DOLE cites tightening supply of skilled workers

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is now studying the supply of skilled workers in the country to prevent shortage.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the agency is looking at the level of shortage of skilled workers on the local front. 

“Even I had experienced this. Before, I can easily get a plumber with much lesser cost, but now, even if you offer a considerable amount of fee, these skilled workers would ignore you,” he said.

Bello noted DOLE might have to slow down in processing the deployment of skilled workers abroad.  He said he was considering limiting the number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to be sent to the Middle East.

“I received a lot of concerns and complaints from our Filipino household workers in the Middle East. This is why I am seriously considering, if not to suspend, to decrease the number of deployment of domestic helpers, OFWs, and skilled workers especially in the Middle East,” he added.

Bello said OFWs, most especially those deployed in the Arab countries, are highly exposed to abuse by their employers.

At the same time, the labor chief claimed the Philippines is facing scarcity in skilled workers such as carpenters, electrician and plumbers, because they chose to work overseas for a much higher pay.

Bello added DOLE is now fast tracking the training of skilled workers to immediately address the shortage problem.

“They are in demand. Skilled workers shortage problem in the country is big. I am in talks with our agencies to fast track their training for the benefit of the country. We need to prioritize our own skilled workers,” he maintained.