The Philippine Consulate General in the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong reported that Ms. Adrielle Pañares, a Filipino social worker based in Hong Kong, has been included in the 2004 Bauhinia Honors, a list of distinguished individuals recognized for their major and invaluable contributions to Hong Kong society.

Ms. Pañares, currently Director for Migrants Programs of the International Social Services-Hong Kong Branch (ISS-HK), was cited by the Hong Kong government for her achievements in promoting racial harmony in Hong Kong. She will be awarded a Medal of Honor by no less than the Chief Executive of Hong Kong His Excellency Tung Chee-Hwa in a ceremony scheduled next month. Ms. Pañares is the first Filipino to receive this recognition from the Hong Kong government.

Among Ms. Pañares’ projects in Hong Kong is her pioneering work in establishing a Mobile Information Service for migrants and workers at the Hong Kong International Airport. This program provides arriving foreign nationals in Hong Kong, especially Filipino migrant workers with information materials on Hong Kong regulations, immigration laws, labor laws, a guide to living and working in Hong Kong and useful contact numbers.

Ms. Pañares also organizes skills development programs and helps manage the ISS-HK international shelter house for migrants. Aside from her work for the migrant community, Ms. Pañares also regularly speaks on radio programs and has a bimonthly column in the Filipino Community paper, "Hong Kong News," wherein she provides much-needed advice to all migrant workers in Hong Kong.

As a truly dedicated social worker, Adrielle sees her award not merely as a badge of honor, but more importantly as an inspiration to continue helping the migrant community in Hong Kong.