Daisy Bucad-Eng receives multi-million-peso inheritance from employer
Daisy Bucad-Eng, a former domestic worker from the Philippines who began working abroad at age 16, received a multi-million-peso inheritance in 2002 from her former employer, Marie, a Portuguese woman living in Hong Kong. The estate included an apartment valued at 26 juta peso, corporate shares, and 25 juta peso in cash, according to local media reports.
From Mountain Province to Hong Kong Domestic Service
The journey to financial independence for Daisy Bucad-Eng started under severe economic strain. As reported by local media, she married at age 16 in Mountain Province, Philippines, and initially tried selling salt to support her family before migrating abroad to find steady work. Early assignments in Hong Kong presented significant hardships and harsh treatment from previous employers before she eventually began working for Marie, an elderly Portuguese woman.
Despite earning a modest monthly wage of 900 Hong Kong dollars—equivalent to roughly 2,700 pesos—Daisy maintained that Marie treated her like a member of the family. Over eleven years of service, the pair built a close bond. When Daisy ultimately decided to return to permanent residence in the Philippines, Marie declined to enter a nursing home and chose to accompany her, living out her retirement years in the Philippines while Daisy managed her daily care.
The Inheritance and Estate Distribution
According to documents detailed in media reports, Marie left a formal will allocating significant assets to her long-time caregiver. The distribution comprised:
- An apartment valued at 26 juta peso (approximately Rp 7,4 miliaran).
- Cash savings totaling 25 juta peso (approximately Rp 7 miliaran).
- Direct ownership shares across multiple major corporations.
When combined, the apartment and cash assets totaled 51 juta peso, or roughly 14 miliar rupiah equivalents, excluding the value of the corporate stock holdings.
Asset Management and Legacy in Mountain Province
Upon securing the estate, Daisy directed the funds toward structural development in her home region. Media coverage notes that she constructed a five-story building on her land in Mountain Province. The multi-purpose structure functions as a commercial space, a community activity center, an inn, and a fitness facility, while also featuring a dedicated room honoring Marie’s memory.
Reflecting on her journey from a struggling migrant worker to an independent property owner, Daisy emphasized the value of professional dedication, advising fellow overseas workers to maintain strong work ethics and respect in their duties, noting that future outcomes remain unpredictable.