Isabelle Daza and household helper Elvie Vergara. Image: Instagram/@isabelledaza, Facebook/Jinggoy Estrada
Isabelle Daza initiated a fund-raising campaign for the eye operation of Elvie Vergara, a household helper in Occidental Mindoro who became partially blind after her former employers allegedly abused her for three years.
The actress appealed for donations as she gave an account of Vergara’s current situation through the actress’ Instagram page on Friday, Sept. 8.
“[Elvie] Vergara is a domestic helper who has been allegedly physically, mentally and verbally abused by her employers so much that she has been blinded in both eyes. She is currently going to have an operation in one of her eyes to try to recover her sight, but the outcome is unsure,” she said.
“I am raising funds for her to be able to live her life free from this abuse, without having to worry about what she will eat the next day or if she has enough money to live with basic needs like housing, food and medical assistance,” she added.
Daza also thanked those who have opened their hearts and extended help, who include fellow celebrities Anne Curtis, Solenn Heussaff, Liz Uy, Iza Calzado and Alex Gonzaga.
Daza has raised over P117,000 for 44-year-old Vergara as of this writing.
Fans and other celebrities then commended Daza for her initiative and for using her platform to help Vergara.
Image: Instagram/@isabelledaza
Image: Instagram/@isabelledaza
Image: Instagram/@isabelledaza
The Senate has since initiated a motu proprio investigation into the severe maltreatment of Vergara, who has sustained injuries after her former employers, France and Jerry Ruiz, allegedly abused her by repeatedly punching, kicking, and beating her with various objects. /ra