Cadiz City, Philippines - Loreta Villarin-Alacre, a 49-year-old overseas Filipino worker from Negros Occidental, was laid to rest in a ceremony befitting a heroine in her hometown on Sunday afternoon. The solemn occasion for the caregiver, who died during the Hamas attacks in Israel, was marked by the unveiling of a tribute in her honor.
According to Philippines News Agency, the unveiling ceremony for the marker of the Loreta V. Alacre Evacuation Center (LVAEC) took place in the compound of Cadiz Viejo National High School, the alma mater of Villarin-Alacre. The center is named to honor the memory and contributions of Alacre and is situated in Cadiz City where she grew up and later became a symbol of sacrifice and heroism.
The inauguration of the LVAEC and the memorial services were attended by notable figures, including the Mayor of Cadiz City and Hans Leo Cacdac, the Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary of the Department of Migrant Workers. In his speech, Escalante highlighted Alacre's virtues of perseverance and selflessness, calling her an iconic figure who consistently put her family's welfare first.
Cacdac also expressed his honor in witnessing the city's tribute to Alacre, emphasizing the enduring legacy that the evacuation center would have in the community. He stated that Alacre's name and heroism would be remembered for generations to come.
The Cadiz City Council has passed a resolution to name the city's newly constructed evacuation center after Alacre, commemorating her dedication and sacrifices as an OFW who had worked in Israel for nearly 15 years. She was remembered for her support to her family and contributions to her community, including financing the education of her relatives.
Alacre's tragic death occurred while she was attending a music festival near the Gaza Strip on October 7, making her one of the casualties of the violence that ensued. Her burial followed a funeral mass at St. Peregrine Parish and her interment took place at a public cemetery in Barangay Caduha-an.
OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio visited the wake and assured that the organization would complete the construction of Alacre's home in Cadiz City. The Israeli government has also committed to providing benefits to Alacre's family through its Social Security Institute.