DOLE eyes restrictions in deployment of skilled labor

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government is looking to limit the deployment abroad of workers in several professions to mitigate the shortage of skilled workers in the country.         

Dominique Tutay, Department of Labor and Employment’s Bureau of Local Employment (DOLE-BLE) director, revealed that there are on-going consultations on the possibility of restricting deployment of certain skills.

“There have been requests from several sectors and we have initially done consultations and met with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration concerning the possible restriction,” she said.

Among the sectors that will likely be affected by a deployment restriction are the energy (especially those engaged in petrochemicals), aerospace (especially machinists) and construction.

Tutay said the DOLE is now checking whether there are sufficient or there is already a shortage of workers in those industries. She added that DOLE has long reported the prevailing shortage of workers in the local construction industry.         

The DOLE and the Department of Trade and Industry as well as the construction industry are working to craft a roadmap until 2030, which will contain priority programs for the construction sector.

Meanwhile, DOLE stressed the need for a thorough study on the implementation of labor and employment policies addressing the Fourth Industrial Revolution.         

Labor Undersecretary Ana Dione said there is a need to adapt to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is seen as “a major challenge of our time.”

She added that DOLE can only craft effective and responsive policies and programs based on sound research, informed analysis and quality social dialogue.