Pangan: Belaboring Labor

Thursday, February 2, 2012

UNEMPLOYMENT concerns are in almost government and business agenda, not only on a national scale but also globally.

The news report (Philippine Daily Inquirer issue of January 30, 2012 by Rommel W. Domingo) that the International Labor Organization (ILO) has been putting attention on these issues should merit attention and action by countries, including the Philippines, which has, by latest estimates and statistics, one of the highest unemployment rates and figures in the labor market.

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It is not therefore surprising that even central banks are being urged on providing full employment to able-bodied citizens as a top policy goal, along with low inflation and keeping financial stability, in order to improve on the worsening global economic outlook.

No less than the ILO Director General Juan Somavia who stated that "countries that invested in job creation, and social protection, as a way out of the 2008 crisis fared better than those that prioritized bailing out their banks". He adds: "China invested in labor-intensive infrastructure projects while Germany's work sharing program kept 1.5 million workers employed at the height of the crisis".

This is where government action on stimulus spending programs with focus on job generation, would be appropriate.

In the Philippines, the unemployment rate even moved up, with some counted as underemployed and not earning properly or adequately as their credentials guarantee. Why so? Not much spending by the government, that's why.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., suggested that, along with an appropriate monetary stance, budgeted government spending and the spirited participation of the private sector could ensure that all engines of growth would fire up and added that the national government should ensure "that spending would benefit targeted sectors, leading to more jobs as well as infrastructure projects that would solidify the base for sustained growth".

By the way, what has happened to PNoy's much-ballyhooed public-private partnership program? Has it even taken off? If it has, are there no positive results yet? Or, would only giant corporations stand to benefit, profits-wise, from this ambitious program and the lot of the marginalized sector will not improve a bit?

I hope that the pronouncements of one investment firm CLSA Asia-Pacific, materialize as it wrote thus: "Investments in infrastructure should jump-start the next phase of high economic growth in the Philippines. From more efficient travel to economic domestic tourism, to stronger growth in loan growth due to financing requirements, the economy stands to benefit greatly". Sana.

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On the local front, job openings can be found at the Clark Freeport Zone, Subic Bay Freeport Zone and in other labor-intensive areas, such as shipbuilding.

Of course, the Department of Labor and Employment and its partners and subsidiaries like Tesda, are bent on improving the employability of labor force members, with the latter agency giving tutorials to those lacking skills.

Jobs fairs conducted by Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) like Peso Mabalacat also contribute significantly to the giving of job opportunities to seekers.

Last Wednesday, February 1, Peso Mabalacat held its first activity for the year at the old municipal hall grounds with the following representatives of employers attending: Zoocobia Fun Zoo, Service Resources, Faith in God, Magnapeak Service Corporation, Hotel Sogo, Elite Jinzai Marketing, Romac, Asia Pro, People Serve, Sutherland, Savemore, South Star Drug, Fibre Sorting, SM Hypermarket, School of Infant Jesus, ACLC, Horizon Powder Coating and Hausland. On hand to assist applicants were the Peso Mabalacat staff, headed by this writer, assisted by Virgie L. Miranda, Alma C. Pontillas, Irish T. Mendoza, Elaine Viar, Jem Evangelista, Gerry Dayrit, Pilo Bondoc, Vidal Busa and those from the multi-sectoral office. Thanks go to Mama Ti, for the food served the employers and guests. Mayor Boking Morles came and thanked the employers' representatives and laid out his platform of providing more employment opportunities for Mabalaquenos.

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Good, exciting news. The second reading on the cityhood bill of Mabalacat was done at the Senate last Tuesday with Senators Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Lito Lapid, Franklin Drilon, Majority Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto and Senate Pro Tempore Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada all favoring the transformation of Mabalacat into a component city. The third and final reading will be on February 7 and the rest will become Mabalacat City's history! This info was first relayed to me by Municipal Administrator Rosan Paquia and confirmed by Mayor Boking Morales who was, as expected, visibly excited over the good prospect of the city hood bill.

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Another meeting of the Mabalacat Fiesta Executive Committee will be held today with all members of the committee expected to attend and chaired by Jun Magbalot. Again, the Execom will tackle issues and activities laid out for the month-long celebration and the 300th founding anniversary rites.

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The 1st Systems Plus College Foundation High School Grand Alumni Homecoming for Batch 1996-2006 will be held on March 3, 2012 (Saturday), 2 pm at the ground floor of the SPCF New High School Building. For details, alumni are requested to contact Sir Danny Tinglao at 0923-813-5486.