in a deadly fire in Hong Kong were finally brought back to her family just days before Christmas.

Mary Ann Pascual Esteban, 40, was among those killed after a fire broke out at a residential building in Tai Po, Hong Kong on November 26, 2025. Her body arrived at the Tuguegarao Airport at past 9 a.m. on December 21 and was brought later that night to her home in Barangay Sta. Isabel, Jones, Isabela.

Esteban worked as a domestic helper in Hong Kong. She was supposed to return home on December 15 to spend the holidays with her parents and her 10-year-old child, but she never made it back after the tragic fire.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it is extending assistance to Esteban’s family, especially her child.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Hong Kong authorities. Humigit-kumulang 83 OFWs ang nakatira sa Wang Fu Court. Sa survivors, nakadaupang-palad namin sila sa Hong Kong. May isa na inilagay sa ICU, nakauwi na rin si Rhodora. OWWA, tulong-suporta hanggang makapagtapos ng kolehiyo. Sa DMW, magbibigay kami ng pondo. Ise-secure na ang pondo at sapat para sa pag-aaral ng bata. Nung nandoon ako sa Hong Kong, tatlo hanggang apat na araw pa lang mula nang mangyari ang sunog,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said.

Based on reports, 169 people were killed in the Tai Po residential building fire, while 79 others were injured.

As Esteban’s family mourns her loss, government agencies assured them of continued support, honoring the sacrifice of an OFW who worked far from home to provide a better future for her child.