After Taiwan froze the processing of the work permits of new Filipino workers, Malacañang on Friday said the Philippine government is looking for manufacturing-heavy markets that can absorb workers.“The Department of Labor (and Employment, DOLE) has been looking into alternative markets. If you recall, this is not the first time that we’ve dealt with this sort of sanction and the Labor department has been looking into alternative markets because if you look at the figures, 72 percent of our OFWs in Taiwan are employed in the manufacturing sector,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a briefing.
According to the DOLE, out of an estimated 85,185 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan, 72 percent are working in the manufacturing sector/factories; 26 percent in personal/social services and 2 percent in the fishermen sector.
“The way that the Labor department looks at it, by looking for other alternative markets, would be to see which other markets also have a high number or a high openings for manufacturing sector,” Valte added, saying the DOLE has identified at least three countries that fit the criteria.
“That would be South Korea, another alternative would be the Middle East, and also to some extent Malaysia. In light of what has happened, the Labor department has deemed if fit to look into other alternative markets that are capable of absorbing the number of OFWs who may wish to come back or who may have to leave their places of employment,” Valte said.
Strained relations
Relations between the Philippines and Taiwan have been strained by the killing of a Taiwanese fisherman by Philippine Coast Guards in disputed waters on May 9.
The falling out has triggered Taiwan to freeze the hiring of Filipino workers on Wednesday.
Alleged acts of discrimination against Filipinos in Taiwan have also been reported.
Filipinos in Taiwan were advised Friday to stay home or at least commute directly between home and work while emotions are still high over the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by Philippine authorities in disputed waters earlier this month.
Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Chairman Amadeo Perez Jr. also said his office is monitoring and documenting cases of "hate" assaults by Taiwanese on Filipinos.
"Emotional ang tao, mataas ang tension. Huwag muna lumabas sa tirahan nyo. Kumain kayo sa loob ng bahay, (at mag-commute) from your house to work muna. Sinabihan namin ang lahat na Pilipino," Perez said in an interview over radio dzBB.
Valte said the Philippine government continues to investigate reports of discrimination and abuse, noting that the government’s main priority is the safety of Filipinos there.
“Our primary concern would be to first, for the welfare of our citizens who are there; and second, the possible effect that the sanctions may have on our OFWs who are there.
Remember that one of the sanctions would be to freeze hiring,” Valte said.
“I understand that in a year, mga 30,000 ‘yung pumupunta doon that doesn’t include those who are already there. ‘Yun po ‘yung tinitingnan natin. What assistance can be extended to those who may wish to return; and second, are there alternative markets that we can offer to them once they come home,” Valte said. - VVP, GMA News
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