At least 28K overseas jobs open to Pinoy drivers in Japan, Europe

There will be at least 28,000 jobs for Filipino drivers in Japan and Europe in the next five years, according to the Overseas Labor Market Forum.

According to Maki Pulido's 24 Oras report on Thursday,  Suzuki Yuki, the Japanese Labor Attaché, said his country will need over 24,000 taxi drivers and at least 4,000 train drivers.

The monthly salaries will range from P58,000 to 65,000.

In line with a new requirement, applicants must have a language proficiency certificate, or he or she must learn to speak Nihongo.

"Ang worker dapat walang nilalabas na pera even for language training dapat ito covered by the employer," said Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary Py Caunan.

(The worker must not spend any money even for language training, it must be covered by the employer.)

Other countries in Europe such as Slovenia, Austria and the Czech Republic are also looking for truck, bus and taxi drivers.

The expected salary ranges from 55,000 to over 142,000 pesos, but the applicant must be fluent in English.

Although there are many jobs available, many Filipinos are not qualified.

According to the Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) should offer upskilling courses.

"Automation ng mga machines na inooperate. Pangalawa, sa drivers hindi manual puro automatic kasi sila. Pangatlo mas mahaba buses nila kesa sa atin," said Raquel Espina Bracero, Philippine Association or Service Exporters Inc.

([Applicants should be familiar with the] automation of the machines that are operated. Second, for drivers it’s not manual [transmission], purely automatic. Third, their buses are longer compared to ours.)

For taxi driver Rexon Noleal, the training would be helpful especially for those seeking opportunities abroad.

"Free trainings po sana para sa mga bata pong katulad ko kasi mas madami pa opportunity," said Rexon.

(I hope there are free training for younger people  like me to open up more opportunities.)

The DMW is in communication with TESDA regarding this concern.

Meanwhile, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said that along with employment opportunities, hiring countries should also protect foreign workers.

"Yes, may demand, yes talagang Filipino worker. Pero teka dapat safe, ethical. One example ng usapan o host country, bago kayo mag issue ng visa siguraduhin niyo dumaan sa DMW protector," he said.

(Yes, there is a demand for Filipino workers. But this should be safe and ethical. One example of talks is that before the host country issues a visa, this should go through a DMW protector.)
—Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News