Job fair for displaced IGL workers will be launched again by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to assist those affected by the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), according to Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma.
Laguesma stated that nearly 200 IGL workers attended the previous job fair, and some of them were able to secure new employment.
“Mayroong mga na-hire doon, pero mayroon ding follow-up. Magkakaroon pa kami ng isa pang job fair na nakatutok sa kanila,” (“Some were hired, but there will also be follow-ups. We will hold another job fair specifically for them,”) said Laguesma in an interview.
He added that the job fair would also be open to other Filipinos seeking employment.
However, Laguesma did not disclose the exact date of the next job fair.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. implemented the ban on all POGO operations in July 2024 following reports that some operators were involved in crimes such as human trafficking, illegal detention, and financial scams.
In November 2024, Marcos extended the prohibition through Executive Order No. 74, which not only banned illegal offshore gaming operations but also halted license applications, renewals, and the continued operation of POGOs.
An interagency task force composed of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Justice (DOJ), DOLE, and other agencies was established to oversee the closure of POGOs and assist affected workers.