Don't worry about recession in Baguio–DTI & DOLE

The trade and industry of Baguio City is not so much affected with the wide recession that hardly hit the United States (US, claimed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

DTI Division Chief Mimosa Regis said that the situation in the city is not alarming since most of the industries in Baguio are small businesses. She added that only those multinational companies such as Texas Instruments (TI) were affected because they are US based.  TI has removed 411 employees last year, according to DOLE.

DOLE Chief Labor Employment Officer Emelita Ferrer said that the department has come up with a “quick response team” that helps re-employing those who were laid-off. Ferrer said that those who are asking for their help are referred to outsourcing and technical support companies. She added that they were able to employ 40 persons in Sitel.

For the unemployed, the quick response team conduct several services.

• referral and placement
• guidance counseling
• legal services
• livelihood programs

On the other hand, DTI came up with emergency measures to address the situation.

• prioritization of training programs
• free training on basic entrepreneurship
• retooling former employees who are skilled in manufacturing
• trade fair
• cooperating with buyers from other countries

DOLE and DTI said that the effect of recession is mainly felt by the Overseas Filipino Workers who are removed from their jobs abroad.

(Originally posted for an Online Journalism class)