DOLE understands workers’ desires to find jobs overseas

CEBU, Philippines - Maximizing the potential job opportunities available in the international market, the national labor department clarified that Filipinos are not forced to disregard the domestic labor market but are given the option to leave the country and work abroad.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said that the government agency still continues to promote the local labor market but acknowledges the rights and desire of Filipino citizens to travel and work overseas.

She said that both the domestic and international markets posted a growing demand for skilled workers and employees.

She pointed out that being an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) serves as the last option for the citizens since the labor department initially introduces them to the employment opportunities offered by local companies in the country.

If they prefer to work abroad, she said that DOLE provides them with an enabling environment for productive and decent jobs present in the global labor market.

She also said that they make sure they address the key priority in terms of security for aspiring OFWs who opt to leave the country.

She cited that DOLE ensures to assess first the contract terms of employment and company’s policies if these are consistent with the laws of the host country and of the Philippines.

She added that the labor department of the country negotiates bilateral agreements with the host country to ensure that Filipinos are hired by ethical recruitment agencies and accredited foreign employees who respect their human rights.

If OFWs encounter problems with their employers, she said that they could approach the labor office personnel or the embassy for further protection and assistance.

“The Philippine government acknowledges the situation of our OFWs. They are considered to be one of the pillars in the national economy. We have to make sure they are safe with employers from the international labor market who respect their human rights,” she said.

Baldoz noted that the domestic labor market, on the other hand, has an increasing demand for skilled workers due to the booming industries related to shipbuilding, real estate, and construction sectors.

She said that they are working out with facility centers in the country to provide an avenue for Filipinos to undergo extensive skills training to be competent in the domestic and international labor markets.

This is also in preparation for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) integration in 2015, she added.

Baldoz came to Cebu last Monday to grace the inauguration of the Canadian welding bureau facility and the hospitality training center of the School of Knowledge for Industrial Labor, Leadership and Service (SKILLS) run by the Primary Structures Educational Foundation, Inc. (PSEFI).

The newly-inaugurated Canadian welding bureau facility is considered to be the first facility in the Philippines and in the world outside Canada.

Canadian Ambassador Christopher Thornley revealed that there is growing demand for skilled workers particularly welders in Canada.

Skilled traits, in particular, are in demand nowadays by companies who belong in resource industries, oil and gas, construction and service sectors.

Other skilled traits include medical professionals, nurses, doctors, and radiology technicians.

Thornley said that by 2020, Canada will need 400,000 welders.

He said that the welding profession is considered to be one of the well-earning jobs in Canada.

A first-year apprentice welder could earn C$16 per hour. Once upgraded, he could earn an hourly rate of C$50 to C$70.

While they prioritize to employ Canadians first, he said that such demand will require the country to market people from other countries with Philippines cited as the biggest source of skilled workers.

He described Filipinos as fluent English speakers, law-abiding citizens and hardworking employees with “tremendous” work ethics.

Thornley said that Canada looks forward to grow the existing positive people-to-people relationship with the Philippines further with the optimism projected from the Aquino administration.

Canada as the world’s second largest country by total area has a population of 34 million with a strong community of 600 000 to 800 000 Filipinos and Filipino-Canadians residing in the country. /JOB (FREEMAN)