DOLE-7 confirms shortage of skilled workers in Central Visayas

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas has confirmed the shortage of skilled workers in the country affecting the “Build, Build, Build” program of the national government.

Lawyer Johnson G. Cañete, DOLE-7 director, said the numerous overseas jobs fair they conducted in the past has contributed to the problem.

Cañete, however, said the government cannot also prevent the workers from leaving the country because of a better pay.

"Di man nato mapugngan ang atoang workers if gi-prefer nila ang abroad kaysa local," he added.

(We cannot prevent the workers if they prefer to work abroad)

He said that even the sugar industry in the region is also having labor shortage problem. Cañete said most of the workers prefer non-agricultural jobs with higher pay.

"Usa sa reklamo ron sa mga sugar mills wala na sila'y sugar workers, wala na'y tigtapas," said Cañete.

The District Tripartite Council in Bogo-Medellin Milling Corporation, Incorporated (DTC-BOMEDCO) told Cañete during their quarterly meeting that labor gap has started to become a pressing issue.

He hopes that through the help of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) the human resource problem will be addressed soon.

Cañete believes that a competitive salary will invite skilled workers to join the labor force. — Christele Isabela B. Basco, USC Intern FPL (FREEMAN)