(Metro Manila, Philippines) The Department of Labor and Employment – National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) continuously amplifies its labor market information (LMI) drive to various academic institutions, most recently at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), during the latter’s seminar advocacy, titled “The Most In-Demand Skills that Employers are Looking For” on July 17, 2023.

The activity aims to provide MMSU’s alumni, students, and jobseekers with information in acing employment in the job market.

DOLE-NCR senior labor officer Ryan Roberto E. Delos Reyes, also focal person of LMI and Career Guidance and Employment Coaching Program joined the ranks of resource speakers such as Dr. Rey Fremista, President of the Philippine Society for Quality; Dr. Fides Bernardo Bitanga, OIC of Human Resource Management, MMSU; and Ms. Tezzah Lee Domingo, Human Resource Manager, Venvi Group of Companies.

During the seminar, Mr. Delos Reyes discussed the National Capital Region’s labor market landscape. Among the topics were the key employment generators and in-demand professions in Metro Manila such as animators, foreign language specialists, social media influencers, and engineers.

He also elaborated the DOLE’s JobsFit research results, including the highly rated skills such as work ethics, self-motivation, and decision making. However, amidst automation of various tasks in workplaces in view of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, he stressed that people skills remains as the primary consideration of companies in selecting job applicants.

Meanwhile, other labor market trends were also discussed, such as the hybrid system which is becoming a viable option for most companies; creation of online portfolios for easy access and reference in job application; and red flags in the online job market to avoid becoming victims of illegal recruitment.

Lastly, he also stressed the importance of appreciating the online system on same level as the actual face-to-face interaction during the job hunt phase and job interviews.

DOLE-NCR has been sharing best practices on disseminating LMI, as well as knowledge on child labor and its worst forms since 2017. Recently, the duty bearers and other clients and stakeholders from the Ilocos Norte Province had its similar seminar in May 2023.

END / Ryan Roberto Delos Reyes