The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Philippines is stepping up its efforts to assist nearly 20,000 Filipino workers displaced by the recent closures of Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). A special job fair, aimed at providing new employment opportunities for these individuals, will take place at the Ayala Mall Manila Bay in Parañaque on October 10, as confirmed by Jude Trayvilla, Assistant Regional Director of DOLE’s National Capital Region (NCR).
The Scale of the Issue: 19,341 Workers Affected
As of mid-September, 48 IGL companies had submitted lists of affected employees, totaling 19,341 Filipino workers. This number represents a significant portion of the labor force employed in the online gaming industry, which had once been a booming sector in the country. These workers, most of whom were employed in roles such as administrative tasks, encoding, finance, information technology, and housekeeping, are now facing an uncertain future after the shutdown of many gaming operators. The job fair is intended to provide immediate opportunities for reemployment, focusing on matching the skills of these displaced workers with open positions in various industries.
DOLE-NCR has been actively profiling the workers to ensure they are connected with appropriate employment opportunities. Olivia Samson, another director from the DOLE-NCR, has confirmed that 70 employers have already committed to participating in the upcoming job fair. These employers span various industries and are expected to offer roles that closely align with the displaced workers’ skills and previous experience. DOLE anticipates more job fairs will follow after the October 10 event, indicating an ongoing commitment to helping these workers find new employment.
Financial Impact on Workers
For the workers affected by the IGL and POGO closures, the financial repercussions are significant. The majority of these employees earned monthly salaries ranging from PHP 16,000 ($287.21) to PHP 22,000 ($394.91). This range places many of these workers in vulnerable financial positions, particularly in Metro Manila, where the cost of living is relatively high. The sudden loss of employment has left many scrambling to find alternative sources of income, making the upcoming job fair a critical opportunity for them to secure stable employment.
Government Assistance and Focus on Legal Workers
The closure of POGOs and the rebranding of some operators as IGLs has prompted government action to protect workers who were legally employed by these companies. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma emphasized the government’s focus on assisting workers who were employed in legal gaming operations. “What we are focusing (on) now are workers that are legally at work. These are the IGLs,” Laguesma stated during a recent radio interview. His comments highlight the government’s effort to distinguish between legal and illegal operations within the online gaming industry, prioritizing support for those who were working under legitimate contracts.
Laguesma also noted that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has taken steps to rebrand former POGO operations as IGLs. This rebranding aims to distance the legal gaming industry from the controversies surrounding POGOs, which have faced increased scrutiny and legal challenges over the past few years. The government’s priority is to assist the displaced workers by providing them with alternative employment opportunities while ensuring that any future gaming operations comply with legal and regulatory standards.
The Context: Nationwide POGO Ban and the Evolution of IGLs
The situation facing these displaced workers is a direct result of the nationwide ban on POGOs, which was implemented following concerns about the industry’s legal and ethical practices. POGOs had become a significant employer in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila and other urban centers. However, the industry has faced increasing pressure due to allegations of tax evasion, illegal employment of foreign nationals, and involvement in other illicit activities. These concerns prompted the government to take decisive action, culminating in the ban and subsequent rebranding of some operations as IGLs.
Following the announcement of the POGO ban, the idea of organizing a job fair for displaced workers was quickly proposed. DOLE officials recognized the need for immediate intervention to support the thousands of Filipino workers who were left without jobs. Since then, the department has been working closely with employers, labor groups, and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the event.
Profiling and Matching Skills with New Opportunities
DOLE-NCR’s efforts to profile the affected workers are critical to the success of the job fair. By gathering detailed information about the workers’ skills, previous job roles, and employment preferences, DOLE aims to streamline the job matching process. This approach will help ensure that workers are connected with employers who are actively seeking candidates with the right qualifications and experience.
Many of the displaced workers come from administrative and technical backgrounds, having worked in finance, information technology, and housekeeping departments within IGL and POGO operations. These skill sets are transferable to a wide range of industries, giving the workers a better chance of finding employment in sectors such as business process outsourcing (BPO), retail, hospitality, and finance.
70 Employers to Participate in Job Fair
The upcoming job fair is expected to draw significant interest from both workers and employers. According to DOLE-NCR Director Olivia Samson, around 70 employers have already confirmed their participation, offering positions across various sectors. This level of participation reflects the demand for skilled workers in industries that have been growing in the Philippines, including BPO, hospitality, and IT services.
DOLE expects that many of the displaced workers will be able to find new employment through the job fair, though some may need additional training or upskilling to transition into new roles. In light of this, DOLE is also exploring opportunities for providing training programs to help workers enhance their skills and increase their chances of securing stable employment in emerging industries.
Future Job Fairs and Long-Term Support
The October 10 job fair is just the beginning of DOLE’s efforts to support displaced workers. Additional job fairs are already being planned to ensure that all affected workers have the opportunity to connect with employers and explore new career paths. These future events will likely build on the success of the initial job fair, with more employers participating and offering a wider range of job opportunities.
In the long term, DOLE is also looking into ways to provide continuous support to workers who may need more time to find employment. This includes offering training programs, career counseling, and other services to help workers adapt to the changing job market. The government is committed to ensuring that displaced workers are not left behind as the country continues to transition away from the POGO model and towards more regulated, legally compliant gaming operations.
The closure of IGLs and POGOs has had a profound impact on thousands of Filipino workers, many of whom now find themselves without stable employment. The upcoming job fair at Ayala Mall Manila Bay on October 10 represents a critical lifeline for these displaced workers, offering them a chance to find new jobs and regain financial stability. With the participation of 70 employers and the support of DOLE, the event is expected to provide immediate relief to many workers while laying the groundwork for ongoing efforts to support those affected by the industry’s upheaval.
As the Philippines moves away from the POGO model and focuses on building a more sustainable and legally compliant gaming industry, the government’s priority remains ensuring that workers are protected and given the resources they need to succeed in a changing economy.