DOLE mulls job fairs in Middle East for ‘Build, Build, Build’

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III noted that the country will need more workers, particularly those who have vast experience in the field of construction, for the government’s numerous infrastructure projects. (PNA file photo)

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is looking to hold a series of job fairs in Middle Eastern countries to encourage Filipinos working abroad to avail of job opportunities, in connection with the Duterte administration’s “Build Build Build” program.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III noted that the country will need more workers, particularly those who have vast experience in the field of construction, for the government’s numerous infrastructure projects.

“I’m thinking of conducting a reverse job fair in several destination countries because we really need workers for these projects,” Bello said in an interview on Monday.

The labor chief revealed that they are planning to hold the job fairs, initially in Qatar and Saudi Arabia either next month or in October.

“We really prioritized workers abroad because their credentials are good and their profiles suit the jobs,” he said. “We want to hire as many as possible because the projects really need them.”

The “Build Build Build” will initially need some 3,000 workers.

With a total budget of PHP8 trillion, the government is set to construct roads, bridges, airports, and railways among others, from 2017 to 2022.