The Philippine Department of Labor (DOLE) reported that at a large job fair held in Pasay City, only 100 former internet gambling license (IGL) workers successfully found employment, which was far below the number of unemployed POGO workers who attended, reflecting the severe job market situation following the industry shutdown.
Bienvenido Laguesma, the Secretary of Labor, admitted at a news forum in Quezon City that despite government efforts to provide job opportunities, the re-employment situation for former POGO workers is still not ideal. According to statistics, about 18,000 affected workers pre-registered for the job fair, but only 8,000 actually attended, with just 100 securing jobs on the spot.
The job fair, named "Career Con 2025," attracted over 150 companies offering more than 8,000 job vacancies in industries such as BPO (Business Process Outsourcing), IT, and retail. However, many former POGO employees were hesitant about the new job opportunities, resulting in a very low acceptance rate.
Laguesma pointed out that many unemployed IGL workers are still hesitant to re-enter the workforce, mainly due to:
1. Hopes for a POGO business revival — Some workers still hope the government will relax policies to partially restore the POGO industry.
2. Found other means of livelihood — Some have switched careers or started their own businesses, showing little interest in low-paying jobs.
3. Salary expectations not matching the market — Many former POGO workers are accustomed to higher salaries, and are unwilling to accept the lower wages currently offered by the market.
Data shows that workers affected by the POGO shutdown are mainly concentrated in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Central Visayas, with previous salary levels ranging from 16,000 to 22,000 pesos. Compared to current market wages, this further exacerbates their re-employment difficulties.
Despite the challenging job market, the government is still actively providing assistance. The Department of Labor stated that the government is intensifying skills training for unemployed IGL workers to enhance their competitiveness in other industries.
Additionally, the government has launched an entrepreneurship support program, offering up to 30,000 pesos in startup funds to workers who wish to start their own businesses, encouraging them to create their own livelihoods.
"We will continue to support the affected workers, ensuring they can smoothly transition to new job positions or entrepreneurial opportunities," Laguesma stated.
