DOLE vows to provide job opportunities for workers affected by POGO ban
By Trixee Rosel
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has committed to provide job opportunities and livelihood programs for workers who would be affected by President Marcos' ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
“Mahanapan ng appropriate na trabaho itong posibleng maaapektuhan na mga manggagawa (We will find an appropriate job for these workers who might be affected),” said Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.
“Bukod sa mga intervention na ginagawa ng DOLE, may kinalaman sa upskilling, retraining, and livelihood programs, at ang aming pagdaraos ng specific job fairs para sa kanila both for local and overseas employment (Aside from the interventions being conducted by DOLE related to upskilling, retraining, and livelihood programs, we have organized specific job fairs for them, catering to both local and overseas employment opportunities),” he added.
Laguesma said the DOLE is actively assessing POGO workers to match them with suitable job opportunities and provide necessary training.
Currently, out of the 79 licensed internet gaming firms, approximately 28 based in the National Capital Region have submitted employee lists, with DOLE urging others to do the same.
He noted that many affected workers specialize in roles such as encoding, information technology, administration, and finance.
DOLE is also exploring potential job placements for these workers in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.
Laguesma encouraged affected POGO employees to reach out to DOLE starting this week for assistance.