Drive vs illegal recruiters needs LGU cooperation

THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) called on wider partnership among local government units in its campaign against the proliferation of illegal recruiters.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said she wants more memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with LGUs to compensate the National Government’s shortage of personnel.

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“There is a need for the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to cover more grounds and expand its reach in the fight against illegal recruitment,” said Baldoz.

Dole records showed that the POEA had signed 300 MOUs with local government units.

The MOUs enabled LGUs to incorporate aggressive anti-illegal recruitment (AIR) strategies as part of their programs that are in sync with the POEA’s efforts.

Among these strategies are regular and timely updates on licensed recruitment agencies, AIR and pre-employment orientation seminars, and the establishment of Help Desks in local government units.

Baldoz noted that the partnerships with LGUs have already resulted to the increase of AIR cases to 1,600, a drastic improvement to the 573 recorded in 2000.

“This means that we must keep pushing forward our efforts to stamp out illegal recruitment to cover all municipalities and barangays in the country,” added Baldoz. (AMN/Sunnex)