POGO workers can now avail of labor assistance

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday said government assistance and intervention may already be availed by endangered workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) regardless if they have been profiled or not.

In a radio interview, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said it is not a requirement to be profiled by DOLE before one can avail of the assistance.

“We strongly encourage our (POGO) companies to coordinate with DOLE so they can already avail of the appropriate assistance and intervention,” said Laguesma, adding: “They don’t need to wait for the DOLE to complete the profiling activities.”

The labor chief said field offices, such as the DOLE – National Capital Region (NCR), are already prepared to provide the necessary assistance, such as upskilling and retraining, livelihood assistance, and job referrals.

“DOLE-NCR has established its Quick Reaction Team to provide immediate assistance to companies based in the NCR,” said Laguesma.

Earlier, the DOLE-NCR said it has already profiled some 15,000 POGO workers in Metro Manila.

The DOLE has said it is looking to complete its nationwide profiling activities for POGO workers by September.

In his last State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos Jr. ordered a ban on POGOs in the country, adding that all such entities must cease operations by the end of the year.

Marcos, then, directed the Department of Labor and Employment to find employment opportunities for Filipinos, who would lose employment.