Showing posts with label jobs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jobs. Show all posts
Dr. Doom thinks the worse is yet to come
In an article written for the Daily News, Nouriel Roubini, better known as Dr. Doom predicted that unemployment would be worse next year. From the official jobless rate of 10.2% the NYU economics professor who foresaw the economic meltdown spoke grimly of greater loss of work ---probably now hovering at 17.5% if those who stopped looking for jobs or remained underemployed were included.
“The long-term picture for workers and families is even worse than current job loss numbers alone would suggest. Now as a way of sharing the pain, many firms are telling their workers to cut hours, take furloughs and accept lower wages. Specifically, that fall in hours worked is equivalent to another 3 million full time jobs lost on top of the 7.5 million jobs formally lost.
This is very bad news but we must face facts. Many of the lost jobs are gone forever, including construction jobs, finance jobs and manufacturing jobs. Recent studies suggest that a quarter of U.S. jobs are fully out-sourceable over time to other countries.”----Daily News (11/15/09, Roubini, N.)
Roubini suggested that in the coming year the unemployment rate will hover high at about 11%, but it will be far worse in the following two years. Because of a weak labor market, he says the economic growth and recovery will be slow.
The budget deficits will rise accompanied by slowing in the real estate market. Delinquencies on mortgage payments, larger budget deficits and a fall of real estate prices are expected. If these scenarios occur, banks and lending institutions will bear much of the pain.
Roubini’s prescription is for the government to embark on another stimulus---creation of jobs by investing on infrastructure. Giving away unemployment checks is not enough. Those without work must find a way to have one and be productive.
Judging from the falling popularity of Obama, there is doubt if the US president can steer the country to better economic times. As he rounds up his visit to Beijing, China, Obama speaks of a double-dip recession if debt and spending are not controlled. =0=
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US unemployment expected to surge close to 10%
Since the stimulus measures that bailed out financial institutions, banks, housing and the auto industry, the ordinary American on the street continues to suffer. The latest unemployment number shows that 3 million jobs were lost since the bailouts raising anew the doubts that pester the Obama administration.
“The Labor Department is scheduled to release unemployment figures for September on Friday. Wall Street economists expect the rate to rise slightly to 9.8 percent, from 9.7 percent in August. Employers are forecast to have cut 180,000 jobs, which would be the fewest since August 2008.“ Myway (10/02/09, Rugaber, C.S.; Crutsinger, M.)
In spite of Barack Obama’s assurances and many economist's rosy predictions, the economy is not improving to come out quick from recession. The dismal job data indicates that employers are not enthusiastic to make new hires. Factories and businesses are finding it hard to make a rebound from a down economy. (Photo Credit: Ben Heine) =0=
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Green czar resigns; raises questions on the need for the other “czars” in the White House
The czar system that provides counsel to Pres. Barack Obama gets a beating with the resignation of Van Jones, the White House green jobs and energy adviser.
Van Jones’ being forced to leave office casts doubts on the usefulness of the “czars” who serve as presidential advisers whose backgrounds and expertise aren't properly vetted. With practcally no one to answer to except the president, their positions aren't approved by congress, hence the question of propriety, competence, and accountability.
Among the 31 “czars” working for the White House, Jones is supposed to be an “expert” on environmental quality jobs and energy issues. He was heavily criticized for his radical left-wing political alliances and derogatory comments against the Republicans. A known civil rights activist and lawyer before he became an ”environmental expert,” his extremist background was exposed in stunning detail by Fox News TV host Glen Beck.
In the past, Jones engaged in abrasive rhetoric and he stated that the Bush administration might have been complicit in the “staging” of the 911 attack. In defense he said, he was a victim of “vicious smear campaign” forcing him to resign so he would not come on the way of Obama’s agenda. While others are relieved of Jones' decision, his supporters, mostly from the democratic party, expressed regrets over his resignation. (Photo Credit: AFP; Getty Images; Bucci, V.) =0=
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Four million Filipino child-laborers
With the objective to lower down the incidence of exploitation and child labor in the Philippines, the ABK2, a project funded by the US Department of Labor recently helped in rescuing about 6,800 child laborers--- at least 1,984 in in Cebu and 4,863 in Negros Oriental.
The children were removed from difficult and hazardous working conditions and were offered some education through the coordinated work of the World Vision Development Foundation, ChildFund International (formerly known as Christian Children’s Fund), and ERDA.
Child Laborers at a Glance:
Number: 4 million child laborers
Ages: 5-17 years old
Work Hours:
1 to 4 hours---2 million;
5-8 hours---1.3 million;
8 hrs plus---360,000
Areas of employment:
Scavenging
Prostitution
Agriculture
Fishing
Quarry &Mining
Domestic work
Education:
No schooling: 1.3 million
Before their rescue, the children were engaged in scavenging, peddling sex and drugs, doing domestic work, working in mines, fishing, agriculture, and quarry. They were part of an estimated 4 million children between ages 5 to 17 years in the labor force around the country.
A third of these children (1.3 million) do not attend school. Of those who attend school, they face problems such as learning difficulties, lack of school supplies, unsupportive teachers, and lack of time to study.
“In Negros Oriental, 4,591 children who were working in sugarcane plantations were pulled out from their workplace, followed by 162 kids in domestic work and 110 child laborers from commercial agriculture.
Nationwide, the project has rescued and assisted 23,095 child laborers. But ABK2 Project Director Daphne Culanag said the figure is insignificant compared to the estimated four million child laborers around the country. “The figure is just a drop in the bucket of the four million child laborers we want to help,”---Manila Bulletin (09/04/09, Mosqueda, MW Jr.)
The staggering number of children being exploited in the country belies the progress that is usually harped by the government. Social inequity has trickled in among the most vulnerable in society. In spite of efforts to generate jobs locally and abroad, the need for work to survive has forced young boys and girls to forgo their childhood, be independent, and help in keeping the family alive. (Photo Credit: Claude Barutel) =0=
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Waste of manpower and labor
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) of the Philippines reported that each year about 200,000 examinees for licensure in different professions fail to pass the exam rendering them less capable to work and assume jobs in their field of training.
Based on PRC data, a total of 304,586 examinees took licensure exams in different fields. Of the figure, only 36.9 percent or 112,407 passed.
Examinees in the customs brokers test posted the lowest passing rate at 22.9 percent, followed by librarians at 23.6 percent. The highest rate of passers are those who take the geology, pharmacy, optometry guidance counselor, mining and geologic engineering tests whose passing rates range from 60 to 70%. The last nursing board posted a rate of 42%, lower than the previous year.---Philstar (08/15/09, Jaymalin, M.)
The high rate of flunkers in the board exams is a reflection of the quality of education these students are getting. Failing the test makes them less able to land a job and lead unproductive lives. There is an urgent need to make jobs available for these flunkers. It’s the duty of the Department of Education and the government to correct this waste of manpower and labor. (Photo Credit: scion_cho) =0=
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Recession not the only reason for lack of nursing hires in the USA
The number of Filipino nurses seeking jobs in the United States fell 16% according to Trade Union of the Philippines (TUCP) secretary general and former senator Ernesto Herrera. The declining number of nurses trying to find work in USA was also reflected in countries like India, Korea, Canada and Cuba. NCLEX-takers who prepared for jobs in America showed a decrease.
“A total of 20,746 Filipino nurses took the NCLEX for the first time for the whole year of 2008 and Herrera said the number was lower by 3.5 percent compared to the 21,299 Filipino nurses that took the test for the first time in 2007.
Filipino nurses accounted for 37 percent of the 22,500 foreign-educated nurses who took the NCLEX for the first time in the first semester.”---Philstar (08/01/09, Maymalin, M.)
It’s hard to attribute the decline of hires to the economic meltdown alone occurring in the United States as Herrera explained. In the Philippines, factors such as unavailable visas for nurse applicants, lack of money to finance an expensive application, and preference to go to other countries or stay at home are significant reasons as well.
In the last 3 to 5 years, there is a current backlog of applicants waiting to be issued visas so they can work in the USA. The NCLEX and visa screens and other application fees have gone up. Many nurses have found alternatives in other countries like Saudi Arabia, Japan, United Kingdom and Australia as they impatiently wait for openings in USA.
For lack of jobs locally, thousands of nurses take employment in call centers, department stores and manufacturing. The staggering professional loss has not been addressed by the educational and labor departments.. With or without the recession, USA is still a preferred destination. Filipino nurses have very limited choices and many are willing to go anywhere and anyplace to find a job. (Photo Credit: Meijinmike) =0=
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California inches close to bankruptcy
Affected by the biggest recession gripping the country, the state of California has failed to come up with a budget, bringing the golden state near financial insolvency. The state is spending like crazy more than it can generate income. Government revenue is down by 27%. Business has been slow forcing companies to down-size or stop operation.
If no budget is agreed upon, the state is expected to run out of money by the end of July.
“It will run out of cash within weeks if it does not balance its books, leaving it little option but to postpone a variety of payments, according to State Controller John Chiang, who estimated last week that California was "less than 50 days away from a meltdown of state government."---Reuters (06/15/09, Christie, J; Gevirtz, L.)
California's income has dwindled with rising joblessness rate of 11% and unchecked housing crisis making it hard to close the budget gap of about $24 billion. One option is to cut spending --- the curtailment of entitlements and welfare programs including health insurance.
Budget cuts may be needed by putting teachers, firefighters and police officers out of work and stopping medical-care services. More taxes could be levelled on the residents to generate income. Unlike in the past, Californians are learning to live within their means just lilke Americans across the country. (Photo Credit: Jose Antonio Galloso) =0=
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US jobless rate up to 9.4%
In whatever prism one looks, the US jobless rate in May went up to 9.4% from 8.4% in April, the highest in more than 25 years. Some consolation comes from a slower lay-off rate that economists look with optimism. Employers cut off “only” 350,000 jobs in the same time period. This is a cause of joy for optimistic financial analysts who feel relieved that the lay-off rate is lesser than in the previous months.
“Construction companies cut 59,000 jobs, down from 108,000 in April. Factories cut 156,000, on top of 154,000 in the previous month. Retailers cut 17,500 positions, compared with 36,500 in April. Financial activities cut 30,000, down from 45,000 in April. Even the government reduced employment — by 7,000 — after bulking up by 92,000 in April as it added workers for the 2010 Census.”---AP (06/04/09, Aversa, J.)
Perhaps to boost a brighter outlook and lessen alarm that the economy is still sliding down the cliff, the Department of Labor thinks the new data are signs that the recession is abating. In spite of the spike in joblessness, the highest since 1983, many insist Barack Obama’s $787 billion stimulus package is working and the economy is improving.
Critics aren’t happy though. Healthcare alone is costing taxpayers $450 billion for Medicare and $200 billion for Medicaid yearly. The government may require $1.3 trillion to cover medical coverage for the 47 million uninsured Americans in a decade once the universal health care is pushed.
This surely isn’t a consolation if one is left without work, underemployed, holds a temporary job or has given up looking for employment at this difficult economic time. (Photo Credit: AskOne)=0=
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80,000 nurses prepare to take the June board exam
Marco Sto. Tomas of the Professional Regulations commission (PRC) announced that nearly 80,000 nurses have filed their papers for the incoming nurse licensure test to be given in different testing sites on June 6 and 7, 2009. In spite of a decline of students taking the course, the number of nurses far exceeds what the country needs. The number of nursing board examinees for June 2009 could have been bigger if many graduates submitted their applications on time.
Because of the slowing of demand for domestic and international nurses, a flood of licensed healthcare workers is expected to jack up the number of unemployed professionals. The passing of the test is the first step to gain employment, but it isn’t a guarantee that a licensed nurse can land a job. Those who can’t find work go on to volunteer in hospitals and clinics without pay or they reinvent themselves in other professions.
For sometime, the government is urged to come up with a rational labor allocation plan to avoid the surplus of the country’s health professionals. Filipinos plead to open more work at home so that job-seekers will not be forced to leave and take dangerous jobs abroad. (Photo Credit: Glenmcbethlaw) =0=
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Typhoon Emong’s death toll of 43, a drop in OFW employment and a rise in H1N1 flu
30%
Is the percentage drop in employment of land-based overseas foreign workers (OFW) last year observed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) compared to the previous 2007. This translates to only 216,803 newly hired workers in 2008 compared to 306,383 in 2007. Affected by the global economic crunch, the decrease in hiring of workers are noted in the leading countries that employ Filipinos.
"Saudi Arabia, the top destination, only had 76,148 new hires compared to 96,890 in 2007. Other markets in the Top 10 were Qatar, with 25,186 new hires (-13.3 percent); Taiwan, with 17,204 (-39.5 percent); Kuwait, with 10,107 (-38.7 percent); Hong Kong, with 8,333 (-62.6 percent), Canada, with 4,849 (-41.6 percent), Bahrain, with 2,882 (-30.9 percent), Italy with 2,288 (-56.4 percent) and Singapore with 2,276 (-38.2 percent)."---Inquirer (05/10/09, Aning, J)
P20 million
Is the estimated loss in a paper factory fire which occurred in the early morning of May 12, 2009 in Valenzuela, Metromanila. The origin of the fire was believed to come from highly combustible chemicals according to firefighters. Two people were injured as a result of the blaze.
4,694
As of May 11, 2009, this is the number of people infected by the H1N1 flu officially recorded by the World Health Organization (WHO.) It is believed that this number is lower than the actual people infected. There are now 30 countries reporting the swine flu.
84
The number of ferry passengers on board ML Ric-Ric were stranded for 12 hours at sea near Tubbataha reef in Palawan after the boat experienced engine breakdown. From t Puerto Princesa City on its way to Cagayancillo, the ferry sent distress signals which was caught by an Indonesian-bound vessel before rescue came along.
92
Under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), 92 nurses together with 188 caregivers left last Sunday, May 10, 2009 from the Philippines to Japan to work. The standard salary of nurses in Japan is between 350,000 to 420,000 yen per month, but the Filipinos will only be paid about half--- between 150,000 and 180,000 yen per month according to Labor Assistant Secretary Reydeluz Conferido.
Unless the nurses pass the licensure exam of the host country, the nurses are allowed only 3 years to work. They will start with retraining for 6 months and they have to learn Jaapanese before they can assume responsibilities on the job. Such adjustments remind the Philippines of the need to make jobs for its people so that they’ll not be forced to travel in faraway places in search for employment.
P781.7 million
The estimated damage caused by Typhoon Emong on agriculture crups, homes and infrastructures in the Philippines. The storm left a total of 43 dead and 13 missing from heavy rains, floods and landslides. The National Disaster Coordinating Committee (NDCC) said 34,626 families or 161,020 persons were affected by last week’s tropical cyclone which immediately followed “Dante”. There were 822 families or 4,142 persons stranded in evacuation centers as a result of the calamity. (Photo Credit:Jensm; Reinar) =0=
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“Best Job in the World” search picks a winner
The Best Job in the World search to boost Australian tourism has concluded with the selection of Ben Southall as the winner. For a salary of 150,000 Australian dollars ($110,000) the 34 year-old British charity fundraiser and former tourist guide will serve as a promoter of Hamilton Island and Queensland tourism for 6 months.
“Southall and 15 other finalists spent the past four days on the island for an extended interview process, which required applicants to snorkel through crystalline waters, gorge themselves at a beachside barbecue and relax at a spa. The finalists also had to demonstrate their blogging abilities, take swimming tests and sit through in-person interviews”.---AP (05/06/09, Gelineu, K)
In his relaxing job as “caretaker of the Great Barrier Reef” he will swim, snorkel, and bask in the pristine sun-drenched beaches of the northeast tropical state. Beating 15 finalists culled for 35,000 applicants worldwide, the lucky winner of the unique job was announced on May 6, 2009 in Hamilton Island. Southall will start work on July 1, 2009. (Photo Credit: Reuters/Tourism Queensland/ Eddie Afari Handout) =0=
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Hongkong’s Chip Tsao & his cheap racial slur against Filipinos
Tsao in part wrote in his HK magazine column:
“Manila has just claimed sovereignty over the scattered rocks in the South China Sea called the Spratly Islands, complete with a blatant threat from its congress to send gunboats to the South China Sea to defend the islands from China if necessary. This is beyond reproach. The reason: there are more than 130,000 Filipina maids working as $3,580-a-month cheap labor in Hong Kong. As a nation of servants, you don’t flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter."
“As a patriotic Chinese man, the news has made my blood boil. I summoned Louisa, my domestic assistant who holds a degree in international politics from the University of Manila, hung a map on the wall, and gave her a harsh lecture. I sternly warned her that if she wants her wages increased next year, she had better tell every one of her compatriots in Statue Square on Sunday that the entirety of the Spratly Islands belongs to China.”---Chip Tsao
Reactions of Filipinos
“The most racist, insulting and demeaning attack yet against Filipino domestic helpers."---Migrante International Sec. Gen. Gina Esguerra
“His very announcement that he gave her Filipino maid a harsh lecture and warned her to tell every one of her compatriots that Spartly Islands belong to China or she’d lose her wages, is already a sign of an unstable, irresponsible and racist employer who resorts to verbal abuse even for perceived bilateral and historic infractions. Luisa deserves a sane and more humane employer while he deserves to clean up his own filth.” -----Susan Ople, Blas F. Ople Policy Center.
"According to the meeting of leaders of the Filipino community, they are now preparing street protests]… The sentiment of our countrymen here is that the one who wrote the article, Chip Tsao, should apologize." ----Romulo Salud, labor attache of the Philippine consulate general in Hong Kong
“We will look into that because we should not be provoked by one columnist. What that writer did was reprehensible. Let’s see what needs to be done. Press Sec. Cerge Remonde:
"If Filipinos stop going to Hong Kong, their economy would collapse. I propose a six-month, nay a one-year boycott of Hong Kong and let's see what happens to their shops and hotels. We can do without going to HK and HK products." ---- Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez Golez.
"I don’t think we should dignify his (Tsao) statement as he is just one person and not a government or Hong Kong official but it is understandable that we are offended,” -----Pres. Spokesman Lorelei Fajardo
"That comment is uncalled for, it's atrocious. We should protest vigorously against this slur against Filipino workers in Hong Kong," ----Cebu City Rep. Antonio Cuenco
“I am not asking the DFA file a diplomatic protest. But our government must address this squarely and defend the dignity of Filipinos, If we need to take legal action against Tsao, let us do so. Our government should be in the frontline on this; they can hire a lawyer in Hong Kong if at all and file a case for damages.” ---Sen Francis Escudero
"This disgusting, derogatory, and vile remark can only come from dim-witted and mediocre writing. The magazine should apologize straightaway. The article reflects the kind of attitude that promotes abuses against Filipina workers," ----Rep. Ana Theresia Hontiveros
“Filipinos deserve no less than a formal public apology."---Sen. Pia Cayetano
"It's the view of one person and we don't think it is shared by the Hong Kong community and society... I think we ought to take it as that." ----DFA spokesperson Ed Malaya
“Because of the administration’s failed employment policies, a record number of Filipino women have been forced to seek jobs abroad to make ends meet.”--- Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay
"For the protection of migrant workers, the POEA should look into the said allegations, not only confined to forms of physical abuse but also emotional abuse such as public humiliation and verbal harassment."--- Sen. Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri (Photo Credit: Mattviews) ==0=
RELATED BLOG: "A “nation of servants” insults Filipinos in Hongkong" Posted by mesiamd at 3/30/2009
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More OFWs leave the country for jobs abroad
It should tbe consolation to the Philippines that more Filipinos work outside the country in January this year than last year. Philippine Overseass Employment Administration (POEA) reports that 165,737 compared to 132,285 left the country for jobs abroad. “This resoundingly affirms the sustained global preference for our skilled and semi-skilled overseas Filipino workers (OFW), and their productive role in staving off the adverse effects of the global slowdown in the greater portion of the world’s economies," said Labor Secretary Marianito Roque.---GMA TV News (03/24/09, Tan, JT)
The exodus of workers to foreign land has brought about US$16.4 billion dollars to the Philippine economy. In spite of the economic benefits, working abroad has caused a lot alienation, family displacement, and separation.
Filipinos still need to develop local placements and not rely on foreign work opportunities which disrupt local labor. There are many jobs with difficult working conditions abroad and Filipinos are forced to take them for lack of employment in the country. It is not hard to imagine that many of these jobs are menial, dangerous, and demanding that many locals of host countries refuse to take. (Photo Credit: Atsibatsi)=0=
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Declining English proficiency, a cause of fewer hires among Filipino college graduates
The Philippines is relying heavily on its workforce to shore up the economy, but a recent evaluation of the Universal Access to Competitiveness and Trade (UACT,) a research arm of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce reveals that: “For every 100 applicants, only six to 10 percent are effectively recruited and deployed for an entry level job.” ----Philstar (03/22/09, Ronda, RA)
The main reason given why the Business process outsourcing (BPO) is having a hard time recruiting graduates from Philippine colleges and universities is the inadequacy in English proficiency. This is radical reversal of the Filipinos’ long-standing reputation of being good in English. It appears the country is now suffering the negative effects of its schizophrenic bilingual policy that continues to be a contentious issue in education. (Photo Credit: Atsibatsi) =0=
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Francis B. Pena, Singapore Airlines’ 2009 Awardee for Customer Service
It’s with unabashed pride and gladness that UP Ibalon-Bicol congratulates Francis B. Pena for being chosen as Singapore Airlines’ 2009 CEO TCS Awardee for outstanding customer service.
A friend of Ibalonians, Pena who hails from Naga City, Philippines is an alumnus of Ateneo de Naga HS Class’73 and the University of Nueva Caceres BSN ’78. For his exemplary work, outstanding company contributions, and admirable 25-year dedication to the core values of the organization, he will be feted in an evening celebratory reception at 6:30 at the Raffles Town Club in Singapore, on 22 April 2009. His selection to the prestigious distinction is announced by Patricia Ow, Customer Affairs Manager of the Singapore Airlines. =0=
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For lack of local jobs, Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo asks Filipinos to leave for employment abroad
Without enough jobs available locally, Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo continues to call on her people to pursue jobs abroad. About 500,000 employment positions, mainly in construction are available in the Middle East, Australia, and Canada. This is the recommendation of the country's president (the "top economist and chief executive officer") for the employment-seekers present in a job summit at the Malacanang Palace.
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Augusto Syjuco advises Filipinos to take alternative courses in butchery, tile-laying, roofing, carpentry and other menial jobs just to survive in a growing economic crisis.
Something is wrong with their recommendations. The policy of sending Filipinos outside has drifted away from the task of government to provide livelihood for its people. For the government to adopt a policy of encouraging talents to leave the country is objectionable.
An estimated 9 million Filipinos are currently working abroad to support families and help avert the financial collapse of the country. Government critics complain that more Filipinos will be separated from their families and placed in risky conditions as a consequence of being forced to leave the country.
There is sadness in seeing a president advise its people to take menial work abroad as a way to build a nation back home---much more sadness in seeing officials propose second courses in preparation for jobs availabe outside. (Photo Credit: Mark Hillary) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Who says we are spared from the effects of recession?" Posted by mesiamd at 2/27/2009
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Who says we are spared from the effects of recession?
Presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said the Philippines wasn’t among the Asian countries affected by the worldwide recession. It might be a lie that Malacanang Palace wanted us to believe. He based his conclusion to the non-inclusion of the country in the International Labor Organization (ILO) list which projects 113 million jobs loss in Asia as the world economy continues to falter (Malaya , 02/20/09 Bengco, R.) According to ILO, the expected unemployment number this year will be more than the 22.3 million jobs Asian countries lost in 2008.
It will do us good if we look closely at the data Golez is referring to before we celebrate. We aren't that trusting anymore. The effects of the financial meltdown are just beginning to show. It is foolhardy for him and the government he represents to assume that we aren’t affected.
The unemployment we see in the street is a better gauge than the assurances of government officials. We see what food we eat and what clothes we wear. Most of us are familiar of the signs of chronic job loss and their aftermath. The employment stagnation in the country is long-standing and antedates the global economic meltdown.
5,500 OFWs lose jobs—--Arroyo
"Some 5,500 Filipino overseas workers have lost their jobs abroad and returned home over the past four months, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Thursday. The Department of Labor announced earlier this week that 39,000 Filipinos had lost their jobs since October, a number which included overseas workers."---Agence France-Presse/ Inquirer (02/26/09)
Foreign companies are pulling out their business operations in Manila. Unemployment among fresh graduates continues to rise. There is pervasive underemployment and lay-offs. The rush for jobs abroad doesn’t abate even if applicants downgrade their qualifications just to grab work even if it is risky and suffers from inadequate pay. With a bearish investment climate, people are afraid to shell out money that stir spending and growth. The number of impoverished Filipinos continues to rise.
Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo’s job creation is too little to assuage the fear and anger of the public. The government projects that are quick-disbursing, high-impact, and labor intensive (according to Management Dir. Hermogenes Esperon) don’t come close to reality when one sees the widespread unemployment, poverty, and corruption in the country. That’s why we rely early on ourselves more than depend on announced legislated measures by the administration. (Photo Credits: Slavishtubesocks; JRIOrion)=0=
3,000 IT & 10,000 semiconductor jobs at risk
"At least 3,000 information technology (IT) jobs are at risk in first quarter alone while 10,000 positions in semiconductor industry could be shed during the first half of the year due to the global economic slump."---GMANewsTV (02/28/09)
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The NARS program & the 39,455 who passed the nurses board exam
The Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) announces that 39, 455 successfully hurdled the nursing board examination given last November 2008. The successful examinees represent 44.5 percent of the total 88,649 who took the test. According to the PRC, Jovie Ann Alawas Decoyna of the Baguio Central University topped the examination with a grade of 89 percent.
With a high rate of joblessness among nurses due to a slump in job recruitment abroad, the addition of licensed nurses in the workforce creates more pressure to create jobs for the new professionals.
The government introduced a “stop-gap measure” versus unemployment by creating the Nurses Assigned in Rural Service (NARS) program which aims to send at least 5 nurses to each of the 1,000 poorest towns in the country. Applicants in the program will be paid a monthly salary of P8,000. Labor Secretary Marianito Roque invites interested nurses to file their applications at the nearest DOLE regional office or submit it online at http://www.nars.dole.gov.ph where application forms may also be downloaded.---GMATVNews (02/20/09, Tan, KJ)
With an estimated joblessness of more than 400,000, it is unlikely that the 5,000 NARS positions will have a dent in easing up the lack of local employment opportunities needed by by the licensed nurses.(Photo Credit: Lucindlunacy) =0=
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“Osama Bin Laden” among the 11.000 job applicants for "the best job in the world"
Unemployment is common and rising worldwide. The recruitment to fill in the “best job in the world” drummed up by the Queensland Department of Tourism drew 11,000 applicants who expressed interest to be a promoter of Hamilton Island, a picturesque tourist spot destination in the eastern coast of Australia. Among the earnest job seekers is a prankster named Osama Bin Laden (OBL) who submitted a video application at www.islandreefjob.com website showing the real bearded fugitive OBL in his night gown justifying his qualifications to be an island caretaker.
“One of the applications was a 30-second prank video showing the world's most wanted man, with nonsensical sounds dubbed over his real voice. Using subtitles, bin Laden argues his case for the six-month contract, describing himself as "outgoing," "familiar with sandy areas" and experienced with ‘large scale event coordination.’ “---Yahoo. News (02/05/09, Goldsmith B, Fahmy, M)
The tourism job which offers $150,000 for a six-month outdoor stint in an island with enchanting coral reefs and unspoiled beaches attracted unusually high number of eager applicants from 162 countries. The successful employment seeker will be chosen at the conclusion of the $17,000-tourism campaign which offers a rent-free, stress-free stay in a villa in Australia’s Hamilton Island. (Photo Credit: Nattus x 2) =0=
RELATED BLOGS: "Best job in some enchanted island: Is it for you?" Posted on Tuesday January 13th, 2009 by mesiamd; "'Best Job in the World' website crashes in a deluge of interested applicants" Posted on Wednesday January 14th, 2009 by mesiamd.
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Job Outlook 2009: Nurses in USA still in demand, but not in the Philippines
Unemployment is rampant as the economic meltdown continues in America. The joblessness in the world's largest economy is in all time high and still rising. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) January 20, 2009 issue reports the discouraging job loss of 2.6 million last year. Yet, in spite of the alarming unemployment sweeping America today, healthcare sticks out as among the few bright spots in work opportunities. The US healthcare sector posted gains of 419,000 jobs, mostly for nurses in 2008.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the trend is expected to continue till 2016 as Americans grow older and need more medical services. Last year, registered nurses posted 168,000 job placements to cope with the nationwide shortage. The availability of health care jobs including those in home care and nursing homes proves that employment in this sector is relatively recession-proof. Expansion of work opportunities is expected in less intensive training courses like pharmacy and medical assistantships.
This could have been welcoming news for Filipino nurses who seek work opportunities abroad. But with current US visa restrictions and slowing of recruitment of foreign applicants, the need for local healthcare workers in USA doesn’t translate into more foreign nurses getting jobs at this time. There is an emerging nativist US sentiments sparked by the economic downturn which further dampens the interest in hiring nurses from abroad.
There are about 88,750 nurses who took the Philippine board exam in November last year. The 50% (more or less) who will pass and get licensed will add to the nurse unemployment problem which is currently estimated to number about 400,000. The high joblessness rate in the country opens more opportunities for exploitation among these professionals and the government seems inutile in solving it. (Photo Credit: AllwaysNY; Uberdoog)=0=
RELATED BLOGS: "As nursing jobs become scarce, 88,750 brace for the next board examination" Posted by mesiamd at 11/12/2008; "Job prospects for nurses decline" Posted by mesiamd at 6/02/2008
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