Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has yet to receive any reports of displaced workers from Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), formerly known as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). This comes as the government moves toward shutting down all IGL operations by the end of the year.
According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke during the Thursday episode of “Malacañang Insider,” DOLE-NCR is monitoring the situation in Metro Manila, where most IGLs are located. He said, “Wala pa naman. Wala pang nareport na may nadisplace so far. Pero minomonitor ng DOLE-NCR kasi ang NCR, nariyan ‘yung majority ng IGLs.”
Laguesma revealed that around 20,000 workers have been initially profiled by DOLE, with most of them qualified for positions in administration, finance, human resources, and encoding. The labor chief added that IGL companies are cooperating by submitting lists of workers who could potentially lose their jobs by the end of the year. “Tuloy tuloy yan at gusto natin makita na makapagkaloob tayo ng tamang assistance,” Laguesma stated.
The Labor Secretary also encouraged displaced workers to explore job opportunities through PhilJobNet, an automated platform designed to streamline job applications. He noted that the Information Technology-Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) sector is actively seeking workers with IT skills. The DOLE continues to provide various forms of assistance, including job matching, livelihood programs, and upskilling or reskilling initiatives.
A job fair for affected IGL workers is being planned for later this month. The move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address in July, during which he announced a total ban on POGOs, ordering them to cease operations by year-end.