Electronics makers hold employment mission in Yolanda-hit provinces

MANILA, Philippines - The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI) plans to conduct an employment mission to provide jobs in parts of the country devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Following an employment mission conducted by the SEIPI earlier this week in Ormoc City in Leyte, the group said in a statement it intends to organize another one for other areas hit by the typhoon.

“SEIPI will again ask from its members if there are more job opportunities for the year.  Should there be a good number, SEIPI will once again gather its members and do another employment mission in other parts that have been hit by calamities,” the group said.

Five of SEIPI’s member firms HGST Philippines Corp., Epson Philippines, Microsemi Corp., Testech, Inc. and Alliance Mansols, Inc. participated in the recent mission.

The five companies required a total of about 1,500 jobs for operators, technicians, engineers and other professionals.

The group chose Ormoc for the employment mission as it was assured by the city’s Public Employment Service Office many residents there are looking for quality jobs.

The electronics industry offers quality jobs to workers, as well as above-average minimum wage and benefits.

The SEIPI said most of the employees to be hired from the mission would work in sophisticated facilities which provide good learning and working atmosphere.

To prepare the newly-hired individuals for work, the group is working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide subsidized training so the worker would already have the basic knowledge and skills needed in the job.

“SEIPI’s vision on this employment mission goes beyond mere provision of jobs.  What the organization and its members aim for truly is to provide a fresh start and livelihood to those that are willing to pursue these,” the group said.

Yolanda, considered to be one of the strongest typhoons, hit provinces in central Philippines in November last year, leaving thousands of people dead and homeless.

The SEIPI groups Filipino and foreign electronics firms with operations in the country.