MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced plans for a job fair aimed at assisting nearly 19,000 workers displaced from the shuttered Philippine offshore gaming operators, now rebranded as internet gaming licensees (IGLs).
According to the Philippines News Agency, DOLE-National Capital Region Assistant Director Jude Thomas Trayvilla revealed during the “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” forum that the event is scheduled for October 10 in Parañaque City. Trayvilla disclosed that 48 IGLs have ceased operations this year, affecting thousands of workers. “These employees, who are primarily involved in administrative, human resources, finance, and IT roles, were earning between PHP 16,000 to PHP 22,000,” he stated.
The job fair, which is being coordinated with the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) of the local government, will take place at Ayala Malls Manila Bay along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard. DOLE-NCR Assistant Director Olivia Obrero-Samson added that around 70 employers are expected to participate, offering new opportunities for those affected by the closures.
This initiative comes in the wake of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive requiring all POGO companies to cease their operations by the end of 2024, leading to significant job displacements in the sector.