The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Philippines has initiated the process of profiling workers from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) who will be affected by the government’s decision to halt all POGO operations by the end of this year, as mandated by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Patrick Patriwirawan Jr., director of DOLE’s Bureau of Local Employment, stated that 27,747 out of the estimated 40,692 Filipino workers employed in the POGO industry have already been profiled, based on figures from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).
According to the latest data, 19,754 workers have been profiled in Metro Manila, 142 in Region III (Central Luzon), 7,387 in Calabarzon, and 14 in Region VII (Central Visayas). The average monthly income of these workers reportedly ranges from PHP16,000 ($280) to PHP 22,000 ($400).
Patriwirawan outlined DOLE’s strategy during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on Wednesday, explaining that the department follows a specific framework when labor market disruptions occur. “As soon as we detect such disruptions, we start profiling the affected workers,” he said.
He further noted that once the profiling is complete, DOLE offers various services to the displaced workers, facilitated through their public employment service offices across the country.
