TB patients without treatment, lowered hunger rate & recent joblessness data

135,000

Tuberculosis, the chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis has reportedly gone down in prevalence in the Philippines, but there are an estimated 450,000 people still suffering from the disease. Of this number, a staggering 135,000 don’t seek medical treatment offered by the government. In spite of free diagnostic and treatment programs available, about 30% with TB choose to ignore the disease until the condition becomes complicated and hard to treat. Cultural barriers and stigma are reasons offered for the people’s refusal for TB treatment.

P11.3 billion

For the full automation of the 2010 national election, Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo signed the budget of P11.3 billion. Although it is unclear how the government will implement the modernization, the upgrade of the electoral counting system is hoped to prevent the rampant cheating in the election process. At the late hour of the Arroyo’s presidency, many still doubt her winning in the last ballot.

15%

According to the SWS, 15% of Filipinos (2.9 million families) reported of being hungry for at least once in a period of three months. The survey taken in February 20-23 was an improvement from December’s finding of 23.7% (4.3 million families.) It is unclear what kind of food poor Filipinos eat with their meager food budget.

$280-290 billion

The World Bank estimates this amount of remittance to developing countries by OFWs—-gains from employment abroad. This is lower and less rosy than the expected amount of $305 billion—an effect of the global financial crisis. In 2008, 1.376 million Filipinos went abroad to work in more than 190 host nations. They sent back an estimated US$16.4 billion to the country, the highest in history so far.

41,000

The number of workers who lost the jobs, raising the unemployment rate to 7.7% in January, 2009, according to Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo. This adds up to the 2.9 million of jobless individuals which rose by 0.3% from last year’s data. As a cost-saving measure, the president announced the cancellation of the independence parade this year which costs P30 million to stage. (Photo Credit: =0=

=========================================================

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=

============================================================

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=

========================================================

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

=========================================================

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)

=========================================================

“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 http://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.

===========================================================

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

Obama psyches the Americans of grim economic times

I don’t know of anyone who hasn’t been affected by the financial crisis caused by the meltdown of business in America. The most pitiful are the people who honestly saved and invested only to find out their portfolio has failed. They don’t have the luxury of youth and time to recoup the loss.

Those who rely on fixed income may find themselves without money if retirement and pension don’t pay. The jobless and hungry are easily agitated. Economic hardship is a perfect recipe for social unrest. With the public’s high expectations on the new administration, it’s dangerous if Barack Obama fails.

Barely two weeks before Obama is to be inaugurated as president, his campaign promises don’t jibe well with the gloomy realities of the times. His dire warnings prepare the spooked public of the bumpy road ahead. Spending is needed more than what the government originally told the people.

Obama can only say in grim and gray terms on how he’ll solve the economic problem, but he doesn’t give specifics. The cost of the stimulus package he asks the congress on Thursday, January 8, 2009 hasn’t been determined, but experts say it should not be more than $1 trillion dollars. The federal budget deficit is huge and critics warn of deeper pain if the government shoulder the money woes of private entrepreneurs.

There’s no guarantee that the bail-out of the banking system, the auto manufacturers, and housing industry will work. The economy is rife with dreary predictions of worsening unemployment, bankruptcies,and unrelenting housing slump. Americans are confused and want transparency in the transactions which put their life savings and taxes in line.

At a Glance, January 8, 2009:

540,000 unemployed projected for Jan. ’09 (up from 492,000 in Dec. ’08)
4.5 million workers on unemployment aid
2.4 million jobs lost in 2008
1.2 trillion dollars Federal Budget deficit
1 trillion dollars—estimated stimulus package needed

As of January 8, 2009, the joblessness is expected to have risen from 492,000 to 540,000 based on the number of newly-laid off people seeking state unemployment aid. The approximate number of workers taking unemployment benefits is at 4.5 million, many of whom are finding hard to get jobs.

Assuming that 500,000 additional jobs have been lost last month, it is estimated that at least 2.4 million jobs disappeared in 2008. Business downsizing and closures continue. The trend will be more elucidated on Friday, January 9, 2009 when the Department of Labor releases the most current employment report. The federal budget deficit is expected to reach $1.2 trillion this year, about 3X bigger than the previous year.

Like most Americans, I want Obama to succeed. Casting away politics, I feel it’s in our interest that the economy bounces back on its track. Yet, the public is suspicious and worried; their confidence is at its deepest low. In spite of bipartisan support, many aren’t optimistic that a quick recovery will come. Obama is asking for more government infusion of money, a stage for a possible run-away spending that isn’t in his “change” and “yes, we can” campaign plan.

The uncertainty which fuels this lack of confidence is magnified by the ugly economic picture. Even if the public keeps quiet, the cultural and social environment which made the people endure and outlast the Great Depression in the 1930’s might be slipping away— at worst, it might be nonexistent. Today’s Americans belong to a different generation of innovators. Whether the values of trust, honesty, and fair play have been eroded to impair recovery, nobody seems confident to answer.

There’s real fear as there’s hope. But many are shocked that the rules of governance and citizenship are quickly being changed to suit a social agenda whose end they don’t know. They aren’t used to live in poverty or be dictated upon on how they will use their money. Even if they pride themselves of resiliency, industry, and independence, the overall picture isn’t good. (Photo Credit: bscott2007)=0=

RELATED BLOG: “Dr. Doom’s economic crystal ball & the need to say the truth”
Posted by mesiamd at 10/30/2008

==============================================================