DOLE prepares jobs for Yolanda survivors

MANILA, Philippines -  The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is preparing to provide alternative employment for survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda who have trooped to Metro Manila.

DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said she will instruct the Public Employment Services Offices of local government units in Metro Manila to track down and register all displaced workers from typhoon-hit areas.

“I also advise those who have arrived in Manila from Leyte to go to our public employment offices so we could refer them to a position they would qualify,” Baldoz said in an interview.

At the same time, Baldoz said, DOLE is also preparing a job fair for the first week of December in coordination with the local government of Ormoc City, which will provide the venue.

According to Baldoz, various groups of recruiters, mostly deploying workers to Middle East, have pledged to facilitate employment of jobseekers from typhoon-affected areas without collecting placement fees.

She stressed that DOLE would prefer to offer overseas jobs for skilled workers rather than jobs as household service workers. For those who will need skills training to qualify for the jobs being offered, Baldoz said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority is ready to provide free training. 

Meanwhile, Baldoz warned that typhoon-displaced individuals who have trooped to Metro Manila and Cebu may be vulnerable to illegal job offers and exploitative practices.