On October 22, 2015, a forum entitled “LMI Beyond the Numbers: Translating Labour Market Information into Proactive Interventions on Job-Skill Matching” was held at the Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City. The World Association of Public Employment Services (WAPES), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through its Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), hosted the said event. The forum focuses on the Labor Market Information (LMI), its definition and role in status quo, its importance in improving the workforce of a nation, and how different stakeholders can improve the current system of collecting and using the data from existing information systems.
One of the topics covered in the two-day forum was the role of public employment services in the labor market information and how to improve its systems. The forum aims to establish connection among participants to share their initiatives, best practices and recommendations on how to implement labor market information. It also aims to raise awareness and appreciation among its members on how beneficial the labor market information would be and to take it as something more than just a statistical value.
A study recently conducted by WAPES, entitled the World of PES, states that successful labor market information systems have seven (7) fundamental features to be considered optimal, which are: (1) timely, accurate, and relevant data, (2) effective analysis and interpretation of data, (3) information that is easily accessible to users, especially in local areas through a variety of outlets, (4) educational materials and guides effectively using labor market information, (5) competitive labor market analysts, (6) knowledgeable intermediaries such as career guidance counselors, and (7) good governance and cost-effectiveness.
Mr. Luis Alberto A. Anastacio, President and CEO of SFI Group of Companies, was one of the speakers, and he presented the Philippine TalentMap Initiative (PTMI) which aims to create the most comprehensive and widest talent profiling of the Filipino workforce.
The PTMI is an initiative that assesses the skills and competence of an individual aligned with the 21st Century Skills Framework. Understanding the skills profile would help identify the strengths and weaknesses which can help leaders create more relevant programs that can upskill the workforce. The data from the talent mapping can be used for improving the education system, achieving better curricula, creating appropriate policies, and ultimately, producing globally-competitive workforce.
The rationale behind this initiative is to look across different existing frameworks, analyze the common ground, and unify it to create a framework that can be accepted among different nations and stakeholders. The goal of the SFI Group of Companies, through PTMI, is aligned with the goal of the WAPES that is to advocate for the utilization of the labor market information, to raise awareness regarding its importance, and to involve and improve the knowledge of the stakeholders of labor market information. Not only the SFI Group if Companies share a common vision on using labor market information, but this initiative has already started in Bataan.
Meanwhile, the SFI Group signed a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the PhilJobNet project. The said project aims to update the technology of DOLE in updating the Philippine Labor Market Information (LMI) through an internet-based job portal. It is seen to be of value among Filipino individuals in helping them establish their respective career pathways. Present during the signing were DOLE Secretary, Rosalinda Baldoz, Ms. Nikki Tutay – Director of Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) Group, Ms. Estrellita Anastacio – Chairman of SFI Group, Mr. Luis Alberto Anastacio – President and CEO of SFI Group, and Ms. Vivian Guerrero – Treasurer of SFI Group, Ms. Patricia Acepcion – Project Lead for PhilJobNet and PTMI, and Ms. Gina Jusay – Director of SFI Career Center.