100,000 Job Openings in Call Center and Other Industries Offered by DOLE

Manila, Philippines (May 4, 2010) – The Department of Labor and Employment or DOLE held a nationwide job fair last May 1, 2010 and hosted a celebration at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Instead of the much sought-after wage hike on Labor Day, DOLE offered over 100,000 job openings in various industries, especially in the BPO or call center Philippines industry. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the guest of honor during the said event and she delivered her valedictory address to the workers who were present.

The job fair was expected to reduce the unemployment rate of the country. Labor Secretary Marianito Roque took note that it will hopefully contribute positive results despite the lingering problem of job mismatch which is defined as the occurrence wherein the skills of the graduates do not match with the prevailing needs of companies with job openings.

During a press conference, Roque said that the job mismatch problem would remain for as long as two to three years if nothing is done to correct it. He said added that the labor department would be providing the necessary information to the academe regarding the needs of the various business and industries in the country. The Labor Secretary cited that skilled people are needed and is urging job seekers to undergo the necessary training provided for by the Technical Education and Skill Development Authority or TESDA. By participating in such an activity, these people can find employment significantly easier.

A sad reality is that a lot of professionals are taking up other classes and undergoing training for different practices in order to earn better wages. A good example would be that some teachers study welding and end up earning better salaries as welders instead of teachers.

The demands for an increase in wages continue and Roque explained that the wage boards have in fact been working double-time studying petitions. The wage determination process is ongoing, but it is necessary to give the tripartite wage boards the benefit of the doubt. This is why despite their increased efforts to resolve wage problems the sought-after wage hike was not possible last May 1st.

The DOLE job fair offered around 80,000 jobs abroad and 30,000 jobs locally. Employment offers came from participating employers of call center Philippines, information technology, construction, food and beverage, transportation, banking and other businesses and industries. Prior to the job fair, Roque had urged interested participants to register with DOLE’s Philjobnet so that they could be pre-screened by participating employers.