Friday, October 31, 2008

Pinoy Seafarers Preferred by Japanese Ship Operators

Japanese ship operators, managers and owners still prefer to hire Filipino seafarers for their ships. This was revealed by the Chairman of the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ)

Capt. Takao Manji, Chairman of IMMAJ shared during the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Metro Manila, that the reason Japanese companies hire Filipino seamen is because of their reliability, flexibility, diligence, and discipline.

The chairman expressed his appreciation to the Filipino seafarers who serves as the backbone to the expansion and domination of Japan in the shipping industry. According to the website of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), one of the oldest shipping companies in Japan, 60 percent of their seafarers are Filipinos. Second are Indians with nine percent. Only four percent of their crew members are Japanese.

In return, these companies give their Filipinos employees generous salaries, good accommodation in the ship and special privileges, such as free calls to their families and two months paid vacation when they are off board.

In addition, Japanese shipping companies have invested in training centers here in the Philippines. In 1993, MOL built a training center in Dasmariñas, Cavite. This training center is in partnership with Magsaysay Maritime Corporation. On the other hand, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. (“K”-Line) opened its "K" Line Maritime Academy in Pasay City last February of this year.

Trabaho.com thanks the following sources:

Japan Corporate News (JCN) Network. Opening Ceremony of "K" Line Maritime Academy – Philippines (Posted February 22, 2008) Retrieved October 29, 2008
http://www.japancorp.net/Article.Asp?Art_ID=17085

GMANews.tv Filipino seafarers remain a top choice of Japanese ship owners. (Posted October 28, 2008) Retrieved October 29, 2008
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/129907/Filipino-seafarers-remain-a-top-choice-of-Japanese-ship-owners

Manila Times Internet Edition. For Japanese, Filipino seafarers still top pick (Posted October 29, 2008) Retrieved October 29, 2008
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/29/yehey/top_stories/20081029top4.html

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. CSR and Environment Protection. Seagoing Employees - Seafarer Education and Training
http://www.mol.co.jp/csr-e/society/employee/sea/02.shtml

Philippine News Agency. RP seafarers still the top choice of Japanese ship owners and managers. (Posted October 28, 2008) Retrieved October 29, 2008
http://www.gov.ph/news/?i=22645

Thursday, October 30, 2008

RP climbs in Asian IT competitive rankings

The Philippines moved one rank higher in a study on IT competitiveness conducted by the Economic Intelligence Unit, placing itself at 10th among 17 countries in the Asia Pacific.

However, the country remained 47th among 66 countries worldwide with a score of 28.7%.

The study was commissioned by Business Software Alliance (BSA) in order to measure the competitiveness of a country in terms of business environment, human capital, IT infrastructure, legal environment, research and development (R&D) environment, and support for the IT industry.

Results show that the Philippines have an encouraging business environment, having set government policies on foreign capital, investment protection, government regulations, and fair competition, to name a few.

Also, the country has a strong human capital, or workforce equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills related to IT, who can cope up with the needs of the industry. Aside from technical skills, college graduates here in the Philippines have good ‘soft’ skills or communication skills in English, in particular. They are able to express themselves and present ideas in a clear, concise manner.

Meanwhile, government should increase focus on R&D, particularly in harnessing new technology, stronger legal environment, building IT infrastructures and should support and pursue patent of locally made IT products.

IT infrastructure is measured by the percentage of personal computer (PC) ownership, high broadband penetration, good internet security, and level of spending in IT.

Patent is the exclusive right granted to an individual who has produced or created an invention or product which is intended for distribution or production. It protects the invention from being copied, reproduced, sold or promoted without consent of the patentee.

By pursuing patents, companies who are into IT development, whether in the form or software or hardware will be protected. BSA Vice-President and Regional Director for Asia Pacific Jeffrey J. Hardee told the press that companies and the government must focus and allocate funds dedicated to R&D, else, no patents will be made and the country will continue to lag in this field.

Furthermore, Hardee adds that strengthening the Intellectual property (IP) laws of the land should also be a priority to ensure maximum protection of IT-based patents.

As a form of assistance, BSA has appointed Atty. Bienvenido Marquez III as Consultant to the BSA Philippines Committee. Atty. Marquez has been working as an associate lawyer specializing in IP Laws. Marquez shall be working close at hand with BSA and the government to facilitate and promote better ways to protect and promote IP in the country.

Trabaho.com thanks the following sources:

Business Software Alliance. The means to compete - Benchmarking IT industry competitiveness (in .PDF format entitled EIU IT Competitiveness Index Whitepaper) Retrieved October 17, 2008
http://w3.bsa.org/philippines/policy/
Business Software Alliance. Business Software Alliance appoints RP Consultant Retrieved October 17, 2008
http://w3.bsa.org/philippines/press/newsreleases/071808RPconsultant.cfm
Montecillo, Paolo Luis G. BusinessWorld Online / IT Matters. Research tagged as IT’s biggest challenge. Retrieved October 17, 2008
http://www.itmatters.com.ph/news.php?id=101708a
Silva, Veronica C. GMANews.TV RP maintains global IT competitiveness ranking Retrieved October 17, 2008
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/127474/RP-maintains-global-IT-competitiveness-ranking
Amojelar, Darwin G. Manila Times Internet Edition RP fails to lift competitiveness in information technology Retrieved October 17, 2008
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/17/yehey/business/20081017bus5.html
Olchondra, Riza T. Philippine Daily Inquirer Philippines up in IT competitiveness Retrieved October 17, 2008
http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view/20081017-166883/Philippines-up-in-IT-competitiveness
Valmero, Anna INQUIRER.net Retrieved October 17, 2008 EIU study says RP ranks 10th in IT competitiveness. Retrieved October 17, 2008
http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view/20081016-166719/RP-ranks-10th-in-IT-competitiveness


Friday, October 24, 2008

Pinoy IT and BPO staff seeks higher wage

In a study conducted by XMG Global ICT Research and Advisory during the third quarter of 2008, results show that majority of those employed in the information technology (IT) and business process outsourcing (BPO) industry would like to have a wage increase and some are considering heading overseas for greener pasture. This is due to the rising cost of commodities and economic problems experienced by the country.

Although IT and BPO employees receive higher salary than other workers, which rounds to about Php12,000.00 to Php15,000.00 owing to their night differential, allowances and bonuses, still, others think about asking for a raise in their salaries.

For others, especially IT professionals who are equipped with the right knowledge and skills, foreign countries like Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, and others, are willing to offer them higher pays, better benefits and privileges. These offers now attract them to leave their current job and head offshore.

In a statement released by XMG through local newspapers, these companies should find ways to retain their workers so as not to suffer a drought of competent employees. To reassess their employees’ performance and consider increasing wages is perhaps a good option for the company. Also, they should make sure that their employees understand and take proactive participation in the growth and development of the company.

IT-related work started here in the Philippines in the late 1990 but gained popularity in 2000. Based on Philippine Information Agency data, the industry grew by 90 percent in 2005 with revenues reaching up to US$2.1 billion. And in 2007, employment stats reached up to 300,000 and companies located all over the country continue to hire employees for new accounts.

Trabaho.com thanks the following sources:
Silva, Veronica C. GMANews.TV. High living costs force IT workers to seek salary hikes, better-paying jobs Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/126289/High-living-costs-force-IT-workers-to-seek-salary-hikes-better-paying-jobs

Esteves, Patricia. The Philippine Star. Pinoy IT workers in Taiwan enjoy good pay, perks Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=407074

Ho, Abigail L., Olchondra, Riza T. Philippine Daily Inquirer, Study: IT, BPO workers want higher pay Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20081010-165685/BPO-workers-want-higher-pay-study-shows

Casiraya , Lawrence. INQUIRER.net BPO workers want higher pay, study shows Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20081011-165866/Study-IT-BPO-workers-want-higher-pay

Teeves, Oliver. CSB News. (December 9, 2003) Call Center Jobs Drifting Overseas Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/12/09/national/main587601.shtml

Greenlees, Donald, International Herald Tribune. (November 20, 2006) Philippine Call center business booms Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/11/20/business/call1.php

Philippine Information Agency. (November 11, 2007) CICT moves to ensure competitiveness of RP's off shoring and outsourcing industry Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&sec=reader&rp=1&fi=p071111.htm&no=2&date=11/11/2007

Philippine Information Agency. (October 31, 2007) PGMA inaugurates new call center in Cubao Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p071031.htm&no=67

Philippine Information Agency. (January 2004) Strong Republic: The Vision and the Performance Record of President Gloria
www.pia.gov.ph/pubs/srvision.pdf

Shemeen, Assif. Businessweek. (September 19, 2006) The Philippines’ Awesome Outsourcing Opportunity Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/sep2006/gb20060919_639997.htm?chan=search


Trabaho.com Updates

Events and Job Fairs

Job Fair @ St. Mary's Academy Pasay
by St. Mary's Academy Pasay Parent's Auxiliary
Oct. 25, 2008
St. Mary's Academy Pasay
School Quadrangle
OFW Summit 2008 Negosyo at Trabaho para sa OFW
by Eventworx
Nov. 7-8, 2008
Festival Supermall
Jobs Central 2008
by Eventworx
Nov. 7-8, 2008
Festival Supermall
Job World Job Fair Roadshow
by Neotrade Enterprises
Nov. 10-11, 2008
Victory Mall, Monumento
Job World Job Fair Roadshow
by Neotrade Enterprises
Nov. 13-14, 2008
Ever Gotesco, Commonwealth

Seminars and Trainings
Effective Purchasing and Procurement
by ARIVA Seminars & Convention Organizers
Date: Nov 19-20, 2008
Venue: Astoria Plaza Ortigas
5S's - Steps to Shaping Up
Records & Filling Management Workshop

by ARIVA Seminars & Convention Organizers
Date: Nov 19-20, 2008
Venue: Astoria Plaza Ortigas
Mini-MBA on Value-Based Marketing and Strategy
by ARIVA Seminars & Convention Organizers
Date: Nov 26-27, 2008
Venue: Astoria Plaza Ortigas


Pinoy med workers hire tops, DH stays afloat

With the stock market's recent descent and recession for some countries just around the corner, hiring of health workers is still on the rise.

Service-oriented jobs such as care givers and nurses are still on demand in Western countries particularly in US, Canada and United Kingdom.

According to Emmanuel Geslani, a recruitment consultant, in his interview with Business World, the health care sector is a ërecession-proofí industry and because of the continued advancement in medical technology, demand for health care providers will continue to rise. With the ageing population of these countries, health workers are outsourced to take care of the growing number of old citizens.

Meanwhile, DoLE Usec. Lourdes Trasmonte said during the Decent Work Agenda that domestic helpers (DHs) may still be able to keep their jobs despite the economic conditions. But such stability still depends upon the reaction of the country and its employers to possible recession.

Furthermore, Trasmonte advised OFWs to start saving and investing particularly in agriculture. Others who would be affected by the layoff may still apply at other countries like Australia and Canada.

Recently the POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia which offer Filipinos 160,000 jobs ranging from skilled work like mechanics and electrician to health workers and tourism-related personnel.

OFWs are the primary source of dollar reserves of the country. In the first semester of this year, migrant workers all over the globe remitted US$9.6 billion to their families based on the data gathered by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas from different banks and money transfer agencies. This is 18% higher than last yearís first semester remittance.

Trabaho.com thanks the following sources:
Antonio, Raymund F. Manila Bulletin Online. Hiring of more Filipino medical workers seen Retrieved October 13, 2008
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20081013137853.html

Antonio, Raymund F. Manila Bulletin Online. DoLE preparing contingency plan for Filipino workers abroad. Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20081014137926.html

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Overseas Filipino Remittances Retrieved October 13, 2008
http://www.bsp.gov.ph/Statistics/keystat/ofw.htm

Business World. Health care shielded from crisis Retrieved October 13, 2008
http://bworldonline.com/BW101308/content.php?id=074

DOLE News Detail RP launches decent work agenda to provide full, productive jobs for Pinoy workers Retrieved October 13, 2008
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002253

Esplanada, Jerry E. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Nursing now an Ailing Profession Retrieved October 13, 2008
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/features/features/view_article.php?article_id=165747

OíBrien, Sharon, About.com. American Communities not prepared for an Aging Population
http://seniorliving.about.com/od/babyboomers/a/aging_populatio.htm

Philippine Daily Inquirer. RP Maids fear layoffs Retrieved October 13, 2008
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view/20081013-166098/RP-maids-fear-layoffs

Uy, Veronica. Inquirer.net. DoLE: 160,000 jobs at British Columbia. Retrieved October 13, 2008
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=165303

Uy, Veronica, Inquirer.net. RP Maids abroad to keep jobs Retrieved October 13, 2008
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20081013-166174/RP-maids-abroad-to-keep-jobs