First Batch of OFWs Trained as Fire Safety Ambassadors in HK

Philippine Deputy Consul General Roderico C. Atienza gives welcome remarks during the first session of the “Sagip Kapwa Fire Safety Ambassador Training” on 22 July 2018 at the Sheung Wan Fire Services Station. (Hong Kong PCG photo)

HONG KONG 25 July 2018 – The first batch of Filipino household service workers (HSWs) underwent a fire safety training on 22 July 2018 under the “Sagip Kapwa Fire Safety Ambassador Training Programme” at the Sheung Wan Fire Services Station in Hong Kong.

The project, organized by the Philippine Consulate General in partnership with the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD) and the Domestic Workers Empowerment Project (DWEP), aims to train HSWs as volunteer Fire Safety Ambassadors (FSAs).

The training was supervised by Mr. Tony Chow Siu-choy of FSD’s Fire Safety Command, and included lecture and practical fire safety training modules, particularly the proper use of fire extinguishers and fire hose reels.

In his welcome remarks, Deputy Consul General Roderico C. Atienza emphasized the importance of fire safety awareness, especially in the household setting. He also encouraged participants to disseminate what they have learned on fire protection to their peers, as well as their employers to help prevent and report fire hazards.

Fifty HSWs participated in the training session, and were given FSA certificates of appointments and IDs after the training session and examination. 

The FSA Scheme was launched by the FSD in 1997 to raise public awareness on fire safety, and train volunteer FSAs from all sectors of the Hong Kong Community.

The “Sagip Kapwa, Press to Shock – Save a Life Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillation (AED) & Fire Safety Ambassador Training Programme” was launched on 8 July 2018 at the same venue, and is one of the Consulate’s projects under the auspices of its Gender and Development (GAD) Program. END

For more information, visit www.hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinHK/

The “Sagip Kapwa Fire Safety Ambassador Training” session on 22 July 2018 held at the Sheung Wan Fire Services Station included (top photos) a lecture by the Fire Services Department on the services of FSD and fire safety; and (bottom photos) a fire safety module, particularly on the proper use of fire extinguishers and fire hose reels. Photos courtesy of the Domestic Workers Empowerment Project (DWEP). (Hong Kong PCG photo)

Philippine Deputy Consul General Roderico C. Atienza (3^rd row, 2^nd from right) with Dr. Michael Manio, Founder of the Domestic Workers Empowerment Project (DWEP) (3^rd row, rightmost); Mr. Tony Chow Siu-choy of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department’s Fire Safety Command (2^nd row, leftmost); Vice Consul Fatima G. Quintin (2^nd row, 2^nd from left); and OFW participants pose for a group photo during the first session of the “Sagip Kapwa Fire Safety Ambassador Training” on 22 July 2018 held at the Sheung Wan Fire Services Station. (Hong Kong PCG photo)