More than half the money earned by Filipino maids goes to support their families back home and the lion's share goes on education, according to a survey by Western Union.
They send about half their salaries to families, 60 per cent of which goes on study expenses, according to the study by the money transfer company.
Joyce Fung, regional marketing manager for Western Union North Asia, said: 'Over 12 months, Filipino workers on average support their families to the tune of US$2,533 ($19,706) each. This means that [Hong Kong's] 148,000 Filipino maids send back US$374 million a year.'
Dolores Dayao said she had been working as a domestic helper in Hong Kong for 21 years and had put three of her younger siblings through university.
After they became a nurse, a criminologist and a teacher, her familial duty was not over. It is now a cousin's daughter she is sending to university, while contributing to the cost of schooling for a niece.
Goody Cadaoas, 44 and single, said: 'In our country, education is the only thing you can provide that will remain with you for life. Once my loved ones finish college, they say we did it because of Aunty Goody.' She sends $1,000 a month, much of which is given to six nephews and nieces to help with their schooling.