The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of the Philippines acknowledges that not all workers who lost their jobs due to the closure of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) will be able to find suitable employment before the deadline of December 31.
In July last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a ban on POGO operations in his State of the Nation Address (SONA), casting uncertainty over the future of tens of thousands of employees. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma admitted that matching affected workers with positions that suit their skills, expectations, and desired benefits is challenging.
Limited Participation in Job Fairs
Despite multiple job fairs held in Metro Manila, Camarines Sur, and other regions, the outcomes were disappointing. Only 202 workers were hired at these events. Many unemployed workers remain skeptical about the enforcement of the shutdown deadline, while others are dissatisfied with the available positions, which are primarily entry-level.
To address this issue, the Department of Labor urges employers to offer higher-level positions to attract more skilled job seekers from the gaming industry. However, the department notes that the mismatch of skills with available positions and their geographical locations continues to hinder the process.
Broadening Assistance Measures
In addition to promoting employment, the Department of Labor has provided livelihood assistance to over 100 unemployed workers and recommended several for skills training. An analysis has identified 27,790 affected Filipino workers, with the total impact potentially reaching 42,000, including those indirectly employed in POGO-related businesses.
The government has also canceled over 36,000 foreign work permits, further highlighting the extensive impact of the POGO ban.
No Extension of POGO Ban Deadline
Laguesma confirms that there are currently no plans to extend the December 31 deadline for ceasing POGO activities. However, the government will continue to provide support in January and February, focusing on employment assistance and other interventions for unemployed workers. The Public Employment Service Office will collaborate with local governments to continue offering services to those seeking help.
Assistance for All Affected Workers
The Department of Labor acknowledges the plight of workers from unregistered offshore gaming companies and assures that these individuals can also seek support through job fairs and government programs. Efforts to assist unemployed workers aim to mitigate the broader social and economic costs brought about by the shutdown.
The closure of the POGO industry is part of a broader effort by the government to combat crimes associated with the industry, including money laundering, illegal recruitment, and human trafficking. As the deadline approaches, providing sustainable employment solutions for the tens of thousands of affected individuals remains a challenge.
