"DOLE Ready to Aid Ex-POGO Workers" However, based on the content of the post, a more descriptive and attention-grabbing title could be: "Philippine Labor Department Offers Support to Thousands of Former POGO Workers Struggling to Find New Employment Opportunities" This revised title provides more context about the issue at hand (the shutdown of POGOs and its impact on workers) and highlights the DOLE's efforts to provide support to those affected.

DOLE Ready to Aid Ex-POGO Workers

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has announced its commitment to providing assistance to Filipino workers who lost their jobs after Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) were shut down last year. This initiative comes in response to a low hiring rate at a recent job fair, where only 100 workers were hired on the spot.

A Call to Action

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma has issued a call to action, urging the estimated 40,000 former POGO workers who are still looking for employment to visit the DOLE office or Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs). "The Labor Department is more than willing to help and assist them should they need our assistance," said Laguesma.

Enhancing Employability

To improve their chances of finding new employment, the DOLE is offering POGO workers skills development opportunities. This initiative aims to equip former POGO workers with new skills that can be applied in various industries, increasing their employability and job prospects.

Challenges Faced by Former POGO Workers

While some internet gaming employees have found new jobs, many others remain unemployed, hoping to be re-hired once POGOs are allowed to resume. Another challenge facing former POGO workers is the salary being offered, which in many cases is far below what they were previously receiving.

The President's Order

The shutdown of POGOs was prompted by criminal activities linked to illegal gaming operators, including kidnapping, murder, human trafficking, and prostitution. According to records from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), there were 30,445 foreigners and 31,322 Filipinos working for POGOs prior to the shutdown.

Global Workforce

Of the foreign workers, 12,315 are Vietnamese, 7,870 are Chinese, 4,786 are Indonesians, 1,716 are Malaysians, 1,696 are Myanmarese, 843 are Thais, 497 are Taiwanese, and 272 are Koreans. At their peak, POGOs employed more than 300,000 Chinese workers.

Conclusion

The DOLE's willingness to aid former POGO workers is a positive step towards re-employing those affected by the shutdown of internet gaming operations. By offering skills development opportunities and providing support, the DOLE aims to enhance the employability of former POGO workers and help them find new employment opportunities.

Keywords: DOLE, POGO, Labor Department, Philippine offshore gaming operators, job fair, Public Employment Service Offices, skills development, unemployment, salary, criminal activities, illegal gaming operators.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.