The first batch of Filipino household service workers (HSWs) underwent fire safety training on 22 July 2018 under the “Sagip Kapwa Fire Safety Ambassador Training Programme” at the Sheung Wan Fire Services Station.
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) until the end of the year.
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.
During 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 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 FSD in 1997 to raise public awareness on fire safety, and train volunteer FSAs from all sectors of the Hong Kong community.
The next FSA training is scheduled on 29 July 2018 also at the Sheung Wan Fire Services Station.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 Sheung Wan Fire Services Station, and is one of the Consulate’s projects under the auspices of its Gender and Development (GAD) Program.