Gov't finds other markets for OFWs as Taiwan halts hiring
By Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News
Posted at 05/17/2013 2:28 PM | Updated as of 05/17/2013 2:30 PM
MANILA, Philippines - The government has identified alternative markets for Filipinos who would be affected by Taiwan's decision to suspend processing labor visa applications from the Philippines.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that as part of the contingency plan in dealing with the sanctions imposed by Taiwan on the Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment has identified South Korea, the Middle East, and Malaysia as possible places where Filipinos can apply for work.
Citing figures from DOLE, Valte said that 72% of the 85,185 estimated OFWs in Taiwan are employed in the manufacturing sector or factories, 26% in personal/ social services, and 2% in the fisheries sector.
Valte said that alternative markets identified have a high number of openings in the manufacturing sector.
"In light of what has happened, the labor department has deemed it fit to look into 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.
On Friday, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) confirmed that Taiwan's freeze order on the hiring of all Filipino workers has been in effect since May 15.
The Palace again reiterated its appeal to the people of Taiwan not to vent their anger at Filipinos in Taiwan following the diplomatic fallout over the death of a Taiwanese fisherman near Batanes.
The Palace expressed no worry over reports that Taiwan has staged military drills near the Philippines.
"As long as the activity is within their borders or in the high seas, then that should not be a concern for us," Valte said.
She said that the Philippine government is not closing its doors to other diplomatic means to deal with the situation and that it will "avoid action" that will escalate tensions and "not let the exchanges that we have [with Taiwan] deteriorate."
"I would not foreclose on any other actions that can be done in the future," she said.
With no joint investigation with Taiwan being conducted, Valte said of the Taiwanese investigators who have reportedly arrived in the Philippines: "There is a particular process that has to be followed and that process should be followed.
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