Only 100 displaced POGO workers hired during DOLE-Jobstreet Career Con

Only 100 displaced workers of internet gaming licensees (IGLs) or former employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma disclosed during the recent career fair hosted by DOLE and Jobstreet that about 8,000 ex-POGO workers tried their luck.

"We continue to reach out because based on our record, there are still about 40,000 directly affected IGL workers because of the POGO closure)," Laguesma said.

He noted that some IGL workers are still hesitant about reemployment as some are still optimistic about the possible lifting of POGO's total ban in the country.

He also added that some are already employed, while others are considering the salary rate and the type of jobs available.

"Because most of the jobs offered at the job fair are regular entry-level," the Labor chief said.

Laguesma, however, still assured that the government would still continue assisting the affected workers.

The DOLE has provided over 40,000 displaced Filipino POGO workers who were employed in IGLs in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Central Visayas.

During his third state of the nation address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the ban after these were linked to illegal activities such as human trafficking, online scams, and even murder.