The Department of Tourism (DOT) has partnered with the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) to host a series of virtual job fairs that would benefit members of the local tourism industry.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the program's aim is to help displaced tourism workers regain their livelihood and resume their career growth. This will translate into higher economic activities for the country, she said.
"I am confident that the caliber and values of our tourism workers shall be a great asset to your companies," Puyat told the participating BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) firms.
The tourism chief also expressed her gratitude to the department's partners in setting up this year's job fair series to help tourism workers that have been severely impacted by the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
"The DOT is thankful for the efforts of IBPAP, and for the participation of BPO industries such as iQor, Alorica, Tahche, and Manulife for providing opportunities for displaced workers in the tourism sector," she said.
Launching the program was BPO firm iQor, which held on Monday, Aug. 9, its virtual job fair. It will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Other BPO companies that are set to host virtual job fairs this month are Alorica on August 10 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Tahche on August 25 also from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Meanwhile, Manulife will host a similar event from Sept. 23 to 24, with the final schedule yet to be confirmed.
The DOT first conducted its virtual regional job fair last Sept. 2020 in partnership with Concentrix Philippines wherein it offered jobs in the BPO industry to displaced tourism workers.
The agency, through its Tourism Response and Recovery Plan, has so far made strides to manage the effects of the pandemic on the tourism industry. Its efforts have included training and capacity development, enhancing tourism products and experiences, and securing vaccine doses for tourism workers in key destinations.