DOLE ‘finalizing’ job fair for POGO workers

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma. (File Photo: Jerome Sajise, DOLE/IPS via Department of Labor and Employment – DOLE/Facebook)

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is finalizing the job fair that would help Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers that would be affected by the closure of these establishments.

“It’s still being firmed up and finalized. Profiling of the affected workers is expected to be completed within the week. Will provide you details once finalized,” Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said in a message on Monday.

Laguesma said the agency has profiled around 20,000 workers.

“If the remaining IGLs (internet gaming licensees, formerly known as POGOs) that have not submitted the list of their employees, I will submit the requested list, we can finish the profiling this week. Otherwise, we cannot complete it. DOLE, however, will send a team to these IGLs to follow up and secure the list,” he said.

Laguesma said during profiling, workers are asked for their basic information.

“The profiling seeks to get info on the worker’s personal circumstances(i.e age/ status) and nature of their work/salary level. On this basis, assistance may vary from employment facilitation through direct referrals or job fairs; livelihood projects or training, retraining and upskilling,” he said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his third State of the Nation Address in July, announced a total ban on POGOs and directed them to cease operations in the country by year end.