More Skilled Trained Personnel for PEZA Locators' Requirements Seen
By Eldina B. Pinca
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) companies need a constant supply of skilled, well-trained workers.
This is one of the glaring facts discussed during the focus group discussion (FGD) held by the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) with PEZA-registered companies involved in the metals, engineering, and allied industries on November 29, 2022, at the Mold Technology Support Center (MTSC) facility in Gen. Trias, Cavite.
Atty. Norma B. Taňag, the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Deputy Director General for Operations of PEZA, commented that PEZA locators also experience some brain drain issues. Many PEZA companies have a high turnover rate of personnel.
Despite this, she shared that foreign investors still choose to locate their production plants in the Philippines. “Investors chose the Philippines as their permanent place of business because the Filipinos can be easily trained, and good designers,” according to Atty. Taňag.
Engr. Robert O. Dizon, MIRDC Executive Director stated that the MTSC, plus the DOST-MIRDC pool of trainers can assist in the professional and technical training of industry personnel. “Looking forward that many industry personnel will be trained well here at MTSC,” assured Executive Director Dizon.
Dr. Agustin M. Fudolig, MIRDC Deputy Executive Director, and the project leader of the MTSC was also delighted with the benefits that the MTSC may potentially offer the industry. He recalled that the DOST-MIRDC was able to produce 853 CNC trainees through a training program conducted in 2012-2014. Now, PDMA, Inc., in partnership with DOST-MIRDC, can utilize MTSC to train more workers and improve productivity for the benefit of the local metals industry and PEZA locators.
Also, Ms. Gilda S. De Jesus, Provincial Director of DOST-Cavite, shared her experiences with some of the local workers' capabilities. The local metal companies are able subcontractors that supply to Japanese companies in PEZA, and by word of mouth, also receive jobs from other Japanese locators. “These 100 percent Filipino-owned companies produce quality products and services which are also exported,” says Ms. De Jesus.
Mr. Julius A. Ontang, a former mold fabrication manager at PTON Corporation said he got tired of training new personnel because the moment they were already skilled, they look for a higher-paying job outside the company.
“We are hiring personnel without experience, and we train them first about the process andproduct and, if familiarized, they may work as production operators," stated Ms. Ria Rose Soriano, Admin General Manager of TOMS Manufacturing Corporation.
This pandemic has brought disruption to some local workers. Some chose to live with theirThis pandemic has brought disruption to some local workers. Some chose to live with theirfamily in their respective provinces, and others set up online businesses. This situation addsto the scarcity of skilled workers. Private and government training institutions should be ableto produce more skilled workers for the local metals industry. As the need for a steady poolof skilled workers is addressed, PEZA is assured to sustain its significant contribution forthe good of the Philippine economy.
Dr. Anthony Greg F. Alonzo presents the survey results in the FGD held at the MTSC facility inGen. Trias, Cavite.
