DOLE partnering with DOT to boost employment in tourism industry

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday said it is pursuing a collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to boost employment in the hospitality industry.

In a statement, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said findings by the DOT revealed tourism stakeholders, led by hotel establishments, are lacking manpower.

DOLE Public Service Director Rolly Francia said the amount of manpower needed by the hospitality industry would be determined through consultations with hotel owners and other tourism stakeholders.

"The workforce requirement is meant to address the growing tourism industry. The Philippines recorded a total of 1.1 million foreign travelers since it reopened in February this year. The latest figure as of August 7 surpassed the full-year arrivals in 2021 when borders were still closed to tourists and only 163,879 foreigners entered the country," Francia said.

The collaboration with the DOT will involve the holding of job fairs in various parts of the country in coordination with the regional offices of both agencies and local government units.

"It will be a series of job fairs to be held in various cities and provinces with [an] initial focus in Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao," Laguesma said.

Dubbed "Trabaho Turismo Asenso," the project will be launched on September 22-24. 

A memorandum of understanding will be issued to formalize the collaboration between the DOLE and the DOT for the job fairs.

"What we’re about to undertake aims to support the government’s economic recovery program by providing a platform for job seekers for job opportunities in various tourism sectors and allied services," Laguesma said.

"Through the job fairs, we can help organizations find the best candidates for their vacancies, thus bridging industry gaps."

Laguesma said the DOLE is already coordinating with the Philippine Hotel Owners Association for the specific types of jobs required and the number of vacancies in the sector. —VBL, GMA News