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HK protests fail to stop services of fledgling OFW training center
Despite weeks of violent anti-government protest actions that have troubled Hong Kong, the services of the newly-established and first Filipino training center in the territory has continued, helping Filipinos needing assistance in skills training, among other services.
“With the situation in Hong Kong right now, honestly I have fears. Our business has just started a few days ago and the situation is getting worse. Processing of deployment is being slowed down. My boss is a bit frustrated but we are hoping that anytime soon, Hong Kong will be back to normal," Leo Selomenio, a household service worker for 30 years, said in an email interview on August 14.
But the center has continued to operate.
"God will make a way for us. I have just started my new career and I want to do more to help my fellow OFWs,” he added referring to his current employer in the Train Tech Company, Limited.
“When Ms. Shirley Kong shared with me her frustrations in finding the right helper due to lack training, I silently wished that one day I could help,” he said. That wish became reality.
How the training center started
“Ms. Kong is a very meticulous lady, maybe because she is a cancer survivor. I used to work for her household two to three times a week and paying me a very reasonable amount. She was the one who asked me if I am willing to work for her as a trainer,” Selomenio said.
After submitting his resume, Selemenio said, he was also asked to submit a project proposal.
“After a few days, she got back to my proposal stating that I was hired not just as a trainer but as the operations manager of her business!” the first domestic helper granted with a professional visa in Hong Kong exclaimed.
Every detail in the company—from its logo, name, tag line to its business model—has been Selemenio’s idea.
“Train Tech stands for ‘Training Techniques.’ It offers a “train and employ” package for three days, a 24-hour hotline, and a module on financial literacy.
"The training is all about educating helpers on how to adjust to their new environment, introducing them the culture of the host country, and teaching them on how to handle problems that arises related to their work. In Hong Kong, helpers are paid on time. There are no cases of violation in not paying the salaries because helpers were protected by labor laws and it is stated in the contract that not paying the helpers wages is a serious offense punishable by law,” said Selomenio.
For now, the training center caters only to Filipino HSWs.
"At Train Tech, we bring trainees to the market, teach them the various kinds of vegetables. We teach them how to cook Chinese food. We familiarize them with the transportation," Selemenio said.
“With Train Tech, I am certain that helping my kababayans is just a call away. I will do my best to give them the best of what I have to help them succeed. I want to inspire my fellow OFWs not only in HK but around the world.”
Protesters have called for greater democracy in Hong Kong and the resignation of its leader Carrie Lam as early as March.
Last Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Filipinos traveling or stopping over in Hong Kong to avoid the HK International Airport (HKIA)
On the other hand, the Department of Labor and Employment has urged Filipinos in the Chinese special administrative region to refrain from traveling outside their work and to avoid going near protest areas.
It also advised Filipinos against wearing black or white clothes, the colors of anti-government protesters. But the DOLE said it has a contingency plan ready. —LBG, GMA News
