Tuesday, September 26, 2006 Pinoy professionals now in demand abroad
THE world has now recognized the competence of Filipinos not only for caregiving jobs but also for high-paying, professional employment, which were used to be filled-up by Europeans.
In fact, companies abroad are willing to invest for the further training of Filipinos for them to qualify for these jobs, according to Manpower Resources of Asia Inc. (MRA) vice president for operations Christopher Dino Dumatol.
“Companies abroad do not discriminate against Filipinos anymore. They are now willing to invest on Filipinos. This is why we (MRA) also would like to show them that it is worth investing on Filipinos by hiring for them competent ones,” he told a press conference at the Casino Español de Cebu last week.
Earlier, economist Ca-yetano Paderanga said the increasing value of remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as they land in high-paying jobs abroad have prevented the country’s economy from collapsing amid the economic crisis.
“The country has already felt the quality change in the profile of OFWs (from domestic helpers to professionals),” he said.
Dumatol said there is an increasing demand for Filipinos to take on high-paying land-based and offshore jobs abroad in countries like Canada, Australia, Dubai and Qatar.
Craftsmen
MRA has been providing professional and technical personnel and craftsmen for land-based construction projects, such as oil and natural gas, plants, on-shore and off-shore pipe laying and related facilities, dredging and reclamation, various industrial operations, hospitals, healthcare organizations and information technology firms.
Linkage
The company’s subsidiary, Sealanes Marine Services Inc. (SMS), deploys Filipino seafarers to international shipping companies.
Dumatol said that from the deployment of crew, such as messmen, wipers and oilers, SMS is now providing its principals with seafarers for higher positions, such as cadets and officers, welders, fitters, bosun and chief cooks.
To be able to supply its clients with the best seafarers, SMS has developed a linkage with some maritime schools and institutions, such as the Salazar Institute of Technology, for its cadetship program.
SMS has deployed close to 3,000 seafarers onboard various vessels.
Its clients include Spliethoff of Holland, Norfolk Lane B.V., Dockwise N.V, Stolk Stuwardors, Theodora Tankers, Sint Maarten and Hanno Oam Crew B.V.
Realizing the competition in the global market, especially for highly skilled craftsmen and specialists, MRA has initiated training programs, both in-house and in collaboration with the leading training centers in the Philippines, such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for continuous upgrading of skills, technical expertise and increased productivity and improvement of occupational health and safety. (JBN)
