Some local jobs seen offering more attractive pays for OFWs

ONLINE recruitment firm Robert Walters Philippines is looking to attract more overseas Filipino workers back home with job opportunities through its BalikBayan campaign.

Launched in November, the campaign seeks to bring Filipinos home by personally reaching out to those working abroad and assisting them in finding new jobs.

“As Robert Walters has offices in 28 countries, we tap on our international database of contacts by reaching out to Filipinos working abroad. We have a dedicated International Candidate Manager to share market research, insights and updates on the job market in the Philippines with them,” Country Manager Eric Mary told BusinessWorld.

In 2015, the Philippine Statistics Authority recorded a total of 2.4 million Filipinos working overseas. Robert Walters said that of this number, six out of 10 are interested to return home to work.

Mr. Mary said Filipinos often choose to work overseas for higher wages. With the improving local economy, however, he said that some positions have become more competitive in terms of salary.

“We can counter [ the perceived prospect of higher salaries abroad] by sharing the reality of the job market in the Philippines. For some positions, remuneration has increased significantly in the Philippines. At Robert Walters Philippines, we also notice the trend of more companies offering clearer career progression pathways to their employees,” Mr. Mary said. —