MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Thursday clarified that the government is still studying proposals to open hard-to-fill positions to foreign workers.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is working with the private sector in reviewing the Philippine skilled occupational shortage list, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said during a regular press briefing.
He clarified that the study was requested by industry players because of the lack of applicants in at least 15 highly skilled jobs.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES), the jobs that have a shortage are following:
-architect
– chemical engineer
-chemist
-environmental planner
-fisheries technologist
-geologist
-guidance counsellor
-licensed librarian
-medical technologist
-sanitary engineer
-computer numerical control machinist
-assembly technician
-test technician
-pilot
-aircraft mechanic
Coloma pointed out that instead of inviting foreign workers into the country, the study “could serve as a signal for our Filipino professionals abroad to return to the country to fill this gap.” He said schools could also adjust their offered courses to match the demand.
“Hindi focus ng gobyerno na tanggalan ng oportunidad ang mamamayan (It’s not the government’s objective to take away job opportunities from our fellowmen),” the Secretary explained.
He insisted that they are still studying the proposal, contrary to media reports.
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