Filipino workers have edge in seeking work abroad — PEZA

Iligan City — The Filipino worker is in a better position to get employed abroad because he or she has several qualities which foreign employers admire and like, according to the Director General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

Lilia De Lima, director general of the PEZA, who was here recently to meet local officials, said the Pinoy worker possesses an edge over other foreign nationals who are seeking employment abroad for many reasons apart from his being a hard worker.

First, she said that Filipinos are very loyal to their bosses or employers, a trait which is ingrained in most Filipinos.

Second, Filipino workers are highly literate, can speak the English language fluently and therefore are very fast learners.

These traits are among the qualities that foreign employers like and admire and are looking for in prospective workers.

"Since Filipino workers possess these qualities and have better attitudes toward working in a foreign land, they have an edge over other foreign nationals," De Lima said.

At least an estimated 3,000 Filipinos leave the country everyday to seek employment abroad," according to recent reports.

The PEZA chief was invited by local officials headed by Iligan city mayor Lawrence Cruz, the Sangguniang Panlungsod City Council and the business community here to look into the viability of establishing an economic zone in this southern industrial city. — Lino de la Cruz