DOLE to hold job fair for IGL workers affected by POGO ban

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will organize another job fair specifically for internet gambling licensee (IGL) workers affected by the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma announced Monday.

Laguesma noted that nearly 200 IGL workers participated in the previous job fair, with several securing employment.

''Mayroong mga na-hire doon pero mayroong [din] follow through. Mayroon pa kaming isusunod na jobs fair na focus sa kanila,'' Laguesma said in an interview.

(Some were hired, but there will be follow-through. We are planning another job fair focused on them.)

He added that the DOLE would also accommodate other job seekers. However, he did not specify the exact date of the upcoming event.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. ordered a ban on all POGOs in July last year after multiple operators were linked to crimes such as human trafficking, illegal detention, and financial scams.

In November 2024, Marcos issued Executive Order No. 74, which extended the ban to include illegal offshore gaming operations, license applications, renewals, and cessation of operations.

An interagency task force—including the Bureau of Immigration, Department of Justice, DOLE, and other agencies—was formed to oversee the closure of POGOs and assist displaced workers. — DVM, GMA Integrated News