Written by chardyboy in

POEA sees more demand for Pinoys in Japan

source:sunstar.com.ph

AS REPORTS of Japan possibly slipping into recession surface, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) refused to be alarmed and instead see it as an opportunity to send in more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In a phone interview, POEA Administrator Carlos Cao said he believes that the tragedy will be providing an opportunity for more Filipino nurses and caregivers to be demanded by Japanese health authorities.

“On the contrary, we think there will be more demands for Filipino nurses and caregivers since the recovery and rehabilitation in Japan will be on a massive level,” said Cao.

Aside from caregivers and nurses, he said the rehabilitation program will also result in the need for more construction workers.

The labor official, however, admitted that there is indeed a possibility that Japan slipping into recession could result to some job losses.

“It may have an impact on the OFWs in that sense,” said Cao while refusing to speculate on possible job losses.

Last Monday, international economists expressed fears that Japan's already weak economy is in danger of slipping back into recession in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster that hit the country last Friday.

The POEA chief, for his part, believes that Japan slipping into a recession may be unlikely since it is considered as the world’s third largest economy.

“We all know about the resiliency of the Japanese economy so we hope and pray that they will be able to recover immediately,” said Cao.

POEA records show that there are now some 225,000 OFWs working in Japan as of last year. (AMN/Sunnex)