The SUN HK : Mission’s Cynthia Tellez is first-ever ‘HOPE Hero’

Cynthia has been giving hope to migrant domestic workers in HK for the past 42 years

Mission for Migrant Workers’ general manager, Cynthia Abdon-Tellez, has won over 60 strong contenders to win the inaugural HOPE Hero Award, given in recognition of her exceptional commitment to the rights and well-being of migrant workers in Hong Kong.

Cynthia, 70, first came to Hong Kong as a young social worker in 1980, tapped by religious organizations to check on the conditions of domestic helpers and see what kind of assistance they need.

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Acting on her report, the religious groups asked Cynthia to move to Hong Kong the next year with her husband, Jun, and two young children, to set up the MFMW, which was initially dedicated to helping Filipino migrant workers who were trapped in cycles of exploitation and abuse.

She has led the organization since, and despite her age, has continued to lead the organization, which has been expanded to help all 38,000 migrant domestic workers here, 98 percent of whom are women.

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HOPE’s citation reads: “Her profound impact is not only evident in the critical services that MFMW provides, but also in her role as a catalyst to empower migrant women workers to rise above victimhood and become advocates or leaders themselves. Under her leadership, grassroots migrant organizations, crisis centers, and unions have flourished in Hong Kong, creating a united front for asserting rights and advocating for change.”

Cynthia says she is honoured and humbled by the recognition.

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“But this award goes beyond me. It is a recognition of the hard work that our Filipino women and men, the workers who braved the exile to countries – near and far – have done to save their families and, eventually, our country. I share this with them,” she said.

She also thanked fellow migrant domestic workers’ champion and MFMW board member Eman Villanueva who nominated her for the award, and all those who voted for her through the different social media platforms.

Cynthia with her two runners-up and Hope chief executive Nanette Medved-Po

Two runners-up were named alongside Cynthia, Book for Kids Project Cofounder Zacarias Mansing Jr. and Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation Cofounder, President and Chief Hope Paddler Dr. Anton Mari Lim.

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Mansing, who is a wheelchair-bound motivational speaker, uses his platform to spread awareness about disabilities to advocate for inclusive education, combat bullying, and instill Filipino values in children.

Lim, who is a veterinarian by profession, founded the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation to provide safe transportation for children in the Zamboanga Peninsula. These boats, which are painted yellow, ferry the students to their schools safely, thus, helping increase their attendance and educational opportunities.

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The first batch of HOPE Hero awardees received trophies and cash prizes—P250,000 for Cynthia as grand winner, and P50,000 each for the runners up.

In thanking the three exceptional awardees, Nanette Medved-Po, founder and chief executive of HOPE Foundation, said: “We began the Hope Hero Awards to celebrate extraordinary individuals who spread hope. Amidst the challenges that face today’s society, we aim for these awards to be a beacon of inspiration. As we share the stories of our 2023 winners, we hope they remind you that there is no act of kindness too small, and no dream too big.”

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This year's HOPE Hero Awards were judged and presented by television host Boy Abunda, broadcast journalist Karen Davila, and documentary photographer Xyza Bacani, who was previously a migrant domestic worker in Hong Kong herself.

(The Hope Hero Awards 'honours the selfless actions of individuals who have taken the initiative to make a difference in the lives of the people in a community. The award recognizes Filipinos who are delivering impact anywhere in the world and individuals, regardless of nationality, impacting Filipinos. These are people who have dedicated time, possible resources, and creativity towards uplifting and enriching the lives of others, earning them well-deserved recognition as true champions for good. By shining a spotlight on these people, we inspire others to follow their footsteps and create a meaningful and lasting change.- from the Hope Hero Awards website)