Wednesday, April 04, 2007 DOT defers overseas jobs fair
THE Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 is not yet too keen on carrying out plans for a specialized overseas tourism jobs fair, an official said.
Despite the “success” of its 2nd Tourism Jobs Fair, which was aimed at generating employment for Filipinos in the region, DOT Undersecretary Phineas Alburo said a specialized overseas job fair is “not likely to happen” this year to help lessen the continued problem on brain drain or the exodus of skilled Filipinos abroad.
“There is a brain drain even in tourism personnel in the country and as much as possible, we don’t like to contribute to that,” Alburo said.
Although, he said that in the case of the tourism industry, the brain drain scenario is not as prevalent compared with the medical profession, particularly the nursing field.
He said DOT would rather exert efforts in increasing jobs for the region’s tourism sector, which is considered a significant economic driver and employment generator.
In a phone interview with Sun.Star Cebu, Alburo said while the department has recognized an increase in Filipinos seeking greener pastures abroad, its main priority is to assist people land jobs in tourism-related establishments in the country.
He said the demand for local tourism personnel has increased, which was evident in the growth of exhibitors this year.
A total of 132 exhibitors participated in this year’s fair while there were only 102 last year, Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano said during the opening of the 2nd Tourism Jobs Fair held last March 28 to 30 at the Cebu International Convention Center.
Citing official records, Alburo reported job vacancies in the tourism sector have reached 9,350 while the number of jobseekers registered online and onsite ballooned to 10,749.
Good feedback
Apart from hotels and resorts, the list of exhibitors include airlines, shipping and cruise companies, restaurants, travel agencies, convention organizations, tour operators, spas, suppliers, schools and banks, among others.
He said four applicants were hired on-the-spot, including three others hired by Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. In the meantime, DOT is awaiting employment results from the participating establishments.
“There were many interviews and we are optimistic that the feedback is good. We’ll give them time to settle. For now, we are still good,” Alburo said.
He also said succeeding job fairs will still be held in Cebu, which has the highest population center in the region.
DOT is contemplating on having the tourism jobs fair an annual event due to the encouragement it received from the private sector and the success stories from jobseekers.
Apart from developing job opportunities to the region’s workforce, DOT, together with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will conduct a sales mission in Hong Kong and Macau on April 17 and 18, respectively, to actively promote the island as a center for tourism as well as a potential hub for business operations. (MMM)
