CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Overseas Employment Agency saw an increase in the number of applicants for job vacancies abroad in the first half of this year compared to 2008, contrary to reports that less openings are being catered due to the financial crisis that struck the world starting late last year.
Records released by POEA-7 in July showed a 13.11 percent increase of applicants from January to June in 2009 compared to the same period last year from those coming from the Visayas region, with a great number coming from Cebu, that have submitted their applications to the office for process.
It also revealed that 15,702 employment contracts were submitted during the months of January to June this year which shows an increase of 1,821 from last year’s 13,881.
POEA-7 legal officer Imelda Lerida said that out of the 15, 702 employment contracts they received, 15,000 came from first time applicants for overseas work.
She added that the number of the applicants for this year does not include yet those that have already worked abroad which she said almost reached the same number with the first timers.
Lerida said they have already received 14, 064 applications from OFWs who would like to go back abroad under their “Balik Manggagawa” program.
This was also processed in the first six months of this year which also showed an increase of 15.79 percent compared to the 12,146 returning OFWs in 2008.
A big number of the applied jobs are vacancies for skilled-workers dealing with construction, welding, as well as for the medical professionals such as nurses and caregivers and also for the domestic helpers.
“In spite of the global financial crisis, OFWs are still in demand abroad which only shows that Filipinos are world-class competent workers very much appreciated by foreign employers,” Lerida added.
Also, job fairs that offer opportunities abroad are reportedly gearing up to open doors for Filipinos wanting to go abroad. —AJ De La Torre/WAB (THE FREEMAN)