The American International Group Inc. (AIG) plans to increase its investments in the Philippines by jumping on the business process outsourcing (BPO) bandwagon, the company’s top executive said yesterday.

AIG president and chief executive officer Martin J. Sullivan said a subsidiary in the US is looking to bring its backroom and other services to the Philippines.

“Our general insurance business has recorded tremendous growth, and it is looking to outsource its business to the Philippines,” he said during a forum.

“We will bring more jobs to the Philippines as we will introduce more services for our US operations,” he added.

AIG is one of the world’s biggest financial institutions with consolidated assets of $941.54 billion as of end-2006. It is represented locally by the Philippine American Life and General Insurance Co. (Philamlife), the country’s largest insurance company in terms of premium income, sales and assets.

In an earlier report, Sullivan said “across the board, our general insurance operations are executing their growth strategies, reaching 8.8 percent after three quarters in 2006, leveraging their competitive advantages and maintaining underwriting discipline.”

“We continue to execute our growth strategies by capitalizing on our unique global franchise and product and distribution capabilities that distinguish AIG from our competitors,” he added.

Sullivan and other top AIG and Philamlife officials had a closed-door meeting with President Arroyo.

While refusing to give details of the meeting, the AIG chief executive said it revolved around issues of level playing field in government regulations, transparency and good corporate governance, and free trade.

Sullivan said AIG and Philamlife remain bullish on the Philippines’ strong economic fundamentals but added it is critical for the government to be consistent in its regulations.

“Consistency is very important for foreign and domestic business. That is particularly true in the legal, regulatory and financial markets,” the AIG chief executive stressed.

AIG reported a net income for the first nine months of 2006 of $10.61 billion, while Philamlife reported total premiums worth P14.5 billion last year.

AIG is one of the world leaders in insurance and financial services. It operates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions and has over 106,000 employees worldwide.

PIA Press Release
2007/06/22
Davao seeks equitable distribution of workers in BPO’ companies
by Prix D Banzon

Davao City (22 June) -- As major business process outsourcing (BPO) companies are already considering Davao City as their next location with two more big ones conducting assessment of the area, key industry players here are working on measures that will protect the business.

Andre Joseph T. Fournier, board of trustee of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) and chairman of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Management Information System (MIS) committees said they are coming up with agreements for the companies to work together for an equitable distribution of people.

Fournier said they do not want what is happening in Makati and in other areas in Manila to happen in Davao where cases of pouching are reported because of shortage of workers.

“Transaction is done during breaktime by recruiting officer and call center workers just outside their offices by offering them higher salaries,” he said.

He said these are the things that they would not want to happen even as he said that those companies already operating here are quite apprehensive once these big players come in with the huge manpower requirement that they would need.

He said there must be regular consultation and these companies must tell us their specific requirements so their need could be properly matched with institutions like schools.

Fournier said once they are here they should also take care of their employees, provide trainings as well as other benefits.

Fournier also said that these BPOs will also be given briefing on how to operate in Davao because of several ordinances that would protect workers.

“It is just a matter doing a regular consultation with the industry,” he said.

Meanwhile Fournier said 2007 will be Davao City’s year for ICT and they are committed to make it happen this year.

He said the industry is doing well and many good things are already working and one of this is the holding of the business plan competition in Davao that is the first outside Metro Manila.

Initiated by the Philippine Emerging Startups Open (PESO) Fournier said there would be about 60 entries and this is an opportunity for business plans to be presented to the business community.

“It is quite difficult for a beginner, like the students, to do a presentation with presidents and chief executive officers of companies all by themselves and this event is an opportunity,” he said.

He said there are a lot of good ideas in the region that are not given exposure. (PIA XI) [top]

Call centers are good for starters and the most basic requirement is good diction and accent, plus PR. unfortunately, it still is not the best job around, if you combine the two factors: financial stability (long-run) and happiness, the would make one relatively satisfied. After all, the reason why BPO's flourished is because they (westerners) will greatly reduce expenditures in salaries, and other costs.

As a whole though this is good as our service sector is booming as a direct result of BPO's.

^^ I agree, the primary reason why call centers are sprouting all over Asia, particularly in countries like India and the Philippines is purely economics. Once the competitive advantage of operating off-site backroom operations for these multi-national companies is gone, you will start to see these same companies leave with very little notice. Unfortunately, this is how business is conducted nowadays in this new "boundaryless" business world.

My advise is: (a) always be up-to-date on what is going on in the corporate offices of these multi-national companies, (b) educate yourself about the changes in the industry that could have a direct effect on the survival of your off-site unit, and (3) keep your resume fresh and aim higher career-wise. But in the meantime, enjoy the ride while it lasts. :cheers:

the smaller one is camp crame. the bigger one near white plains is camp aguinaldo.

there had been plans to privatize aguinaldo but it seems that the deed of donation by the araneta's (not sure which landed family made the donation) has a stipulation that should the govt no longer need the camp, the property reverts to the donor.

In short, the heirs of the family get to keep the land.

So lugi gobyerno dyan :)

(bistado kang hindi kasama sa EDSA I ah, hindi mo alam kung saan ang crame :lol: )

there is another camp across camp crame named camp panopio

Saturday, June 23, 2007
MOA for call centers' kinship to be drafted
By Joy Romares-Sevilla
THE Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) revealed that they are on the process of drafting a memorandum of agreement to establish harmonious relationship among the call center companies in Davao City.

Andrei Fournier, member of the DCCCII's Board of Trustees, said Wednesday that the memorandum of agreement (MOA) will be initiated so that no call center company will "pirate" personnel or call center agent from another call center companies that operate in the city.

"We do not want that call center companies in Davao will be like some call centers in Manila na nagpa-pirate ng agents ng ibang call centers doon, the agreement will be for the harmonious relationship of the call centers here," Fournier said.

Fournier said DCCCII is working very hard to bring Davao City to the forefront in terms of information and communications technology (ICT) and the agreement is one of the chamber's efforts in order to achieve this goal.

"We will continue to push all sectors to work together, this year will be very heavy and critical for the ICT industry," Fournier said, adding that Davao City will be hosting one of the biggest events this October and this is the 6th Mindanao ICT Congress.

On Thursday, DCCCII officials, together with some officials from the regional office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Southern Mindanao converged for a meeting regarding the initiation of the memorandum of agreement at the Marco Polo Hotel.

Saturday, June 23, 2007
Comddap, Ayala Foundation tie-up for Gilas project

THE top official of the Computer Manufacturers, Distributors and Dealers Association of the Philippines (Comddap) Thursday said they tied-up with the Ayala Foundation to support the Foundation's Gilas Project (Gearing-up Internet Literacy and Access for Students) in order to bring computers to all public high schools in the Philippines.

"We recently tied-up with the Ayala Foundation's Gilas Project, the project aims to provide an Internet laboratory in all public high schools in the country within the next five years," said Comddap president Juan Chua.

Chua said each public high school in the country would be given a maximum of ten computer units.

Gilas Project, Chua said, is targeting to reach out to close to 6,000 public high schools in the country. He said a total of 1,698 public high schools already benefited through the project.

Gilas Project was conceived by a group of private sector leaders of like mind and mission: to raise the ante and cover the entire system of 5,433 public high schools in five years. Leaders from some of the country's most influential corporations, relevant government institutions, and the socio-civic community comprise the membership of the committee.

Gilas objectives include the delivery of internet access for schools with computer labs, servers or routers, LAN cards, and cables, the provision of connectivity and unlimited free internet usage for the first year, and the delivery of ten computers and internet access for schools without equipment.

The project also aims to provide basic training for teachers and administrators on networking and resource mobilization, and the formulation of basic curriculum and year-long lesson plan maintenance.

It was learned that the currect estimated cost of the project is US$ 28 million. JGRS

Saturday, June 23, 2007
6th MICT gab on Oct. 23-24


THE Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII), the ICT Davao Inc., and the Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) have formally sealed their partnership in one of the biggest events coming this October to be held at the NCCC Convention Center in Davao City, the 6th Mindanao ICT Congress.

DCCCII Chairman Domingo Duerme, MinBC chair for special projects Antonio Santos, and Manolito Tee, president of the ICT Davao, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement Tuesday afternoon during the TechnoKapihan at the Finster Building of the Ateneo de Davao University.

DCCCII, MinBC, and ICT Davao said they will put their commitment in the activity to place the ICT industry in Davao City on top.

The event was set on October 23 to 24 and delegates from Manila and other cities in the country are expected to come.

It is also a back to back event with the first Bimp-Eaga Conference.

MinBC annually organizes the event to raise other concerns and to pursue the initiatives in the past ICT congresses. It is also initiated to provide a venue for networking, marketing, and business development and creation among ICT players; aims to enhance the human resource development program as the main requirement for business process outsourcing (BPO); and will also identify areas for collaboration in the Bimp-Eaga.

Earlier, MinBC already identified the working committee of the event. These are the steering committee, the secretariat, the program committee, the special events committee, ways and means committee, logistics committee, and the marketing and promotion/sponsorship generation committee.

Meanwhile, the first Bimp-Eaga Investment Forum was also set in October in Davao City.

Teolulo T. Pasawa, provincial director of the regional office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), on the other hand, did not confirm where will the event would take place.

"It's either at the Davao Convention or at the Marco Polo," Pasawa said in an interview earlier. JGRS

hahaha, smokin' nag paplastic surgery ka uli?

there is another camp across camp crame named camp panopio

how bout camp pin pin? where's that? i wonder what's the average IQ in all these camps..

^ Or is it Camp Capinpin/Kapinpin?

^ Or is it Camp Capinpin/Kapinpin?

yeah that one, what's the average IQ there?

how bout camp pin pin? where's that? i wonder what's the average IQ in all these camps..

it's beside the ducati dealership in P. Tuazon.

I'm of the opinion that pisay graduates will improve the quality of the infantry. Let's draft them all :lol:

YES!! BPO industry really changed the Phil forever?! Katibayan? Wala na ngang paglagyan eh. Pati nga mga kampo ng militar, me BPO na eh... LOL!!! :lol: :nuts: :cheers:

the smaller one is camp crame. the bigger one near white plains is camp aguinaldo.

there had been plans to privatize aguinaldo but it seems that the deed of donation by the araneta's (not sure which landed family made the donation) has a stipulation that should the govt no longer need the camp, the property reverts to the donor.

In short, the heirs of the family get to keep the land.

So lugi gobyerno dyan :)

(bistado kang hindi kasama sa EDSA I ah, hindi mo alam kung saan ang crame :lol: )

I think the plan was that Araneta or Tuason I think was willing to give that land in exchange of the portion that is near Corinthians. I think the land area is still big because they suggested it to become the new capital.

we're having more fly by nights :)

DAVAO CITY at par with Australia in IT
Sunstar Online
June 26, 2007


THE Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) said the Philippines is not far behind Australia in terms of information technology (IT), a fact discovered during a visit in the same country for benchmarking purposes.

"I was in Australia just recently and I learned that we are not far behind from them, in fact, they don't still have the technopreneursip program, most Australians kasi are focused on retirement,' Andrei Fournier, said last week.

Technopreneurship program is a program now adopted by some schools and universities in Davao Region wherein teachers of information and communications technology (ICT) are teaching the course to students.

Teachers are teaching students on how to become technopreneurs using their ICT backgrounds.

Fournier said the program gives opportunity to younger people to become successful entrepreneurs someday.

Fournier added DCCCII is actively promoting IT in the business field.
"We will show the way to other regions so that they can follow," Fournier said.

On the other hand, the president of the Computer Manufacturers, Distributors and Dealers Association of the Philippines (Comddap), said urban areas in the Philippines are really advanced in terms of technologies since large companies support IT.

"We're at par in terms of IT and business process outsourcing (BPO), this is because we're supporting the system other countries are using," Juan Chua, Comddap president, said last week.

Sunday, June 24 2007 @ 11:31 AM BST

National
Business process outsourcing (BPO) providers have accelerated their recruitment of new personnel who are skilled in at least one major foreign language besides English.

This prompted the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) to push for the "foreign language skills retooling" of secondary and vocational school graduates, college undergraduates and jobless professionals, to build up their chances of securing gainful employment.

"Workers who are able to speak a second foreign language can definitely look forward to even more lucrative jobs, here or overseas, in global corporations, non-government organizations and multilateral institutions," said TUCP spokesman Alex Aguilar.

"So this is definitely not just about well-paying jobs in call centers that are now offering a substantial premium for extra foreign language proficiency," he stressed.

Aguilar named at least six multinational companies that are now aggressively recruiting bilingual or multilingual staff for their rapidly expanding Philippine outsourcing operations.

They are Armonk, New York-based IBM Business Services Inc.; Scottsdale, Arizona-based eTelecare Global Solutions Inc.; Berkshire, England-based InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG); Deerfield, Illinois-based APAC Customer Services Inc.; Arlington, Virginia-based Access Worldwide Communications Inc.; and Los Angeles, California-based PeopleSupport Inc.

IBM, a provider of client support services in human resources, finance and accounting, is enlisting "multilingual specialists" skilled in any of the following languages: Japanese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Malaysia, Thai, Mandarin or Cantonese.

IHG, operator of the Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza hotel and resort chains, is signing up for its in-house global call hub "customer service representatives and reservation agents" who can speak Spanish, Arabic or Japanese.

eTelecare is recruiting Spanish or French-speaking "customer service, technical support and product quality assurance associates" for contact centers in Quezon City and the cities of Mandaluyong, Makati, Muntinlupa and Cebu.

Access Worldwide is likewise hiring Spanish or French-speaking "marketing agents" for a call center in Makati.

APAC is drafting Spanish-speaking agents for contact facilities in Quezon City and Muntinlupa, while PeopleSupport is contracting "eReps with foreign language proficiency" for similar centers in Makati, Cebu, Davao and Baguio.

TUCP earlier appealed for increased public funding for skills reinforcement programs that will allow unemployed and underemployed labor force participants to qualify for good-paying jobs in thriving call centers.

The labor group made the plea after it completed the partly publicly funded 100-hours skills retooling of more than 1,400 trainees for call center jobs. First-rate call center operators instantly engaged over 70 percent of the trainees upon graduation.

The country's technology-aided services are projected to fully employ 1,082,800 workers and produce US$ 12.2 billion in annual revenues by 2010.

Call centers alone are expected to directly engage some 506,500 Filipinos by 2010. This is more than double their current employment of 229,000, according to an industry group. (PNA)

http://news.balita.ph/html/article.php/20070624113123257

Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Robillo: Business plan competition
By Oliver Robillo
IT Talks
THE Davao City Chamber of Commerce & Industry formally launched the first ever “Peso Davao Challenge” last June 20, at the Ateneo de Davao campus. “Peso” stands for "Philippine Emerging Startups Open." It is a "technology/innovation business plan competition in association with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Club of the Philippines." The Peso Davao Challenge is part of the Davao Chamber's broader program on the development of its technopreneurship thrusts in Southern Mindanao. Its partnership with PESO reaffirms its commitment to participate in the furtherance of the IT industry here.

This major undertaking is in fact part of the ongoing entrepreneurship academic program of the Davao Chamber, in partnership with the Philippines-Australia Human Resource Development Facility (PAHRDF) and funded by the Australian government.

Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007 Coverage

View here the list of local winners

The professors and instructors from the 12 colleges and universities in the Davao region, and who were trained under this program, will act as the mentors for the benefit of the participants in the Peso Davao Challenge.

In this business plan competition, enterprising students from all over Southern Mindanao will be given once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to convert their I.T. business ideas into real businesses.

This is the first time that the Peso Challenge has been brought to Mindanao. While the nationwide Challenge is open to all Filipinos, participating in the competition necessarily means being active in all its activities, which are all conducted in Metro Manila. The Davao Challenge will have this as well.

Participants will be guided by professionals, and will benefit from a mentoring program that will be conducted all throughout the duration of the competition.

Winners will not only receive cash prizes (and the chance to develop their ideas into real businesses), but will also be automatically entered in the national Peso Challenge this year.

(For more information on the PESO Davao Challenge, please email pesodavao@gmail.com.)

* * *

From the 29th of June 2007, Google Philippines Country Consultant, Aileen Apolo, will be in Davao City for a series of seminars. The Google Davao Roadshow will be for the benefit of owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as college students and faculty members.

Apolo will also meet up with Davao-based bloggers and SEO practitioners.

The schedule is as follows:
* 29 June (Fri.) - Marketing Your Business Online. 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, at the DTI Conference Room.
* 30 June (Sat.) - Google University: a meet-up with SEOs at the Blugre Cafe in Landco, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
* 2 July (Mon.) - Google University: a session with students and faculty at University of Mindanao, 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

The seminar for SMEs on the 29th will cover search marketing, Google Adwords, Google Apps for your Domain, and Blogger. Basically, the seminar will aim to equip businessmen with new-age tools for the effective promotion of their products and services to Internet-savvy consumers.

For more information, please check out www.robilloblog.com.

Call centers reeling from strong peso (http://www.asianjournal.com/?c=189&a=21204)

Business process outsourcing (BPO) firms have expressed concern over the effects of the strong peso on their operations and are considering seeking government help.
"The rapid rise of the peso has caught BPOs flatfooted. It caught us unprepared," said Oscar Sañez, chief executive of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) on the sidelines of the Cebu ICT 2007 conference.

The peso has repeatedly surged since late 2006, fueled by strong overseas remittances, rising foreign investments, and a generally positive economic outlook.

Sañez acknowledged that a stronger peso resulted in better debt servicing and lower fuel and electricity costs, but said that BPO firms' labor expenses were rising because they quote contracts in dollars.

Low-cost labor and a ready pool of English-speaking employees are among the Philippines' main strengths in the BPO industry, but the stronger peso is pushing labor costs up. A call center agent now receives about P15,000, or $326, compared to only $300 last year.

"A very strong peso is a disincentive to investing in our space," PeopleSupport Philippines president Rainerio Borja said.

Sañez disclosed that the BPAP was in talks with PhilExport and CEPI, the organization for the microchip industry, to seek government help.

"We would welcome government assistance in the form of tax subsidies or credits and in bringing down the cost of doing business," he said.

According to the BPAP, the BPO industry's revenues could grow almost threefold to $12.1 billion by 2010 from the end-2006 level of $3.45 billion.

At the end of 2006, call center firms continued to bring in the bulk of revenues from foreign clients, contributing 77 percent of the industry's sales.

In 2010, the BPAP estimated that call center revenues would hit $5.29 billion -- still a significant 97-percent growth rate over three years. But by then, that would represent only less than 45 percent of BPO industry revenues.

Taking the place of contact centers as high growth sectors would be back office services, medical transcription and software development, all of which would grow faster in terms of revenues and headcount, according to BPAP data.

I've read that in the next three years, BPO revenues will reach to at least US$12B. :runaway:

Selling Malaysia as outsourcing hub

By Sharen Kaur
sharen@nstp.com.my

June 28 2007

MALAYSIA needs to improve the country's branding and publicity and leverage on certain key strengths to tap the growing potential of the shared services and outsourcing (SSO) industry worldwide.

Industry experts say that Malaysia benefits from good infrastructure, multi-lingual skills, political stability, skilled workforce and comparable cost advantage, which make it an increasingly favourable offshore locations.

Five panelists from the industry recently shared their views during a SSO Roundtable meeting organised by Business Times in Kuala Lumpur.

They were Multimedia Development Corp (MDeC) head of market and partners, SSO, Zulfiqar Zainuddin, Teledirect Telecommerce Sdn Bhd chief executive officer (CEO) Laurent Junique, Scicom (MSC) Bhd CEO Leo Ariyanayakam, SRG Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd senior manager Byron Fernandez and VPI International Inc business development manager Jevinder Singh.

They said the value of the outsourcing market in Malaysia is currently about US$2.5 billion (RM8.7 billion) but can exceed US$10 billion (RM34.9 billion) in the next three years to five years with more emphasis placed to boost the industry. The global SSO industry is valued at more than US$750 billion (RM2.6 trillion).

The outsourcing market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30 per cent in the next three to five years. According to a Frost & Sullivan report, by the end of 2012, revenue contribution from outsourcing within Asia Pacific is anticipated to represent 58.7 per cent of the total revenue of the Malaysian outsourcing market.

The marketplace is dominated by key players, notably Teledirect, Scicom, SRG, VPI, VADS Bhd, TeleTech Holdings Inc and Vsource Bhd.

"More needs to be done to brand the country as an effective SSO destination and train more skilled workers to meet the trade's growing needs. Ours is a niche business and we are competing with China and India to stay ahead in the business," said Ariyanayakam.

He said there is still huge potential in the industry, but Malaysia has to be further profiled and branded abroad, although it has been positioned as the top three most attractive countries in the outsourcing world.

Malaysia, nominated by Atos Origin, won the "Offshore Destination of the Year" category of the UK National Outsourcing Association (NOA) Awards last year.

"Some say we are not cheap. If we compromise the way of cost, we are going to get killed. The other fundamental issue is the negative publicity of Malaysia, which creates a problem, especially when we are looking for Western dollars.

"All the great stuff about Malaysia such as good infrastructure, stability and growing economy are killed with one stone through bad publicity here. Customers are pretty sensitive about these issues. A yes or no decision in the outsourcing industry is becoming so critical," he said.

Junique, meanwhile, said despite Malaysia being positioned as a global centre, the perception of the country overseas was not as expected.

"It's all got to do with age-old perception of Malaysia from many different people. We need to brand outside of Malaysia. It has to be a joint effort between MDeC, the Government and companies involved in the business. We have the foundation, infrastructure and information providers to build the sector," he said.

MDeC, meanwhile, is using platforms like roundtable meetings and working with other peers from all continents to promote Malaysia. It is also playing a big role in marketing and has plans to set up more representative offices overseas to promote the country, said Zulfiqar.

Another concern, he said, is the lack of English-speaking community in Malaysia, a country that is capable of producing multi-talented workforce.

The panelists said at the fundamental level, the Government should re-align and change the education system, and the agenda is being pushed through the development of SSO.

"To get the outsourcing business, we need to fix this. MDeC is coming out with specific plans to retrain the workforce but the message is not clear. We realise the importance of using the industry as an engine to speed up the academia programmes," Zulfiqar said.

Jevinder added that the gap between the English-speaking community in Malaysia and China is expected to become wider as the Chinese Government is placing a lot of emphasis on re-training its people to speak better English through various programmes.

"Some 10 years from now, a new generation of Chinese would be able to speak very good English and the gap is going to get wider. Simply by converting Mathematics and Science in English is not enough. The foundation has to be built at the primary level," he noted.

Ariyanayakam pointed out that since Malaysia can't go back in time to change the education system, it should turn back and re-train the misalignment and workforce to get the people to the right level.

"The Government is trying and there are so many agendas in play. For whatever they are doing right now, they see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's a very structural thing and will take a while," he said.

While English is a major issue, the infrastructural point concerning telecommunications is also a concern as it has been branded as expensive.

"Telecommunications here is expensive. It's easier to terminate a line in Manila than in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, Malaysia needs to be profiled soon as nobody really understands what we actually do," Fernandez added.

Frost & Sullivan said in its report that Malaysia should aim to distinguish itself as a premier destination for high value outsourcing activities as it has the capability to rise from being a niche player to becoming a true global hub for outsourcing contact centres.

"One reason why we are attractive today is because of cost escalation in India for IT (information technology) services, which has sky-rocketed. People are quoting 25 per cent to 133 per cent higher for their services," Zulfiqar said.

The panelists said there is a trend where more companies in Singapore and Australia are looking at offshoring in Malaysia as they are recognising the country as an outsourcing hub in the Asian region.

"From our observation, we are seeing a second wave of offshoring opportunities. Malaysia has become an alternative destination," Zulfiqar said.

He said contact centres here are becoming popular and visible, and the telecommunication, IT and banking industry have been identified as the main catalysts to spur growth.

doh! doh! doh! mwahahaha

INQUIRER.net
Last updated 04:07pm (Mla time) 07/04/2007


MANILA, Philippines -- Major US-based medical transcription firm MxSecure is set to open a representative office in the Philippines in an effort to tap into the country's medical transcription industry.

MxSecure would be the first major US medical transcription firm to have an office in the Philippines.

The MxSecure office will subcontract projects from the US to Philippine medical transcription providers. There are currently four MxSecure partners in the Philippines but this number is expected to grow when the company opens its office here.

The company has also hired Evelyn Abat, former managing director of eData Services and former president of the Medical Transcription Industry Association of the Philippines (MTIAPI).

As MxSecure Philippines Country Manager, Abat shall be responsible for managing the company's operations in the country. In an interview with INQUIRER.NET, Abat said the presence of an American medical transcription office would push the Philippines' own industry to be recognized in countries where medical transcription is high in demand, particularly in the US.

She admitted that in the past year, medical transcription firms have struggled to find projects from the US.

Likewise, the level of quality is not yet at par with current demands, which further discourages US clinics and hospitals to pass requirements to Philippine firms.

Abat said that prior to her departure from MTIAPI, there were about 50 members in the group. It had grown its membership base to almost 100 but soon declined as some members failed to find more projects to sustain their businesses.

"By getting a US medical transcription company to be present here, our own industry can learn from the foreign firm's experiences with US medical institutions. We can still improve our quality of work and then get more projects eventually," Abat said.

Call centers craft plan, eye .5M agents (http://businessmirror.com.ph/07052007/headlines02.html)
By Max V. de Leon
Reporter

CALL-center firms in the country are coming up with a three-year road map to help the industry achieve its target of having 500,000 agents by 2010 from the current 200,000 and about $8 billion in yearly revenues.

Benedict Hernandez, director of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), said they will release the preliminary content of their comprehensive plan, “Philippine Call Center Road Map 2010: Full Speed Ahead,” next week during the Call Center Conference & Expo 2007 at the Crowne Plaza Galleria.

Leaders of the call-center association, the Business Process Association of the Philippines, and global consulting firm Baker & McKinsie are putting their heads together to complete the strategic business plan.

Raffy David, a CCAP director, said the road map, if successfully implemented, will give the industry and other stakeholders such as academe and the government one synchronized plan to achieve the target. “Without the road map, it would be a harder climb for us. With it, however, we will be inching toward the goal with greater ease.”

Hernandez said while the plan will include general variables such as government incentives, means to bring down cost of business, infrastructure and technology, its most important feature will be on how to have a steady source of qualified agents.

To be able to reach 500,000 agents by 2010, they will have to hire at least 10,000 new agents a month, he added.

Victor Endaya, another CCAP director, agreed, saying the industry does not see future problems when it comes to luring global companies to outsource here, since the Philippines is already the country of choice for contact-center sites. “The challenge is how we can meet the demand and beef up our manpower pool.”

Hernandez said the local industry is now growing faster than India even if the cost of the labor pool here has become higher. “There is no debate now that there are certain things that we just do better here.”

RP challenged to produce 300,000 call center agents by 2010 (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view_article.php?article_id=74974)

By Erwin Oliva
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 02:30pm (Mla time) 07/05/2007


MANILA, Philippines -- Questions have arisen regarding Philippine contact centers' capacity as executives representing the local contact center industry prepare to unveil its roadmap to 2010.

The Contact Center of the Philippines (CCAP) is scheduled to unveil the roadmap for the next three years in a two-day conference in Manila next week.

Today, the Philippines has about 200,000 contact center professionals working in different companies, said Raffy David, director of marketing and quality assurance of Pilipinas Teleserv Inc. and board director of the CCAP.

The demand for more workers in this sunshine industry continues to grow, with local companies hiring about 1,000 agents a month, said Benedict Hernandez, vice president and general of the Philippine operations of eTelecare Global Solutions.

The industry's problem is no longer about attracting business from other countries but being able to serve the requirements of a global industry for offshore contact center contracts, added Victor Endaya, president and chief executive officer of Advanced Contact Solutions Inc.

"The call center industry is here to stay. We've survived hiring issues which still hound us today. We've survived the depreciation of the peso, among others. Still we've grown," David said.

Declining to give details of its roadmap, CCAP's David said the industry needs at least 500,000 contact center agent professionals by 2010, a target the organization has come up with after extrapolating its current demand but considering the 19-percent yearly attrition
rate.

David admitted that 19 percent is "not that bad" for the growth the industry is still experiencing. But the executive noted that the industry is also trying to figure out where the industry would get its supply of labor.

"Before, we were having problems on where to get the demand. Now we're trying to find out how to fulfill that demand; if the demand will remain in 2010, and where is demand coming from?" David added.

Other issues hounding the local contact center industry is the "upward pressure of salaries," which is brought about by the low supply of labor, the executive said.

CCAP is now composed of 34 contact center companies based in the Philippines. The organization is working with the Business Process Outsourcing Association and McKinsey on the roadmap for 2010, said Jojo Uligan, executive director of CCAP.

Asked how CCAP arrived at the 500,000 figure, Hernandez explained that it was an extrapolation of the current "run rate" of the local industry, which is about 10,000 agents hired every month.

"That's really based on sustaining growth, filling out the pipeline. We're just following the run-rate," the executive said.

Endaya said the demand for contact center professionals might exceed their target.

"There is another challenge that involves misconception of this industry. Few Ateneo or De La Salle graduates consider a job in this industry. Why? The lack of appreciation of this industry has emerged," Endaya said.

The CCAP will discuss the details of its roadmap during the Call Center Conference and Expo slated on July 11 to 12 at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila in the Asian Development Bank Ave, Quezon City.

New Top Destination for Offshoring: China or India? (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,134172-c,researchreports/article.html)

By 2011 China will beat out India as the most popular offshoring destination, IDC says; other analysts disagree.

Chinese cities are expected to unseat Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi in India, and Manila in the Philippines, as the most popular offshore delivery centers by 2011, according to IDC.

The market researcher has introduced a new Global Delivery Index (GDI), which compares 35 cities in the Asia-Pacific as potential offshore delivery centers, based on criteria such as cost of labor, cost of rent, language skills, government policies, infrastructure, and staff turnover rates.

Bangalore currently tops the list, followed by Manila, Delhi, and Mumbai. The Chinese cities that figure in the 2007 list include Dalian, Shanghai, and Beijing, at number five, six, and seven.

Indian cities have inherent challenges such as cost of staff and pressure on infrastructure, said Conrad Chang, a research manager at IDC's Asia Pacific operations, in a telephone interview on Thursday. While India has focused on the US and European markets, China has large opportunities in the Japanese and Korean markets, Chang added.

Chinese cities will overtake Indian cities by 2011 because of massive investments made in infrastructure, English language, Internet connections, and technical skills, which are favorable towards offshoring, IDC said Tuesday.

Forrester Research Inc. however takes a less optimistic view about China as an offshore destination.

Nearly two years ago, the country was widely viewed as a key challenger to India as an offshore services delivery location, however Forrester's research shows that the market has not taken off as expected, the research firm said in a recent report.

China primarily attracts business from Korean and Japanese companies, but most of them have preferred to set up their own operations in China rather than outsource, because there are not many large service providers in China, said Siddharth Pai, a partner at outsourcing consultancy firm Technology Partners International Inc (TPI) in Houston, on Thursday.

Many US and European companies, that set up offshore services operations in India, may also have an operation in China, Pai said. " But the Indian operation will typically be the larger," he added.

China has still not overcome customers' concerns about English language skills, intellectual property (IP) protection, and attrition in the country, Forrester said.

In contrast, India has a sophisticated and time-tested legal environment built around Western common law, Pai said. Even if China invests heavily in education, the population cannot get in four to five years as fluent in English as Indians, he said. " Indians have been speaking English for over a hundred years," he added.

India's demographics also favor its continuation as a key offshore services location. On account of China's one-child-per-family policy, the country's population is aging. The country has about half as many people under 30 than India, Pai said. The IT industry primarily employs younger staff, he added.

The IDC GDI rates the potential of cities as offshore destinations, said Chang. The actual business decision by companies to offshore to these cities will depend on a host of other factors, he added. The GDI is a moving index, reviewed every six months.

"This is not about India versus China," Chang said. IDC expects both countries' offshore business to grow, he added.

Bacolod City, Philippines Thursday, July 5, 2007


Bacolod City will continue
to be ICT friendly- mayor
"We will see to it that Bacolod will provide a conducive environment for business to grow in and will continue to be friendly to the ICT industry," Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday said during the inauguration of TeleTech's expansion area in Bacolod City.

Leonardia and TeleTech executive director of operations, Scott Sim, graced the opening ceremonies of TeleTech's expansion area at its delivery center that will serve a North American telecommunications client.

Leonardia said this was his first official ribbon-cutting function in his new term, drawing applause from company officials. TeleTech began operating in Bacolod City in June 2006 with about 1,100 employees and more than 900 workstations at the end of the year.

With the expansion area's more than 250 workstations, Bacolod Delivery Center is now TeleTech's largest in the Visayas region with over 1,800 employees. Leonardia said if TeleTech has 1,800, employees the city has reached the 2,000 mark in less than a year which he had expected the IT industry to provide in terms of employment. He said "If we can make TeleTech grow, we can also make Bacolod grow." He also said that Bacolod will prepare its manpower to support the industry.

Maulik Parekh, vice president and general manager of TeleTech's Asia operations, said expanding its Bacolod center is a clear proof that the city has fully supported TeleTech.

"We remain upbeat and optimistic about TeleTech's business in Bacolod City and we will continue to help in this city's socio-economic development," he said.

Meanwhile, Leonardia said the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has passed an ordinance for the development of the Information and Communication Industry in Bacolod City. He said Bacolod's ICT Investment programs was cited as one of the 10 best public sector practices in Region 6.

Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue said that with approval of the ordinance, there will be an ICT Council formed. She said the Commission on Information and Communications Technology under the Office of the President has said that it is willing to support all the initiatives of the ICT Council of Bacolod City.

Batapa-Sigue said the Philippines right now is trying to redeem its reign second to India in terms of the ICT sector. The Mayor has supported the idea that they will undertake a drastic and aggressive human resource development programs for the city, she said. This means we will try to address the needs of the ICT industry.

Teleperformance to add
200 seats for call center
Call center company Teleperformance yesterday said it will further expand its operations in Bacolod by 200 seats more to accommodate additional accounts.
Dave Rizzo, managing director of Teleperformance Philippines, said in a press release the hiring of the latest addition will bring the number of their call center seats to almost 800, which means more than 1,300 jobs for Bacolod and Negros Occidental.

Teleperformance is also in the process of recruiting more call center agents to fill in the target 600 seats for its technical support and customer service account.

The company will also hold a job fair in Iloilo City shortly.

Rizzo said Teleperformance Ortigas site also needs more than 1, 000 employees just for one program and will expand to more than 1,500 before the year ends.

He added that for their almost a dozen of new accounts, Teleperformance will agents, quality analysts, reports people, mission control analysts, trainers, supervisors, among others.*

Magkano ang wage rate ng mga call center workers sa probinsiya?

Davao call center boom raises manpower poaching concerns
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view_article.php?article_id=75481

By Judy Quiros
Mindanao Bureau
Last updated 05:41pm (Mla time) 07/08/2007


DAVAO CITY—At least three major call center companies are planning to put up facilities here, raising fears of rampant manpower poaching.

Andre Fournier, chairman of the information and communications technology committee of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII), said poaching was already a problem in Manila-based call centers.

Instead of strengthening competition, the entry of new players were causing the industry to stagger, he said.

Fournier said the DCCCII is working with existing call centers here to prevent the already booming industry from degenerating.

The city has five existing call centers. Two have been categorized as “big" —G-Com Ltd. and Link 2 Support.

Fournier said these two call center companies were the most apprehensive over the coming of three similarly large IT firms, which include the United States-based Sutherland Global Services.

"DCCCII's efforts formed part of its commitment to position Davao City on top of the IT environment this year," he said.

Among the efforts, Fournier said, was the drafting of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with call center companies for the equitable distribution of call agents to thwart poaching.

"The MOA will request call center operators to work together and look at competition from a constructive point of view," Fournier said.

The MOA empowered IT schools to recommend qualified graduates to work in call centers.

The scheme would help reduce the poaching of manpower, he said.

Fournier said reasonable salaries, better workplaces and security were among the factors being considered to reduce piracy.

Teolulo Pasawa, chief of the Department of Trade and Industry in the city, said the strengthening of the peso has been pushing call centers to move out of Metro Manila.

He said the decision was also based on cheaper cost of labor in the countryside and the availability of areas accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

In this city, PEZA has already accredited the Damosa IT Park in Lanang.

Officials have forecast over P1 billion in earnings and 16,000 jobs by 2010 with the mushrooming of call centers here.

Joji Ilagan-Bian owner of the JIB e-Academy, a call center training facility, said the rosy forecast has prompted her to expand operation in other parts of Mindanao.

RP BPO firms getting ready for next 3 years (http://www.asianjournal.com/?c=190&a=21471)

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine business process outsourcing (BPO) companies are setting new goals and improving existing ones that aim to keep the industry going for the next two years.

The multi-faceted plan is being developed by the Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPAP) and taps into three specific components, namely talent development, search for physical locations and creating a stable business environment.

A glimpse of the BPAP Roadmap 2010 was presented by it CEO Oscar Sanez during the opening ceremonies of the ongoing Call Center Conference Exposition 2007 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Mandaluyong City.

As it is still under the second phase of development, Sanez said the BPAP Roadmap 2010 is set to be official released by the fourth quarter of 2007.

Sanez said the strategy involves not just the BPAP members but also the local communities, education institutions and local government units to ensure its success.

Under the talent development component, Sanez noted that a major problem was mismatch between the location of the potential hires and the center, followed by the problem of top talents such as engineering, accounting and nursing graduates moving to other countries.

The talent component strategy should focus on increasing financial aid to students, improve work and study flexibility, launch continuous training campaigns that are relevant to industry requirements, and developing competency tests for students and trainers in schools.

A radical approach to the problem of hiring shortage involves opening up recruitment to non-traditional talents, such as high school graduates, college dropouts and housewives, thus the need for strict competency tests.

For the location component, BPAP will be developing a set of products that identify and evaluate areas considered as "next wave" cities where startups and expanding BPOs can build new locations.

The reporting of "next wave" cities will contain the number of companies already operating in specific cities, telecommunications readiness, physical landscape, available expertise and possible challenges.

Lastly, for the business environment component, BPAP intends to beef up perception regarding the Philippines as location for operators. In so doing, the group intends to conduct risk perception survey of locators, build success case studies and launch industry-wide campaigns to address intellectual property, Internet security, among
others.

Government involvement falls under the business environment component wherein local government units can have buy-in of locators, utilization of Bureau of Investments' "One Stop Action Centers," and lobbying to retain or protect current incentive programs.

RP to remain attractive BPO industry (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2007/07/12/bus/rp.to.remain.attractive.bpo.industry.html)

Contrary to the belief of some sectors, interest by foreign investors in the country’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry will continue 10 years from now, an official of call center training agency said.

Glynna Crystal, Call Center Academy (CCA) center manager, said she is “very confident” that the country’s BPO industry will continue to grow, “five, even 10 years, from now.”

She is it is “impossible” for BPO companies to pull out of the Philippines because of the benefits they enjoy in the country. She cited the Filipinos’ proficiency in English, which make them attractive to BPO companies.

Crystal said three years from now, the demand for employment in the call center industry will rise to 1.2 million and the sector will have estimated revenues of $13 billion.

She said as long as there is a pool of workers who have good command of English and technical qualifications, a lot of foreign investors will put up BPO businesses in the Philippines.

As of 2005, the call center sector employed about 112,000 people and made total revenues of $2.1 billion.

Crystal said CCA helps Filipinos, even college level students, equip themselves with skills to be able to land a job in the call center industry.

The CCA was established to respond to the need of the BPO industry for personnel.

Crystal said CCA is the “pioneering call center training” agency in the country and has provided call center companies in Manila and Makati personnel since 2001.

Outsourcing continues to attract U.S. businesses (http://www.philippinenews.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=565dc1e09f56980c893318c1354933ea)

Malcolm Elvey, board member of the Secaucus, New Jersey-based The Children’s Place listened intently as speakers from the Philippine Uniglobal Services Outsourcing talked about the merits of outsourcing finance, accounting and state-of-the art animation in Manila.

If the company’s blueprint would be realized, The Children’s Place is looking to outsource 140 accounting staff and another 140 IT staff in Manila.

“We want to have a very powerful resource that can truly use the brainpower of a back office overseas,” said Elvey who also said his company reaped the benefits of having manufacturing facilities in China, and India.

Asia’s burgeoning outsourcing industry has raised red flags from the U.S. Congress as well as unions for transferring jobs outside of the country, but major companies continue to look offshore to improve profit margins and stay globally competitive.

Elvey said his decision to outsource was based on the experience of AIG Worldwide Life Insurance, which hires accounting staff in Manila and has reduced operational cost by 70 percent.

Gary Reddick, senior vice president of AIG Worldwide, enumerated the compelling advantages of having a back office in Manila: lower labor costs, use of American English in business transactions; cultural and social affinity with the U.S.; access to specialized skills based on U.S. professional standards, and government incentives.

“My company chose to run a business processing operation in the Philippines because it is able to leverage AIG’s strong local presence in an environment that is highly conducive to U.S.-focused outsourcing operations,” Reddick said in a statement.

Dr. Mina Gabor, chairman and CEO of the Philippines’ one-stop shop for buyers and sellers of IT-enabled services, said the Washington-based World Information Technology and Services Alliance (Witsa), ranks the Philippines second or third in terms of competitiveness. Her group Uniglobal Services Outsources (USO) aims to promote the talents of Philippines’ BPO workers, as well as their “integrity, innovation and imagination.”

She said that to train customer service agents of call centers, they had asked UK-based Tele Tech to train agents to imitate British accent tone when they talk to clients. Private businesses, too have partnered with universities in Manila to train graduates to be more competitive and upgrade their technical skills. With health care workers in shortage in America as they serve a graying population, demand for medical transcription is growing in the Philippines.

The idea works well: While American medical transcribers are asleep, Filipino workers do their shift in Manila. The following morning in America, transcriptions of medical records are ready for physicians and health workers. The same cycle is repeated on legal transcription for lawyers and law firms.

Quick delivery of service is assured within 24 hours, Katherine Yarte of Vinzons-Chato law office said.

“IT services are the next big thing in outsourcing, and has not reached its potential for the Philippines. Current estimates show a pool of over 79,000 IT professionals, which may contribute to 2 percent global outsourcing share for the Philippines,” said Trade Representative Josephine Romero.

The future for BPO services in Manila remains: With an annual growth rate of 35 percent, BPO earned $2.54 billion in 2006. Philippine BPO ranks third after India and China.

Facing the realities of soaring labor costs in India, Manila is enticing more companies to set up call centers. The call center industry is expected to attain revenue of $3.5 billion annually by 2008, potentially overtaking India in share of the global outsourcing market for call center services. In 2001, there were only 2,000 employees working in BPO companies in the Philippines. It is expected that a million jobs will be created by the BPO sector alone in 2010.

The drawback is the Philippines has limited marketing resources, infrastructures such as power and electricity are still deficient, although telephone services by Philippine Long Distance and Telephone Company are efficient. Giant global companies such as Citibank, P&G, IBM, Flour, SPI and eTelecare, have shared BPO services in Manila.

“We are very optimistic on our BPO office in Manila. We do software services and consulting, next year, our staff in Manila will be increased to 300 people,” said John Orrock, president and CEO of Okere client management solutions with offices in UK, New York and Manila.

As for USO’s vision, Gabor said the mission not only targets American firms and businesses, but also potential resellers: Filipino Americans who may be able to provide leads to USO, for which a decent commission is paid.

“USO is also exploring China as a market to benefit American businesses operating there that need Chinese-speaking customer care or product support representatives who can translate into English,” she said while visiting San Francisco.

USO’s last stop was San Francisco after it made a sweep of Los Angeles, Florida, Washington D.C. area, Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey and Dallas.

“New opportunities have opened up for the industry in the Philippines as a result of the mission,” said Gabor.

In Dallas, for instance, a group of doctors suggested to the team the inclusion of other back-office offshore services to doctors, besides medical transcribing. This way, they may have more time to actually attend to patient care and treatment, she explained.

The industry strictly observes confidentiality and security of private information. Call centers that handle private data, e.g. social security number, credit card information, are certified by global audit agencies, such as Ernst & Young. In addition, private data are not stored in any way, shape, and form in the Philippines; computers in the call centers have no hard drives, flash drives, or any other data storage media.

Gabor said companies outsourcing to the Philippines can save as much as 30 to 40 percent in operating and overhead costs. Their operational efficiency and profit margins increase as outsourcing translates to time gained for the firms to concentrate on the core business. Interestingly enough, Cendrillon Restaurant, a prominent Filipino restaurant in New York, has outsourced its back office work, including management of its raw materials inventory.

Various government incentives are available to BPO and IT-enabled service firms. One of them is the ‘preferred pioneer business’ incentives package from the Board of Investments, in which firms get a six-year tax holiday and tax-free importation of capital equipment among others.

The industry hopes to stem the tide of Filipino labor migration or the brain drain phenomenon. Fresh graduates, and more so professionals who might feel they are not earning enough, could be hired by these firms at handsome rates along with a package of benefits and performance bonuses. Call centers, for instance, hire at the starting rate of anywhere between PhP 18,000 and PhP 20,000 a month.

Cebu Emerging as Strong, Tier-Two BPO Site (http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/06/prweb533980.htm)

Cebu is fast emerging as a strong tier-two center for information and communications technology (ICT) and business process outsourcing (BPO) services, which are experiencing "tremendous growth momentum" in the Philippines, reported senior trade department officials.

On today's Manila Bulletin special supplement, I can't seem to find the electronic version of this particular article so I needed to type this excerpt manually. :)

From City Center to Provincial Periphery
How Outsourcing Can Spread to Philippine Provinces
by Paul Catiang

In many ways, Metro Manila is still the center of outsourcing potential in the Philippines. First of all, the country's top universities are found in the metro: DLSU, UP, ADMU, UST, FEU, Mapua etc. Second, Metro Manila already plays host to several outsourcing operations, and the capital has already adapted to this new development. Third, outsourcing in Metro Manila has pervaded Filipino society enough to the point that a subculture of outsourcing professionals has sprung up nearly overnight.

Study conducted by John Clements, Inc. with Tully Moss
Several Philippine cities were assessed and ranked according to the following:

- Human resources which includes language, managerial talent, scalability, and the competitiveness of the environment
- Infrastructure, assessing the telecommunications, electricity, availability of A-level commercial space, the ease and speed of access to hotels and airports
- Potential location with regard to its exposure to natural catastrophes such as seasonal monsoons
- Local government support

1. Cebu
2. NCR (Metro Manila)
3. Clark Freeport Zone
4. Baguio
5. CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon Province)
6. Davao
7. Cagayan de Oro
8. Bacolod
9. San Fernando, La Union
10. Iloilo
11. Tarlac
12. Subic
13. Naga
14. Cabanatuan
15. Dumaguete
16. Dagupan
17. Malolos

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/cebupics3/BPOranking.jpg

Investor's Business Daily
Philippine Call Centers Are Music To The Ears of American Callers
Wednesday July 18, 7:00 pm ET
Amy Reeves

The playwright George Bernard Shaw famously quipped that "England and America are two countries separated by a common language." Any American who's called tech support lately might feel the same way about India.

Many tech firms are outsourcing their call centers to India, thanks to its surfeit of high-tech workers at low wages who speak English. But that English, inherited from Britain and processed through Indian phonemes, can be hard for Americans to understand.

That's one reason why the fastest growing call-center market right now is the Philippines.

As a former U.S. colony, it picked up American English right from the source. The fact that hundreds of thousands of Filipinos have family in the U.S. keeps the two cultures connected.

Growing Industry

According to Robert W. Baird, the Philippine call-center industry is growing 40% a year. That compares to 23% for India and 1% for the U.S.

ETelecare Global Solutions (NasdaqGM:ETEL - News) was in early on that trend. In 1999 two former workers at McKinsey & Co. set up shop in Quezon City, near Manila. The team saw that the linguistic amity could let it offer higher-end services than the typical offshore call center.

"Our core philosophy is that we want to be a value-added provider, not a commodity provider," Chief Executive John Harris said. "So we look for opportunities where we handle more complex voice interactions -- those that require certifications for the agents or extensive training."

ETelecare backs this up with a complex system of metrics to show exactly how much they're worth to their clients.

For instance, the firm values its services for an unnamed telecom at $11million a year. It reckons that every 1% improvement in customer satisfaction generates $1.12 per hour, while every 1% rise in up-selling and cross-selling yields $3.60 an hour. The company clocks its sales conversion rate at 25% and its dissatisfaction rate at only 5%.

All this number-crunching applies to workers as well, says Harris.

"We have an elaborate scorecarding system that's driven to every employee in the company, from myself down," he said. "It's very strongly focused on performance -- where we rank within the vendor set that serves the customer."

Baird analyst David Koning says it's hard to tell how accurate these figures are. But the approach seems to be working.

"The reason we believe it's true is that their margins are better than their competitors'," he said. (Baird was an underwriter for eTelecare's March IPO.) "They do seem to be doing something right."

The firm's first-quarter operating margin stood at 11.8%. That's a little behind West Corp. and Convergys (NYSE:CVG - News), but ahead of most others, including larger Sykes Enterprises (NasdaqGS:SYKE - News) and Teletech Holdings (NasdaqGS:TTEC - News).

Overall, eTelecare had an excellent first quarter. Revenue jumped 50% to $62.1 million, while profit gained 217% to 19 cents a share. Analysts expect full-year earnings growth of 82% this year to 80 cents a share, steadying to about 30% in each of the next two years. They see yearly revenue growth at an industry-leading 23%.

Koning says eTelecare can stay competitive by spreading to other places. The firm already went beyond the islands with its 2004 buyout of Phase 2, based in California.

At first blush, this may seem to be paddling up the waterfall. The past few years, eTelecare's rivals have been pouring from North America to distant tropical climes, and here eTelecare heads the other way.

However, the U.S. still has the biggest outsourced call-center industry. Koning says many firms like having all their reps in the mother country. Still others like having reps in a range of places and time zones.

"We primarily serve Fortune 1000 companies, which tend to have needs in multiple locations," said Harris. "We plan to maintain a presence in the U.S., though it will probably grow modestly compared to offshore locations."

Harris says the firm plans to move into other countries in the future. He especially likes Latin America, another hot call-center region with 21% annual growth.

The management also hopes to diversify the customer base. In 2006, the top five clients brought in 80% of the revenue. Cingular, now part of AT&T's (NYSE:T - News) wireless unit, led the way with 42%, with Dell (NasdaqGS: DELL - News) providing 18%. Vonage (NYSE:VG - News), Time Warner's (NYSE:TWX - News) AOL and Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S - News) each kicked in 6% to 7%.

Harris says this concentration is partly a sign that clients like eTelecare and keep bringing it into more parts of their business.

Dell is a good example. It has two programs with eTelecare, one for less complex services and another for more complex ones. In the first quarter, Dell's revenue contribution rose to 25%.

Still, analysts fear that reliance on such a small number of clients is risky. This was evident in 2005 when the loss of a major client account helped drive the company into the red.

But Harris says that such concentration is normal for a firm the size and age of eTelecare. He believes that the problem should naturally dwindle as the company grows.

Vonage Account

Nonetheless, eTelecare is shrinking its customer base a bit by scaling back its relationship with Vonage. The VoIP provider has been bleeding money and is entangled in a patent fight with Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ - News), so less exposure makes sense.

Another risk eTelecare faces is exchange rates. "About a third of their costs are incurred in Philippine pesos, and if the peso gets stronger against the dollar, effectively their costs go up," said Dhruv Chopra, analyst with Morgan Stanley, another underwriter.

Chief Financial Officer Mike Dodson says the company expects to launch a hedging program in the third quarter to reduce this risk.

That hasn't stopped eTelecare from expanding its Philippine business. On July 17, the firm announced plans to build a new service center there housing at least 3,000 employees. It's already building one there about the same size, due to open in the third quarter. When both centers are running, eTelecare will have about 13,000 Philippine employees in all.

RP named one of top 10 outsourcing, shared services sites
By Lawrence Casiraya
INQUIRER.net
http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view_article.php?article_id=77851


MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines has been cited by Frost and Sullivan as among the top 10 destination countries for shared services outsourcing alongside India and Malaysia.

In its most recent global study on Shared Services and Outsourcing (SSO), Frost and Sullivan estimates the global SSO market to be worth $930 billion and predicted that number to grow 15 percent by 2009.

Rounding up the top 10 countries are China, Ireland, Singapore, Mexico, Czech Republic, Poland and Canada.

Shared services have become a sub-segment of business process outsourcing or BPO wherein a global company sets up outsourcing operations in one country to take advantage of local skills and other cost advantages.

In the Philippines, several companies like HSBC, CitiGroup, Dell Computer and Safeway have set up shared services centers.

Others like IBM and Sykes have moved their SSO operations from India to the Philippines, according to Frost and Sullivan.

The Philippines already specializes in back-office operations for IT and IT-related services, making it an attractive destination for shared services.

According to Frost and Sullivan’s estimates, the Philippine back-office industry generated revenues of $180 million in 2005.

India has always figured prominently as a top destination although the study reveals that factors like high attrition rates, rising wages and poor infrastructure are forcing investors to look into other countries like the Philippines and even China.

Malaysia was also cited as an ideal shared services hub because of its excellent infrastructure and low attrition rates. Dell, IBM and India's Satyam have invested in delivery centers in Malaysia.

In a previous interview, Gerry Clark, regional head for BPI consulting firm TPI, noted that Malaysia's government has been doing well in "incentivizing" investors.

"Malaysia, however, is attracting end-users and not (third-party) service providers like those in the Philippines," Clark said.

Sure looks like the future is looking great so far...

Best 3rd-gen BPO facility unveiled by Megaworld
PhilStar
Friday, July 20, 2007

Top Philippine property developer Megaworld Corp. is set to deliver on its promise of coming up with the best-ever 3rd-generation business process outsourcing (BPO) facility in the country through the two-building One Campus Place inside the fully integrated McKinley Hill community in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

Megaworld First Vice President Jericho Go said the company decided to come out with two low-density, six-storey structures for the project, instead of high-rises, as these are more attuned with the requirements of BPO firms.

As the leading developer of BPO buildings, Go said Megaworld fully understands the nitty-gritty of the industry and is ready to conform with what it requires up to the smallest detail.

For instance, Go said a low-rise facility will give a single BPO company the option to lease the whole building without putting too much strain on the firm’s operating cost.

If a company opts to lease the entire structure, Go said Megaworld will give it the “naming rights” for the facility so that the building can be named after the firm, complete with the signage of the lessee.

By leasing majority of the building, on the other hand, a BPO firm will be given signage rights.

A low-density, low-rise facility like the One Campus Place will also afford a BPO firm better security and tighter control on the traffic of the people in the building, thus, shielding the company from gallivanting recruiters prevalent in high-rises where several companies converge.

“We are aware of the rampant cases of poaching of employees in the BPO industry so helping our lessees get rid of this problem is one of the major things that we considered in planning for the make-up of One Campus Place,” Go declared.

Also, by building a low-rise facility, Go said Megaworld has more window to invest further in the amenities, including the lush landscaping and other structural details to make it the best location there is for a BPO company.

The One Campus Place buildings, which have 10,600 square meters each of office space, have larger floor plates and wide stairwells that will help the lessee save on energy cost as people will be enticed to take the stairs in going up and down while talking with three of their friends side-by-side.

Its railings are made of stainless steel and the floors and marble and tile-finished.

While relaxing during breaks, the BPO executives and personnel can immediately leave behind the job strains and get a laid back feel with the invigorating landscaping consisting of greeneries, benches and trellises.

“The landscaping aids in reenergizing the employees and executives as the sun and wind are not obstructed by high-rise structures. An urban jungle like Makati adds up to the stress. In One Campus Place, we want to change the people’s mindset that to relax in-between work sessions is to smoke. What we promote, instead, is a few minutes off amidst nature,” Go noted.


Rockwell to build innovative BPO complex in Ortigas (http://www.mb.com.ph/BSNS2007071898067.html)

Premier developer Rockwell Land Corp. (Rockwell) is venturing into a new project, the development of a business processing outsourcing (BPO) complex set in the Ortigas business district.

Comprised of three buildings to be built on a 1.3-hectare property owned by Meralco, the BPO complex will introduce an innovative concept in the form of a campus-like setting where the buildings are spaced far apart between greenery.

According to Nina S. Cordero, Rockwell’s assistant vice president for Business Development, the joint venture project between Rockwell and Meralco will bring over 70,000 square meters of preferred office space, addressing the growing demand for work environment catering to the needs of the fast-rising BPO sector.

The first tower will be comprised of 20 floors; the second, 15 floors; and the third, 10 floors. Acclaimed architectural firm Pimentel Rodriguez Simbulan & Partners (PRSP) has been tapped to design the three buildings, all conforming to the standard standards required by BPO facilities.

Rockwell has earmarked P2 billion for the construction of the BPO complex, which is expected to have its ground-breaking in July 2007. The first two towers will be completed by the end of 2008.

The BPO complex to be developed by Rockwell will be different from the usual mold, infusing greenery and more "breathing space" into an office setting. This will provide a healthier and more conducive work environment.

"Having secured our position as the choice developer for the high-end segment, we are bringing our expertise into building a BPO complex that will carry the Rockwell stamp of excellence," Cordero said.

The said undertaking signals Rockwell’s endeavor to move beyond its pioneer development in Makati City. Its ongoing project at the Rockwell Center, Number One Rockwell, has been experiencing brisk sales take-up, with 79 percent of the units already sold.

when we say BPO industry, remember that this is not just call centers.. there are other jobs that are in the BPO industry and doesnt have to be night shift like call centers.. im currently working as a software engineer in a multinational BPO company.. and i have to say that the pay and rewards are good enough..

Tuesday, July 31 2007 @ 05:23 PM BST

National
“Before: Knowledge, attitude and skills; Now: Knowledge, language, attitude and skills.”

Thus proclaimed a streamer of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) which had President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the principal guest at the launching this morning of its Language Skills Institute (LSI) in Taguig City.

The President launched the LSI together with Sen. Edgardo Angara, a former president of the University of the Philippines (UP), and Labor and Employment Secretary Arturo Brion, Taguig Vice Mayor George Elias, and TESDA head Augusto Syjuco.

In his speech during the LSI launching ceremony, Syjuco thanked the Chief Executive for her “leadership by inspiration… and unshakeable sense of vision” which, he said, have brought “a new dawn of hope” to the country’s out-of-school and unemployed youth.”

The event was also attended by officials of the embassies of Mexico, Kingdom of Jordan, Japan, Spain, China, Indonesia and the Taiwan Economic Office.

Syjuco said that TESDA is determined to “broaden the impact of Tech-Voc courses, and ensure the teaching of “value-added” TESDA courses with the integration of the following “PGMA innovations -- language skills and culture orientation.”

He said 37 other TESDA language institutes in various parts of the country were activated simultaneously with the Taguig City LSI launching.

During the same affair, Syjuco unveiled the new acronym for overseas contract workers from OFW for Overseas Filipino Workers, to Pinoy WOW for “Workers of the World.”

WOW “must be language proficient,” he added.

Syjuco informed the President that “TESDA activities are in high gear” while other projects are in the incubation stage, ensuring “another banner year for TESDA.”

Syjuco also regaled the President with the success stories of some TESDA student-scholars, among them a former vegetable buyer/vendor and a visually-impaired scholar who have since become call-center agents; an Ifugao housewife and a widow from Jolo, Sulu who are about to be employed by call centers.

As an expression of their attitude to the President, the TESDA scholars serenaded her with their own version of Florante’s “Handog,” with the opening “Dahil sa iyo, nagkaroon ng katuparan ang aming mga pangarap…”

The government has allocated P1 billion a year for the TESDA scholarship program.

The President then visited three classrooms where students were being taught Chinese, Spanish and English as part of their skills training for call-center employment.

The 80-hour Chinese language tranining course is being taught by instructors from the Chinese Cultural Institute of the Philippines. On the other hand, the 25 students of the English-language course undergo 100 hours of training spread over 25 days, Monday to Friday, four hours a day.

This course uses a computer software program that even shows how the tongue should move as viewed from the side and the front for correct pronunciation.

Meanwhile, the Spanish-language instruction totals 254 hours at four hours daily from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday through Friday.

The LSI is “part of the TESDA’s bid in gearing up the world-class workers touted as Pinoy WOW.”

“TESDA has recognized that labor markets within and outside the country demand know-how in speaking other languages and understanding cultural differences,” Syjuco said.

He added that TESDA is “now expanding its line of service by providing proficiency not just in skills competencies but in communication as well, particularly, what is useful in the workplace to fill the requirements of local and overseas jobs.”

The free language programs will also include Nihonggo, Italian and Russian.

Aside from conducting language training, the LSI’s three other missions are: as a National Language Certifying Authority, as a Language Technology Research and Resource Center; and as a Trainer’s Training Center. (PNA)

http://news.balita.ph/html/article.php/20070731172338775

Europe-based LogicaCMG to expand RP operations
By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio

Europe-based LogicaCMG vowed to expand its operations in the country given the Filipinos expertise in back office work like legal transcription and information technology (IT).

In a statement, Neil Elias, Philippine director for LogicaCMG global service delivery center, said the company is targeting to expand its operation in the Philippines for its IT, HR outsourcing, and office BPO work like data transformation, financial processing, and finance and accounting.

“The Philippines’ main advantage is the quality, enthusiasm, and attitude of its available workforce. Obviously, their knowledge of western culture, English language skills, and government assistance also help,” he said.

According to Elias, Filipino workers have the advantage in customer service which gives them the edge in the areas of HR, outsourcing management, customer service, back office work, and high-end niches such as legal transcription and IT.

“The major growth areas in BPO are financial services, back office work, HR management, and finance and accounting and will increasingly be global and large scale,” Elias explained.

Elias noted that in a span of five years, the information, communication and technology sector of the country that started from zero has moved to a quarter million employees.

“This success owes a lot to the work of organizations like the Philippine Business Processing Association and CITEM, the export promotions arm of the trade department. Attracting customers to the Philippines is perhaps the best promotion strategy. Conferences like e-Services Philippines can be a major benefit especially if they can be combined with company visits,” he explained.

Research consulting firms have cited the Philippines as among the top desirable destinations for offshore work because of its human resources.

In the most recent global study on Shared Services and Outsourcing (SSO), Frost and Sullivan cited the Philippines as among the top 10 destination countries for shared services outsourcing.

The same study estimates the global SSO market to be worth $930 billion and predicted that number to grow by 15 percent by 2009.

LogicaCMG provides business consulting systems integration and IT and business process outsourcing across diverse markets including telecoms, financial services, energy and utilities, industry, distribution and transport and the public sector. The company is headquartered in Europe and is listed on both the London Stock Exchange and Euronext in Amsterdam.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=49&type=2&sec=27&aid=2007080144

Lawson Software accelerates expansion, sees ready ERP solutions market in RP
By EDISON D. ONG

Watch out SAP and Oracle for Lawson has entered the arena.

Will it be a three-way race? Will Lawson Software, which has come of age in the Philippines, pull an upset victory?

This is the buzz among local IT fencesitters and media after confirmation that Lawson Software has set up a direct sales and marketing organization in its Lawson Philippines Solution and Services Center (PSSC) at the Fort Bonifacio Global City to serve its local customers and partners better.

"We see a ready market for Lawson’s solution in the Philippines. Mid-tier companies will find Lawson’s offering of cutting edge technical sophistication in a package that is simple to own and implement a big boost to their businesses and their ambitions to compete in the global market place," said David Hope, Regional Managing Director, Japan and Asia, Lawson Software Asia Pacific.

"Today we are simply closer to our customers in the Philippines. We have also raised the bar in service with a strong pool of technology, sales and marketing professionals now even more accessible to our customers," he continued.

Lawson Software, a leading global Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions ad applications provider, has always competed with SAP and Oracle, said Hope, however "We differentiate from them through (the use of) Java technology which they do not have."

He added that the Lawson launched its direct presence in the Philippines to offer a full suite of solutions for the local market.

Lawson plans to grow its market share in the country by tapping the potential and demand for ERP solutions from midtier companies in the manufacturing and trade industries including in the food and beverage, fashion and distribution businesses. Lawson customers’ revenue typically ranges from $ 20 million to $ 1 billion.

Lawson industry-specific solutions address two major challenges cost-conscious customers in the Philippines face – the need for full functionality, industry-specific enterprise software solutions and the need for rapid implementation and time-to-value.

For new solutions and applications, Hope said, "you can look forward to the M3 7.1, Lawson’s biggest release to date, as well as our pre-configured industry-specific Quickstep solutions which we will progressively roll out in the Philippines. This is a very exciting year for us."

Lawson plans to double the current sales revenue contribution from Asia as a region with revenue contribution coming from newer markets such as the Philippines and Malaysia.

Lawson Software, formerly Intentia International ABG, has been operating in Asia for more than 10 years and was represented in the Philippines via a local partner.

With its accelerated plan of expansion, Lawson now adopts a new hybrid business model where a combination of direct operations and business partners is applied across the region. The hiring of local direct sales and marketing talent seated in the Philippines underscores Lawson’s belief in the talent and skills of the local workforce and the potential of the mid-tier segment of the ERP market, and its commitment to customers and partners in the country.

In November 2006, Lawson Software has opened for business in the country. At present it has a 400 workstation global software development and support center here.. It is the biggest in its global network of software development hubs. It plans to expand it to 1,000 more stations by end of 2007.

It’s initial investment has reached $ 15 million and another $ 6 million has been earmarked for the coming months.

http://www.mb.com.ph/INFO2007080298930.html

INQUIRER.net
Last updated 11:10am (Mla time) 08/03/2007


CEBU CITY, Philippines -- Global management consulting and technology services firm Accenture has expanded its operations in the country with the opening of a facility here in Cebu.

The Cebu facility, which will initially have 500 seats, will provide “high-value” information technology outsourcing services like application management service, systems development and other related services to global clients, said Keith Haviland, lead of delivery center network for technology of Accenture.

Executives declined to disclose the amount invested in the new facility.

This is part of the company's global delivery center network, which employs about 28,000 people in North America, Europe, Latin America, India, China and the Philippines. Accenture now employs 12,000 people in the country, the company said.

Beth Lui, country managing director of Accenture delivery center in Manila, said the company’s Cebu facility is part of a strategy of finding more professionals outside of Metro Manila.

Haviland said there remains a strong demand for its services, but declined to give details of the company's ramp-up in Cebu.

“We will still grow our Manila operations,” added Haviland.

The company aims to have 65,000 professionals in its global delivery network by the end of 2007.

Lui said Accenture has been in the IT outsourcing and business process outsourcing services for the past two decades. She said it has moved some of the work from Manila to Cebu.

“Cebu is capable of providing us the talent pool we need,” Lui said, adding that it will soon replicate its industry and academe partnership it started in Manila in Cebu.

The Cebu facility will initially focus on IT outsourcing, including system integration and application management services. It will later bring its business process outsourcing and call center business to Cebu as it accepts more outsourcing jobs.

Haviland said that the Philippines and India are among the largest outsourcing hubs of Accenture worldwide.

India employs 35,000 professionals to date, said Haviland.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and government executives were in Cebu to join the inauguration of the Cebu facility.

Graveyard shift (http://www.bulatlat.com/2007/08/graveyard-shift)

Recent trends reveal a new, more disturbing facet of call center employment: members of the academic community, students, graduates, and now, even the faculty, are leaving the university to work in such agencies because of the attractive pay

Mark (not his real name) was on his third cup of coffee, working the 10pm-9am shift, when one of his calls turned irate. Apparently, the American caller had picked up on the slight “Filipino” lilt in his voice and slipped into an angry tirade, accusing him and other Asians of “stealing jobs from hardworking Americans.”

Recent trends, however, reveal a new, more disturbing facet of call center employment: members of the academic community, students, graduates, and now, even the faculty, are leaving the university to work in such agencies because of the attractive pay. The development of a call center in the UP North S&T Park is a concrete manifestation of the intrusion of call centers into the academe.

The teacher is out

Prof. Erwin Bautista, former chair of the Department of European Languages (DEL) and himself a call center employee, gives a simple explanation. “The financial compensation is very attractive. What you receive outside, you will not get from the university.”

While Bautista acknowledges that being a UP professor carries with it many perks, such as research opportunities and an intellectually conducive ambience, he asserts that the institution’s inability to provide for their basic needs frustrates even the most committed educators.

According to Bautista, the salaries they receive are based on the languages they can fluently speak.

“A colleague of ours…just resigned last May. She was an instructor here, so an instructor gets [around] P11,000 ($239 at an exchange rate of $1=P45.84). Aside from English, she knows French and Spanish, so the offer [from a call center company] was between P50,000 ($1,090) and P60,000 ($1,308).

‘ Yung 11,000, hindi ‘yon Instructor 1, parang Instructor 3,” (The P11,000 I was referring to is not even for those in the level of Instructor 1 but Instructor 3.) he said. Bautista, who was an Associate Professor (AP) in DEL, said the salary received even by tenured faculty in UP pales in comparison to the pay offered by call centers. “Magkano lang ba ang [AP], ang liit-liit, P23,000 ($501) gross, may tax pa ‘yan. How many years have I been in UP, 20? ‘ Yung P23,000 ($501), starting salary lang ‘yun sa [call center].”(How much is the salary of an associate professor? It is a mere P23, 000 or $501 gross without tax deductions yet. How many years have I been in UP before I reached this level? 20 years. The P23, 000 or $501 I am receiving now is just the starting salary in call centers.)

Bautista added that the swift career growth in a call center – an entry-level agent, for example, can apply for a supervisory position in just six months – is another attraction.

Formerly a customer service representative, Bautista now trains new recruits for the same company while on leave from the university.

The primary attraction of the Philippines as an outsourcing hub is cheap labor – companies served by call centers pay in dollars, and the measly wage of $6-$10 a night, given the high peso-to-dollar exchange rate, is an offer too good for most Filipinos to pass up. This, however, remains a far cry from the wages received by their American counterparts, which are around 80 percent higher.

Working student

Mark, meanwhile, was enrolled with a full-load of 15 units at the UP College of Mass Communication when he worked as a customer service representative for a large American cable company over a year ago.

“There were four of us in the family studying when I decided to work. Mahirap ang buhay, [at] malaking tulong din sa pamilya ‘yung sinusuweldo ko.” (The times are hard and the salary I am receiving helps a lot.) At that time, Mark recalls that his salary peaked to over P20, 000 ($436) most of which went to paying grocery and electricity bills, apart from his “remittance” to his father.

Mark, who is now on his last year as a Journalism major, worked in a prominent call center facility in Commonwealth Ave., just a jeepney ride away from UP. Many of his officemates were also from UP; one was from the College of Social Work and Community Development, while another was from Public Administration and Governance. “I even saw a former USC [University Student Council] councilor training there,” he adds.

A year into his job, however, Mark was “practically compelled” by his supervisors to resign due to his excessive absences and habitual tardiness. He was made to choose between resigning or awaiting the decision of the company’s bosses. If the decision was to fire him, Mark would not be able to get his pro-rated monetary benefits, like performance bonus and 13th- month pay.

“Ang hirap kasi ng schedule ko. (My schedule was too heavy.) Every day after my work, I’d have to go straight to school to attend my classes. And then work ulit sa gabi,” (And then work again at night.) he explained. Mark was on a four-day work schedule every week, 11 hours every day.

Brain drain

The UP population isn’t the only academic community being drawn to call centers. With the Filipinos’ facility with the English language, the government seems adamant in maintaining its grip on this so-called “sunshine industry.” To illustrate, the past few years saw a re-orientation of the educational system towards the outsourcing industry.

The Technical Education Skills Development Authority, a government agency that provides vocational training for employment, has collaborated with outsourcing firms to provide free call center and medical transcription courses. After insistent lobbying from call center agencies, Gloria Arroyo also approved the allocation of P500 million ($10,907,504) for the “re-education” of “near-hires” – a term used to describe the 92 percent of applicants who fail to make it into call centers.

Some private schools have also instituted “call center subjects” in their curricula. Spoken English is now emphasized as never before, with some elementary schools integrating “Dynamic Education” (DynEd), a spoken English training course, into their syllabus. A part of the DynED module teaches students how to answer calls as if working the front desk of a company.

These programs are manifestations of the government’s insistence to keep the call center market flowing with a steady stream of intellectuals.

Even other support sectors, like the real estate and information and communications technology, are pitching in to provide the infrastructure to ensure the longer stay of call center facilities in the country.

Mark, on the other hand, is wary of promising not to return to his previous job. “I don’t want to go back to working in a call center, but if employment remains scarce when I graduate, I don’t think I have any other option,” he says.

True enough, for as long as the government is incapable of providing decent employment to its graduates and professionals, the academe would slowly be robbed of its most valued resources.

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

Also posted in the Education (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=467143&page=6) thread. :colgate:

so totoo pala ang balita sakin na laging urgent at hirings

Philippine Star
Tuesday, August 7, 2007

DPC Data Inc., one of the leading providers of high-quality data processing management services in the US, has forged a joint venture with a local firm to put up a Philippine subsidiary.

At the firm’s inauguration of its state-of-the-art facility in Union Bank Plaza in Ortigas Center, DPC Data chairman and CEO Peter Schmitt said its local subsidiary is among the first Philippine companies to engage in the business of knowledge process outsourcing (KPO).

“There are truly bright people all over the world who work in the securities data field. But here in the Philippines, I have found such concentration of intelligence, high work ethic, and intrinsically humane values,” Schmitt said, adding that this will make the Philippines the main hub for their Asian operations.

Julius B. Gorospe, DPC Data Philippines chief executive officer, said DPC Data and Noypips Inc., a Filipino-owned high-value data processing company, have teamed up to be able to gain access to a broader market.

“This is part of our overall strategic scheme to expand our presence in other parts of the globe,” Gorospe said, noting that this marks the first time a US-based KPO firm will put up an office in Asia.

Gorospe said DPC Data has always considered the Philippines as one of the venues for expansion as the country has a competitive advantage over others in terms of skills and compatibility of culture and laws.

“When it comes to business and legal framework, we have an edge as we conform and/or share similar culture with that of the US,” he said.

Aside from their existing US clients, Gorospe said the partnership will enhance their capabilities to respond to the need for comprehensive and reliable investment information of other financial markets in the region.

“All the data that will be processed in our Philippine branch will be for export. We are eyeing a wider clientele base by tapping the Asia Pacific region and the Middle East markets,” Gorospe, also a principal at Noypips Inc., added.

Gorospe, who created the Sequelnet/Infocom network in 1995 and co-developed eMAXX (a fixed-income information service used by financial professionals worldwide), said the expansion of its operations will also involve setting up other offices within the Philippines.

“We are now in the process of looking at various areas where we can set up new offices,” he said.

Banking on the long-term prospects of this kind of business, he said the possibility of putting up branches in Cebu, Baguio, Davao and Cagayan de Oro, is in the offing.

“Evaluation of potential sites are now ongoing and we are likely to expedite the establishment of our Cebu office,” the company executive said.

Based in New Jersey, DPC Data has been archiving documents electronically since 1992. The firm provides custom data archiving, database creation and data management services, including document conversion, data extraction, full-text indexing, software development and web technology.

DPC Data also operates www.dpcdata.com, the municipal bond industry’s largest online collection of downloadable municipal disclosure documents, and Download-Prospectus.com, a service that enables broker/dealers to deliver official statements and prospectuses to investors over the Internet.

Through the years, DPC Data has steadily expanded its capabilities in data extraction, data remediation, and data collection capabilities with special expertise in equities, global fixed income, mutual funds and securities master creation and maintenance.

Inquirer
Last updated 09:35am (Mla time) 08/07/2007


British banking giant HSBC will open a second backroom servicing hub on the University of the Philippines (UP) campus in Diliman, Quezon City, before yearend, HSBC Philippines CEO Mark Watkinson said.

The new facility will bring the number of employees of HSBC Electronic Data Processing (Philippines) Inc. to nearly 8,000 from about 5,500 at present, Watkinson told the Inquirer.

“Construction has started. We will open in phases,” he said.

HSBC is building the facility on property leased from developer Ayala Land Inc., he said.

The new facility will cater to clients in the United States and United Kingdom, Watkinson added.

In 2005, HSBC opened a 185,000-square feet, five-story hub for group backroom service resourcing in Manila's Alabang suburb. With a capacity of 2,000 seats, it became HSBC’s eighth global service center after those in China, India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

According to government estimates, the average investment for call centers in the Philippines ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 per seat.

More Dutch firms outsourcing to Philippines (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=81669)

MANILA, Philippines -- Like many of their counterparts in other parts of the world, companies from the Netherlands are finding the Philippines an attractive outsourcing site, still due mainly to the country’s pool of highly skilled English-speaking workers, a Dutch executive said.

Brian Altman, managing director of Dutch information technology firm IAMD Software Solutions, said the Philippines was generally a good offshore alternative for European companies.

“Services of even the more common business processes will be hard -- and expensive -- to come by in Europe, and the Philippines is a very good alternative low-cost center for (business process outsourcing),” he said in a statement.

He said the Philippines’ telecommunications infrastructure, skilled workers and largely English-speaking population continued to give it a competitive edge over many other potential BPO sites the world over.

Other plus factors included relatively low labor costs as well as cultural similarities with Western countries, he added.

What the government and local stakeholders should do to make the country more attractive to potential outsourcers, he said, was package it properly by highlighting its competitive advantages.

“The Philippines should be marketed properly to the West. There should be more focus on the business side of the country: language advantage, modern infrastructure, high-tech cities like Makati, Eastwood City and Ortigas Center,” he said.

He said one good way of showcasing the country’s merits was through government-spearheaded trade missions, usually organized by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions.

“With more foreign nationals in the Philippines, a larger network of westerners is created, thus improving the promotion of the Philippines to the West,” he said.

There are currently around 30 Dutch companies in the country, including big-name firms such as Shell, Philips, Unilever and ABN Amro.

“The Dutch are very careful when it comes to outsourcing. This goes for most of the European market. Trade missions to Europe bridge that and, in important ways, project the Philippines as an attractive offshore location,” Altman said.

Are call centers a boon or bane? (http://www.upiasiaonline.com/economics/2007/08/27/commentary_are_call_centers_a_boon_or_bane/)

For a fresh college graduate who wants to earn more but prefers to stay in the Philippines, the most popular option is to work as a call center agent. Touted as the sunshine industry of the Philippines, the business process outsourcing, or BPO, industry has attracted hundreds of thousands of young Filipinos in recent years.

Last year, BPO companies earned more than US$3.5 billion employing about 230,000 workers. The call center sub-sector is the major component of the BPO industry, but other BPO services include medical transcription, software development, engineering and architectural design, human resource management services, legal transcription, back office and digital content.

The rise of the BPO industry reflects the phenomenal growth of the service sector. Unlike other Asian countries, the Philippine industrial and manufacturing sectors have been declining while the service sector increased significantly since the 1980s. In fact, half of the country's employed labor force that used to be in agriculture is now part of the service sector.

The Business Processing Association of the Philippines is optimistic about the prospects of the BPO industry. According to its projection, BPO companies will employ more than 900,000 workers and revenues will reach US$12 billion in the next three years.

It also has an interesting study about the direct and indirect benefits of the BPO industry to the Philippine economy. For example, by the year 2010, BPO companies will spend US$5 billion in annual salaries and benefits, 2.4 billion Big Mac meals will be consumed, 230,000 middle-class houses will be built, 10 million iPods will be sold, 190 million Bench jeans will be used and 700,000 classrooms will be constructed from tax earnings.

Why is the Philippines an ideal investment destination for BPO companies? As the world's third largest English-speaking country, the Philippines has a large labor pool of college graduates. The Philippines also offers the second lowest cost of operating a call center seat in the world next to India.

But industry players are also worried that the Philippines is quickly losing its competitiveness to other countries. They cite the "insufficient quantity of suitable and willing talent to fuel growth, lack of office space to achieve BPO target expansion, persistent perception of Philippines as a high-risk investment and existence of well-organized, well-resourced and highly aspirational competitors" (e.g. India, China).

Prof. Jorge Sibal quoted a 2005 study which identified the prevalence of natural disasters, security threats, data theft, high levels of corruption, slow government bureaucracy, high electricity costs, expensive telecommunications systems and the digital divide in the country as factors why the Philippines received a poor investment profile.

BPO companies are also complaining about the deteriorating English language proficiency among the youth. They blame the mismatch between the training of students and the actual needs of the industry. Alarmed by this issue, President Gloria Arroyo signed an Executive Order which made the English language as the medium of instruction in schools. Education agencies were instructed to improve training infrastructure for call center agents. Some public universities have begun hosting call center operations and a new curriculum was offered to students who are eager to work in call centers in the future.

BPO companies may be offering higher salaries but they also confront labor issues. The United States is the biggest market of BPO industry which requires call center operations during the evening. Graveyard shift workers are exposed to many health risks. They are also deprived of "socialization opportunities" with family and friends. The call center sub-sector is changing the nightlife of Manila. Bars, restaurants and convenience stores are open every morning to accommodate the night workers.

There is almost no labor union in BPO companies. Collective bargaining agreements can improve salaries and benefits of call center agents, especially the night shift workers. BPO employees admit that there are many companies which discourage the formation of labor unions.

A 2004 study highlighted some of the frustrating work conditions encountered by call center agents: "Aside from working at ungodly hours, some work at the computer 7.5 hours a day, giving the same answers to the same questions. Workers are exposed to racist and insulting remarks and are not allowed to retaliate or hang up without the team leader's permission. When dealing with an irate caller, they have to read a script three times to warn the caller of their improper behavior before they can drop the call. Worst, they are not supposed to be Filipinos when they talk to their callers."

Wilson Wy Tiu of the Philippine Employers and Labor Solidarity Partnership believes call center agents require psychiatric counseling. He thinks that mimicking a foreign culture every day has a negative impact on the mental health of workers.

Dr. Edgardo Espiritu, an economist and former government minister, cautions the current administration against relying on the BPO as a "major driver of sustained growth." He is worried that call centers make the Philippine "growth prospects too dependent on foreign economic cycles." He warns that BPO investments do not offer much opportunity in terms of technology transfers and linkages with other domestic industries. He notes that the BPO industry has a "limiting effect on the development of human resources in terms of acquiring new learning and skills."

Aside from nursing, call center jobs will remain the most popular career options for young Filipinos in the next few years. This is indicative of the failure of the domestic economy to produce adequate opportunities for highly skilled college graduates. The BPO industry will continue to raise government revenues and individual incomes while encouraging Filipinos to stay in the country.

But it is also dangerous to exaggerate the importance of the BPO industry. The government should put more emphasis on propelling the domestic economy as a whole rather than making public institutions and laws serve the needs of BPO companies.

It is not certain how long outsourcing will remain a profitable industry. Foreign firms can decide tomorrow if they want to shift outsourcing operations somewhere else. If that day comes, what will happen to call center academies? What is the alternative employment for English-speaking and insomniac call center agents?

Dell expands RP customer support services

INQUIRER.net
Last updated 12:23pm (Mla time) 08/29/2007


MANILA, Philippines -- American computer company Dell Inc. is expanding its customer support services in the Philippines but has yet to announce new investments in its local operations.

Dell is targeting to end the year with 2,500 workers, said Michael Garrison, head of Dell International Services Philippines. In an interview, Garrison said the company is on track to meet this target and currently employs around 1,500 workers.

Dell started its contact center operations in the country in 2006 and now operates two facilities located in Eastwood, Quezon City and at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The Philippine centers provide mostly technical support for Dell desktop and laptop users in the US.

Garrison said there are plans to expand local support for a service called "Dell On-Call", offered to consumer and business customers for a fee. This service covers basic Microsoft applications and can extend to business software such as accounting, said Garrison.

"We continue to add product families to support," he added.

Dell runs customer support services in 25 sites worldwide. The Pasay City site was ranked number one in a customer satisfaction survey conducted by Dell. :applause:

Dell to send Filipinos to call centers abroad :applause:

By Ronnel Domingo
Inquirer
Last updated 05:06am (Mla time) 08/30/2007


Dell Inc. plans to send highly trained Filipino employees abroad to help start up call centers in its global network.

This is part of the Dell philosophy of deploying experts where they are needed.

“When we started here in the Philippines, we brought in people from the United States, Panama and elsewhere,” said Michael J. Garrison, country manager of Dell International Services Philippines Inc.

“Now, it is the Philippines’ turn to send some of its best people to help out with new sites,” Garrison said.

Asked whether there were such plans, Garrison said there was none so far but that Filipinos were lined up for deployment.

He said this was partly a result of the prestige that Dell’s Philippine call centers have earned.

Its Pasay City call center was cited as best in customer satisfaction, under Dell’s worldwide internal recognition system.
Dell has 25 call centers spread across the globe, employing some 78,700 team members.

“As for local expansion, we would see how things would be when we reach 2,500 employees,” Garrison said. “We will assess how we are doing and decide on what to do then.”

“(But) we are really excited about the quality of work that we turn out here and our ability to scale up our services,” he said. “That says a lot about our team members.”

He also said that the firm was going for more high-value services as it expects to reach its target workforce size of 2,500 people ahead of schedule.

Dell operates two sites that cater exclusively to users of Dell products, one at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City and another in the Eastwood City area in Libis, Quezon City.

“We already have 1,500 people in Pasay and 700 in Eastwood,” Garrison said. “The plan was to grow to 2,500 people by end-2007, but we may do that sooner.”

He said the company’s direction was to add new service offerings and go up the technical ladder rather than grow in number.

“This does not necessarily translate into an expansion of workforce but more of retraining existing employees" for more complex jobs, he said.

Networking equipment vendor 3Com plans to relocate its Asia Pacific contact center operations to the Philippines.

3Com Asia Pacific vice president and general manager Peter Chai said the company has chosen the Philippines as the site for the contact center services for Asia Pacific. "We're moving to the Philippines from Canada, where our call center team is currently located," Chai told reporters.

"We're doing this to simplify our processes and strengthen our multilayer support services," he said. The relocation of the contact center operations is thought to be a result of the US-based tech firm anticipating a growth in demand for technical assistance from its customers.

US-based, Dutch-owned telecommunication company Sykes Asia has received tax exemption and other investment incentives from the Philippine Board of Investments to open an new contact center in Manila.

The Sunnymede Center, due to be constructed in Quezon City, would have up to 1,908 seats and would start operations with 1,539 agents. At full capacity, the project will employ 2,608 agents and support personnel, Sykes said.

Sykes said the contact center would offer both inbound and outbound call services, with specialisation in technical support operations for clients in the American and European markets.

By Max V. de Leon
Reporter

THE substandard accuracy of Filipino medical transcriptionists is hindering the growth of the local industry, US-based medical transcription services provider MxSecure Inc. said.

Colin Christie, MxSecure president and CEO, said errors that are noted in the documents being produced by local transcriptionists are wrong word conjugation, misspelling, grammatically incorrect sentence construction and wrong use of pronouns.

The other problems noted among Filipinos in the medical-transcription business are the slow typing speed and the penchant to do the job manually.

Christie said all these are contributing to the slowing growth of the industry since the poor quality of documents is slowing the turnaround time of medical-transcription service providers, like MxSecure, that are commissioning the services of Filipino transcriptionists.

Normally, Christie said, MxSecure is promising its customers a 24-hour turnaround time, although there are times when the poor quality of documents is causing them up 36 hours of turnaround.

For the MxSecure partners in the Philippines, Christie said, the average accuracy of the transcriptionists is about 92 percent, which is considered in the industry as substandard.

There are some documents, she said, which are even rated as having only 70- percent accuracy.

Because of this, local companies employ three layers of work from the actual transcription work to proofreading.

MxSecure is outsourcing to the Philippines about 82 percent of its six million lines of medical-transcription documents per month.

“We would like to grow the Philippine operations more if we could improve the quality of the documents,” she said.

MxSecure has 15 medical-transcription partner-firms in the Philippines employing about 1,000 people.

There is still a lot of opportunity for growth, she said, since the US is projected to increase its outsourced medical-transcription work to $4.2 billion in 2008 from only $2.3 billion in 2004.

Christie said they would now focus on helping their Philippine partners to improve their accuracy, which is why they are putting up a representative office here.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0907&082007/economy06.html

This thread is dedicated to local Metro Davao businesses and corporations and its contribution to Mindanao and the Philippine economy. Post away peeps! :okay:

These are businesses which are born and started in Davao Cities - Davao City, Panabo City, Digos City, Island Garden City of Samal, Tagum City, Mati City and the four provinces comprising DAVAO - Compostella Valley, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, and Davao del Sur! :okay: post away peeps!

one example of this is OCTAGON Computer Store which now has several branches all over the country.

Octagon Slogan: From the Philippines' most beautiful city, DAVAO

:banana: :banana: :banana:

Bro..can u post pix of Octagon? thnx!

Octagon

Established in 1982 in Davao City as a retailer of IT products, Columbia Computer has grown rapidly from a single channel to a vast number of superstores and chain stores nationwide. This is evident by the Management Team’s philosophy of creating awareness on the latest advancements in Information Technology and making them available to the public. With a sound understanding of consumer needs and industry trends, the management team is well-positioned to steer the direction of the company.

Our existence nationwide merely shows company’s growth beyond expectations. Recently, Columbia Computer has adopted the name Octagon Computer Superstore for the newly opened branches in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao region.

Octagon, being one of the fastest growing retail stores, offers a diverse range of genuine and high quality IT products at a reasonable price, thus customers are making us the number one choice in providing complete computing solutions.

Through the years, Octagon’s presence in the IT market has created an enviable reputation. Currently, the company ranks as the top IT reseller in the Philippine market.

To date, even with 37 branches in place, Octagon Computer Superstore is continually questing for greater heights, seeking more branches nationwide.

Jollibee?

^^ Good morning bro....Jollibee started in Metro Manila as ice cream parlors.

To those non Dabawenyos who didnt know...the owner of Jollibee is our very own - fellow Dabawenyo, Tony Tan Caktiong. :okay:

^^

Good day Bro!

So we'll go for really home-grown businesses? Cool. I guess we have plenty of them.

Davao Tuna To Go and Grill? They had their first resto in Times Beach and has now expanded to as far as Glendale, CA.

^^

Colasas Chicken BBQ now has a branch in QC, MM.

^^

Dizon Farms has a fruit store in Makati.

^^

Good day Bro!

So we'll go for really home-grown businesses? Cool. I guess we have plenty of them.

Davao Tuna To Go and Grill? They had their first resto in Times Beach and has now expanded to as far as Glendale, CA.

Wow...umabot sila ng Glendale California? cool! I think i saw one sa SM Mega mall too...

Halo and The Venue have presence in the Visayas....

^^

Dizon Farms has a fruit store in Makati.

and Dizon Farms are the supplier of most veggies and fruits which we can find in major malls around the country. Here in Cebu, most of the veggies and fruits are being supplied by Eden and Dizons. :okay:

Halo and The Venue have presence in the Visayas....

Unfortunately, nagclose ang HALO here in Cebu. With THE VENUE, hindi sila natuloy. For me, its a blessing in disguise kc i want THE VENUE to be in Davao lang since its a landmark na sa Davao and like a tourist destination na rin.

But their other bar, AUTOSHOP is doing well here in Cebu :okay:

^^

Nice to know that>>

^^

Vitarich is owned by the Sarmientos in Davao del Norte...

^^

DAMOSA of the Floirendos has presence in CDO

^^

Vitarich is owned by the Sarmientos in Davao del Norte...

Wow :rock: i didnt know that! nice ah! akala ko its a luzon based company!

^^

RS Autosphere who originally distributed KIA cars in Davao has branches in other Mindanao Cities such as Gensan.

^^

DAMOSA of the Floirendos has presence in CDO

anong business nila dun bro?

Anyway DIMSUM DINER has branches all over Mindanao.

Wow :rock: i didnt know that! nice ah! akala ko its a luzon based company!

They are based in Davao and even figured prominently in politics too...the likes of the former congressman Roger Sarmiento.

the famous CITI HARDWARE has branches all over the country. And it's from DAVAO!

^^ i hope we can post the company/business names with pix/logos and description of the businesses.

anong business nila dun bro?

Anyway DIMSUM DINER has branches all over Mindanao.

I'm not sure but I think it's called DAMOSA too. It's on the Lapasan Hi-way almost in front of Gaisano City.

Mandarin Restaurant (which happens to be one of my favorites in Davao) has branches in CDO, Tagum and I think Gensan too.

I'm not sure but I think it's called DAMOSA too. It's on the Lapasan Hi-way almost in front of Gaisano City.

Well....not that im selfish, but i wish that they would focus their efforts and investments in Davao first :rock: since Dabawenyos have fully supported their family whether in business or politics :)

^^ Bioessence is from Davao! It has branches all over Metro Manila! :righton: Mamaya paguwi ko sa haus, i ll post pix of the mentioned businesses and other corps too.

^^ Woh! lots of infos there bros...:banana: :banana: :banana:

^^

Damosa teej stands for Davao Motor Sales and that I guess was the first business of the Floirendos before they ventured into banana farming. They were the distribitor of imported car brands (including but not limited to Ford ) in Mindanao dating back to the 60s. When business was booming in Davao they had to expand to a city that has something to offer (business-wise) such as CDO.

^^

Holiday Taxi, Hotel and Fitness Centres are from Davao (Bangayans) and they have expanded in Cebu as well.

^^ they also have one in Manila. oh yeah...HOLIDAY SPA!

can someone post pix and logos? weeee...pati info din? :righton:

^^

Sorry I'm too busy to do that now...maybe I could swing it next time...

^^ i ll do that later pagdating ko sa haus...nasa workstation pa me :( walang photobucket..

anyway thnx bro :okay:

NetExpress is Davao based too :okay:

Right on Teej...I'll do my share when time permits...:okay:

Of course! Who could ever forget NCCC? From a small telahan to a big-time retail store, now it also maintains malls not only in Davao City but in Tagum and Palawan, as well! It also owns the proverbial Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa. :)

bacnotan cement?

Of course! Who could ever forget NCCC? From a small telahan to a big-time retail store, now it also maintains malls not only in Davao City but in Tagum and Palawan, as well! It also owns the proverbial Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa. :)

they are also going to pour investments in METRO Butuan ;)

One Network Bank to open 25 more branches in Mindanao PDF Print E-mail
Written by Walter I. Balane / MindaNews
Friday, 26 January 2007 10 18 45

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/25 Jan) – The Mindanao-based One Network Bank (ONB) is eyeing to open 25 more branches around Mindanao in five years, a bank official said.

Alex Buenaventura, ONB president, said they intend to open five branches every year in five years, mostly in rural areas.



The 25 branches might not even be enough compared to the number of branches they need to open, Buenaventura told reporters Wednesday after the Club 888 press conference.



ONB posted a 69-percent increase in income in 2006 at P245 million, compared to P145 million in 2005.



He attributed the bank's recovery of loans from public school teachers as the main impetus for the increase.



He said the bank's performance improved when they offered agribusiness loans and also direct commercial banking services



The bank has 64 branches around Mindanao and is scheduled to open in March another branch in Sasa district, Davao City.



Buenaventura said ONB has a P903-million net capital at the end of 2006, which qualifies them to move from a rural bank to a thrift bank. An initial capital to open a thrift bank is P280 million.



He said, however, that it is still short of converting the bank into a commercial bank, which requires them to put up a capital of at least P2.7 billion.



Buenaventura said they intend to stay as a rural bank and will not shift to a thrift or a commercial bank. "We’d rather be the biggest rural bank with commercial banking services, than just be one of them," he said.



He said ONB was able to capture the commercial banking needs of big businesses in the areas where they have branches. He said even if there were only a few of these depositors, he cited that these depositors are some of the biggest depositors in more urbanized areas.



ONB, which uses the slogan "Pera ng Mindanao, Para sa Mindanao," intends to open branches only in Mindanao. He said they do not believe in redirecting their focus in other areas as they see a lot of potential for growth and expansion in Mindanao.



He said another of ONB's strength is their very wide distributor network of big banks, which do not have branches in Mindanao. He said there are also ongoing negotiations for distributorship services to international banks.



In 2006, the Rural Banking Corporation of the Philippines reported that Mindanao accounts for roughly $4 billion in remittance business of the $8.6 billion recorded in 2004.



ONB is the first rural bank to get the nod of the Philippine Clearing House Corp. (PCHC) for its first-ever checking account.



The direct PCHC transaction, instead of a commercial bank acting as clearing bank, sped up and expedited clearing of its own checking account.


ONB is a merger between three Mindanao-based rural banks, Network Rural Bank (Davao del Sur), the Rural Bank of Panabo (Davao del Norte), and the Provident Rural Bank of Cotabato (North Cotabato).

^^ oh yeah...One Network is also a Davao based bank! thnx bro! keep em coming :okay:

^^

DAMOSA of the Floirendos has presence in CDO

It's right in front of Gaisano City Mall, a 5-hectare prime lot where the supposed to be 2nd SM Mall would be built (which SM had reportedly backed off). They have AnFlo Motors (taken from the name perhaps) and a Travel and Tours Agency within the property.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/anflo.gif

Alcantara & Sons

Phoneix Oil

Nenita Farms

Holiday Taxis

Panadero (?)

Menzi

It's right in front of Gaisano City Mall, a 5-hectare prime lot where the supposed to be 2nd SM Mall would be built (which SM had reportedly backed off). They have AnFlo Motors (taken from the name perhaps) and a Travel and Tours Agency within the property.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/anflo.gif


^^ oh..so SM Prime Holdings was supposed to build its project in a property owned by a Dabawenyo businessman! :okay: cool! thnx for the info gearx!

Panaderia Philippines Franchising, Inc.
It's not just another bakeshop in the corner ... fresh hot breads are cleanly made with premium ingredients and proper equipment - Davao City.

http://www.filipinolinks.com/Business_and_Economy/Franchise_Opportunities/more2.html

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8407/logooctagondg8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Octagon logo

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/341/davaomagsaysayfp7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Magsaysay branch

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/630/davaomonteverdetr8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Monteverde branch


www.octagon.com.ph/.../stores/ncr.html

they are also going to poor investments in METRO Butuan ;)
imo butuan is a bright prospect because of its enormous potential. its cache area (agusan provinces surigao bukidnon and parts of misamis and smaller cities) is just is huge. i believed the market has not reached full saturation levels and as regional centre its catching everybodys attention

bacnotan cement?
?chiquitita bananas
?crown canned fruits

imo butuan is a bright prospect because of its enormous potential. its cache area (agusan provinces surigao bukidnon and parts of misamis and smaller cities) is just is huge. i believed the market has not reached full saturation levels and as regional centre its catching everybodys attention

syntactic correction... i meant "pour" and not "poor" ;)

butuan has good potentials ... if only their planners there are more pro-people :cheers:

^^

Clever!!

^^ oh yeah...One Network is also a Davao based bank! thnx bro! keep em coming :okay:

Isn't ONB's original name Northern Mindanao Development Bank? or ibang bank yon?

http://www.mandarin.com.ph/pics/front%20logo.jpg

http://www.mandarin.com.ph/titles/company-profile.jpg


“Mandarin Tea Garden”, a restaurant owned and managed by Uptown Plaza Corporation, was an offshoot of ten successful in fast-food business. The company venture started as a restaurant serving Filipino and Chinese dishes. In a span of six years, it was observed that sales of “Chinese Dimsum” far outweigh the rest of the products in the menu. Besides the brisk sales, it has gained a loyal followers. Inspired by this success, the management decided to focus on this product line.


The name “Mandarin Tea Garden” was so chosen because it connotes of Chinese origin. As in any venture, a high name recall is good for business. Mandarin Tea Garden has since become synonymous with “Chinese Dimsum”

Nine years after it started, Mandarin Tea Garden has become an entity of nine restaurants spread out in Southern Mindanao. In its home city, Davao, it has branched out to five locations. It has also branch out to two major cities in Mindanao, namely, in Cagayan de Oro and General Santos Cities.(Please see Contact Us for contact information of different branches of Mandarin Tea Garden)

This has prompted other entrepreneurs to emulate the successes of Mandarin Tea Garden. Being the first the best and the most-tested, Mandarin Tea Garden has withstood the test of competition and have been experiencing a business boom.

The management team has continually strived to improved on itself. Product development is a continuous process. New items are dished out regularly. Only authentic Chinese dimsums were served, using the best ingredients available and by hiring experienced cooks. This has kept our patrons coming back for more. Every visit promises an exciting culinary adventure – and at very reasonable prices.

The company’s goal is to make affordable and good quality Dimsum available to as many people as possible. This would entail an expansion over geographical areas where Mandarin Tea Garden has not yet covered. Noting that a business is successful only with having dedicated and acknowledgeable people on board, the company believes that this can be possible through training and franchising.

We are willing to teach and share with you our experiences – tried and tested over the years. You don’t have to undergo a gestation period because we’ll be there to help you. Been there, done that… What would be a much better to start a business than in the company of experts?

www.mandarin.com.ph

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6258/imglogo2ul9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Phoenix Petroleum soars on market debut
By JUDITH BALEA

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc., the third company to list this year on the stock exchange, jumped 30 percent on its market debut on Wednesday.

The firm, which is engaged in the trading of refined petroleum products in Southern Philippines - opened higher at P14 and closed at P12.75 versus its listing price of P9.80.

Davao-based Phoenix is the first independent petroleum player to list its shares on the PSE since the oil deregulation law was passed in 1998. It raised P284 million in its maiden offering.

Denis Uy, president and CEO of Phoenix, said the company eyeing to put up a total of 50 retail stations by end of this year and an additional 40 stations per year until 2010.

The company is also planning to borrow as much as P900 million from local banks, in addition to net proceeds from its initial public offering (IPO), to fund expansion within the next five years.

"We can borrow the P900 million this year or next year to enable us to roll out expansion even without going back to the market," Teodoro Polinga, company chief financial officer, said at the sideline of Phoenix's official listing.

"We are currently in talks with banks BDO Equitable and Security Bank," he added.

Earlier, the company bought more than 3.5 hectares of property in Batangas Union Industrial Park through its unit Petroterminals Philippines Corp.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=84251

Correct me if im wrong..but based on my observation.....Most of the entrepreneurs fueling Mindanao's economy are Dabawenyos! :rock:

Correct me if im wrong..but based on my observation.....Most of the entrepreneurs fueling Mindanao's economy are Dabawenyos! :rock:


hope your statement won't trigger a debate...

^^ oh well...i ll take that back :) but the number of Dabawenyo entrepreneurs operating islandwide and nationwide speaks for itself! ;)

The Lorenzos of Del Monte are both from Davao and Zamboanga. The former cabinet secretary Lorenzo is an alumni of AdDU. Aside from being the local counterpart for the american-based Del Monte, the bulk of their business is located in Davao such as Tropifresh, Industrial Plants and fruit orchards.

The Alcantaras -a major player in the real estated sector and who own plywood plants, Sarangani Seafood (exported in Asia and North America), and a logging company, are also from Davao.

^^ oh well...i ll take that back :) but the number of Dabawenyo entrepreneurs operating islandwide and nationwide speaks for itself! ;)

right on kuya teej. wag na natin i-claim yung superlatives. ;) let the figures speak for themselves nalang.

wag tayo makisali sa empty litany of words! weeeeee! cheers! :cheers:

Isn't ONB's original name Northern Mindanao Development Bank? or ibang bank yon?

before ONB, there were Network Bank of Davao City, Rural Bank of Panabo & Probank of Cotabato. they concolidated and renamed One Network Bank.

Mindanao Devt Bank (MDB) was acquired by Equitable Bank then.

Davao in Butuan: CITI Hardware Ad Billboard
http://inlinethumb21.webshots.com/15188/2206181460101772735S600x600Q85.jpg

^^ and Express Hardaware is from Butuan i guess.

finding a job in Region XI ?you can check this blog

http://jobs-in-davao.blogspot.com/

before ONB, there were Network Bank of Davao City, Rural Bank of Panabo & Probank of Cotabato. they concolidated and renamed One Network Bank.

Mindanao Devt Bank (MDB) was acquired by Equitable Bank then.

I see. Thanks for the info @kulas :cheers:

Correct me if im wrong..but based on my observation.....Most of the entrepreneurs fueling Mindanao's economy are Dabawenyos! :rock:

you're correct kuya tj ..... :cheers:

... and for people who understand simple macro-economics, it won't be hard to understand why davao is still no. 1 in terms of economic growth. Davao's economy encompasses the whole of Mindanao and is not merely a recipient of foreign and domestic investments. The same goes with cebu and manila (also no. 1 in their respective areas) ....

the NSO figures in 2006 only reflected goods and services produced in the area (ca. GDP). and not a "GNP" -> for more of this discussion, see previous postings in the NM thread :lol:

one example of this is OCTAGON Computer Store which now has several branches all over the country.

Octagon Slogan: From the Philippines' most beautiful city, DAVAO

:banana: :banana: :banana:

Wasn't Octagon named "Columbia" before?

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/davaoradio.jpg

^^ and Express Hardaware is from Butuan i guess.

finding a job in Region XI ?you can check this blog

http://jobs-in-davao.blogspot.com/

yup...Express Hardware Davao Branch is owned by Butuan Express Hardware and DIY Shop....

Davao in Butuan : Uraya Farms, Tungao, Butuan City (Durian Plantations)
http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/16388/2927847110065082699S425x425Q85.jpg

Uraya Motors

Uraya Realty Corp.

Wasn't Octagon named "Columbia" before?

malamang hindi..since dito may 1 columbia naman at mga 4 na octagon (pweh..btw..those two stores are way too overpriced and the staff arent competent..

;15407837']malamang hindi..since dito may 1 columbia naman at mga 4 na octagon (pweh..btw..those two stores are way too overpriced and the staff arent competent..

Agree....Octagon's prices are "octagonally" very high and most of their staff know little about computers. You'll just scratch your head if you ask them. All they know is the price tag on the item. You'll be lucky if the owner's around because he's the only who can advise.

Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Panaderia: Not just another bakeshop
By Jenny Molbog-Mendoza

MEETING somebody as successful as Samuel Abrenilla, the owner of Panaderia bakeshop, one of the most popular bakery chains in the country today, was such a nice experience.

The Department of Science and Technology (Dost)-11 introduced me to Sir Sam, as he is fondly called, when I asked them if they could recommend somebody who can be regarded as a successful entrepreneur. They immediately pointed me to him.




Panaderia bakeshop, with branches in Cebu, Manila, and Davao is the first-ever Mindanao-based company, which ventured into franchising. It was established on September 28, 1989. Its first branch was in Toril, Davao City.

"Before, ang business namin ay grains retail. Tawag namin doon ay Lily's Grains Shop. Pero nagkaroon kami ng problema noon and we have decided to go into other business. Since may kapatid ako who is into a bakery business, nagbukas rin ako ng sarili kong bakery. Pero ang sabi ko, dapat kakaiiba ang sa akin. So, I started to conceptualize kung paano magiging kakaiba ang bakery ko," Abrenilla said.

With the help of his sibling, Abrenilla built his new enterprise. "Yong kapatid ko, binigyan nya ako ng master baker who can help me in my newly-found business. Kinausap ko ang master baker. Ang sabi ko sa kanya, Manong ganito ang gusto kong mangyari. Dahil wala pa akong pangalan, gusto ko na 'yong tinapay ko ang pinakamasarap, mainit, at parating bago," he said.

At first, Abrenilla's master baker had some hesitations since according to him it is impossible to offer hot and freshly baked bread the whole day. "Ang sabi kasi nya kailangan ng tatlong oras bago pwedeng isalang ang tinapay sa oven. Ang sabi ko naman, mahahanapan natin ng sollusyon ang problemang 'to. So ginawa naming by batch ang paglalagay sa oven. At para sigurado ang customers na talagang malinis ang aming produkto, naka-glass ang working area namin para kitang-kita talaga," he said.

Within 1989 and 1999, Panaderia was able to build a total of seven branches all over Davao City. In 2000, Panaderia became a franchising business.

"Nag-reorganize kami. Before year 2000 kasi family business pa ang Panaderia. That time kasi kalakasan ng franchising business, so, sinabi ko sa sarili ko na bakit hindi ko susubukan. Ang sabi ko pa nga sa sarili ko, kahit ganito lang ako kaliit ngayon, pwede akong lumaki balang araw," he said.

That same year, Abrenilla conceptualized a tagline that would perfectly describe his business, thus came up the statement "It's not just another bakeshop in the corner."

A year after, a franchisee opened a branch in Cebu, while another one built two in Manila. In the wake of this development, Abrenilla opted to change his tagline into a more positive and catchy sound. Until now, the bakeshop bears the statement "More than just a bakeshop."

Despite the success that he is presently reaping, Abrenilla still doesn't find it ultimate since according to him there is still a room for a huge improvement. "Ang success kasi relative 'yan. In a certain level, I am successful but it's not yet ultimate. This business is a journey, you keep on moving forward," he said.

Weapons to success

Abrenilla said the biggest weapon towards attaining development is being true to your clients. Quality of ingredients, spic and span equipments, and hygienic process are just few of many measures that Abrenilla is implementing in his enterprise.

"No matter how much we spend, we really don't care as long as we give value to our products. We always make sure that we use first-class ingredients para may distinct Panaderia taste talaga ang aming produkto. Actually, ina-alter namin ang common taste ng tinapay para mas gaganahan ang aming customers. Kumbaga, para mas maging kaaya-aya ang lasa ng aming produkto," he said.

Abrenilla assures his patrons that Panaderia will maintain its image forever.

"We maintain that quality. We keep up with our image. We keep rules and regulations that govern our workers," he said.

With the good practices being adopted by the bakeshop, it was picked as the National Shoppers' Choice in 2004 and 2005. It even received a distinction tagged as the 2004 Philippine Marketing Excellence Awards. If you want to get a franchise of Panaderia, please contact Abrenilla at 222-4933.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2005/09/07/feat/panaderia.not.just.another.bakeshop.html

RP set to overtake India in business outsourcing (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view_article.php?article_id=90204)
By Ronnel Domingo
Inquirer.net, Philippines
Last updated 06:06pm (Mla time) 09/23/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- THE PHILIPPINES is poised to overtake India as the world's top provider of business process outsourcing services as industry players firm up their strength and marketing efforts.

Cesar B. Bautista, co-chairman of the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the Indian cyber services sector was losing its edge as telecommunication infrastructure get saturated and costs go up.

"At the same time, our BPO sector has started strengthening their organization into something like India's Nasscom [National Association of Software and Services Companies], which can represent the members as a bigger and more influential entity," Bautista said.

He was alluding to the Business Process Association of the Philippines, which he said could now be more decisive because it had reformed its structure, unlike the "weak" group it had been in the past years.

Bautista, a former trade secretary who now represents the private sector in the NCC, said it was only expected that the Philippines would emerge as a leading provider of BPO services despite coming into it later than India did.

He noted that information technology-enabled services had become the fastest growing sector in the economy, which is expected to be providing some 400,000 jobs by the end of this year compared to 8,000 in 2000.

"Our cyber services sector is growing much than that of India and the projection that by 2010, the industry would represent a million jobs and $12 billion in revenues is not farfetched," Bautista said.

To prove his point, Bautista cited to a report that US-based research firm Frontier Strategy Group released earlier this month, which identified the Philippines as one of seven markets that would drive corporate profit growth in 2008 and beyond.

Titled "Shift from the BRIC to the Future 7," the study showed that the country--along with Indonesia, inland Brazil (as opposed to the coastal areas), inland China, Mexico, Turkey and Vietnam--was replacing the BRIC countries (coastal Brazil, Russia, urban India, and coastal China) as markets of fast growth.

Based on FSG's survey of at least 100 top executives from top performing firms in the world, 86 percent said the Philippines was a top destination in the Asia-Pacific-together with inland China, Vietnam and Indonesia.

:dance: :dance:

that's why our economy can't really rely on BPO over the long term,it easily gets saturated in a short period of time, and i felt that it won't be too long before china gets the largest chunk of this market anyway. this will surely benefit us in the short run but we shouldn't expect more than that. instead the government and the private sector should seek for more other ways to sustain our economic growth.

The way I see it,things like software development and other backdoor operations will be retained in India and spinned of to China. What will stay in Philippines would be the frontline service reps. Like call centers, in which Filipino's unbeatable communication skills and strong ability to mimick American Accent (we're virtually Americans for around half a century). Will be their invincible force de guerre....

that's why our economy can't really rely on BPO over the long term,it easily gets saturated in a short period of time, and i felt that it won't be too long before china gets the largest chunk of this market anyway. this will surely benefit us in the short run but we shouldn't expect more than that. instead the government and the private sector should seek for more other ways to sustain our economic growth.

And that's where the Mining sector comes in. We're also doing good in tourism.

SANA tama ang hinala nila, huwag naman sana puro propaganda lang. Naalala ko kasi sa kapanahunan ni Presidente RAMOS.. ika nga Philippines 2000.. Magandang target!! Malalampasan natin ang Malaysia at baka mapantayan pa natin ang Singapore.. :bash: Tapos nawalan din ng kahulugan... :ohno: Puro kasi imbestigasyon ng Senate...blah blah blah... We may think positive but the problem is the changing of administration. :lol: Filipinos are prone to investigation. If this will happen that more businesman for us and our country as one of the best bisiness outsourcing? Why not not.. :nuts: Wag naman sanang puro na lang hinala!!!

^^^ I agree completely. im beginning to think all these investigations in the senate are just for show and designed as a contest of who has the bigger dick. Its really becoming a hinderance to progress. You can piss on their pants and then have an investigation on who pissed on them!

Regarding BPO. I agree that this industry is quite fickle. While its turning in our favor we should start coming up with alternatives once we start to fade from the spotlight. I think the Philippines also has a very good chance of taking a big chunk of software, accounting, and other technical operations away from China and India. Take a look at eastwood, there are plenty of call centers located there but at the same time there are also plenty of backdoor technical operations going on.

A lot of the western nationals working in the Philippines have come to call the Philippines their second home. A fact my hubby can attest to. The cultural similarities make it easier for Americans to adjust to the country. I bet they can see themselves living in the country long term as opposed to maybe India or China.

^^ yeah i agree with ben..

in the company im working in right now, they're letting go of a big chunk of their IT workforce worldwide and will be bringing all the software development work here.. maybe as soon as next year everything will be sourced in the country which is great news for investment opportunites..

I highly doubt it. India and China will never run out of manpower. India has a billion people and China a billion and a half.

^^ you're right,.. this is a call to arms gentlemen ,..this for our nation's future.....start your engines.... :jk:

Don't worry we are catching up soon. I mean the population.

IMO, as long as the Philippines is moving forward and prospering little by little, it would be comforting to it's own people. It can be slowly but surely as long as there is stability in economy, government and enough livelihood for it's own people is enough for the time being, then, worry about being the world's leading nation if that will ever happen.

Even though China and India are equiped with a billion+ population each, i think quality will eventually win over quantity. I also believe that in the long run, western businessmen will put up their business in countries where they can see themselves and their families living.

A fab spa party for Jean Garcia


Full article (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife3_sept24_2007)


Jean Garcia and Bioessence, the Philippines’ premier skin, slimming and spa beauty center, really know how to party!

Bioessence renewed Jean’s endorsement contract at a fabulous event held last Sept. 8, at the newest branch of Bioessence on Connecticut Drive, Greenhills. The occasion, which coincided with Jean’s birthday, marked her third straight year as the celebrity endorser of Bioessence.

“I’m very thrilled to be part of the Bioessence family!” the captivating actress gushes. “Their services truly keep me youthful and beautiful. I’m thankful to Dr. Emma Guerrero and her entire staff for taking care of me,” says Jean. “Excited na akong mag-shoot ng bagong billboard at mag-promote ng kanilang bagong services!”

The exclusive, strictly by- invitation double celebration had a spa party-inspired theme. Guests, which included the entertainment press, Jean’s family and close friends, were treated to Bioessence’s signature treatments for the face, skin, and body. They also dined on very delectable dishes that complemented the evening’s casual and relaxing ambience. For entertainment, there were musical numbers and some stand-up comedy sketches.

Because Bioessence owner Dr. Emma Guerrero loves Jean so much, she had the Connecticut branch opened just for Jean’s party. “We haven’t formally opened this branch to the public yet. This event is like a soft launch,” Guerrero explains. “Jean’s such a gracious woman. We have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with her. In spite of the competition from other establishments, our sales at Bioessence remain consistently high. We attribute part of this to Jean’s appeal and drawing power. We look forward to many, many more exciting partnerships with Jean.”

Jean and everyone at the party had a taste of the remarkable Bioessence pampering and hospitality. “We want to let everyone know that Bioessence can be a venue for intimate parties like birthdays and bridal showers. Guests can chat and dine and have a facial or a massage or a spa treatment. We can help clients with the planning and the coordinating of their party,” says Yeng Francisco of Bioessence.

Bioessence began in 1994 as a three-bed skincare and slimming clinic in Davao City. Today, it has over 20 branches nationwide, making it the biggest skin, slimming and spa chain of clinics in the Philippines. The company also operates FacialHaus and FacialPlus that offer a variety of facial services. Bioessence offers the popular Oxygen Facial Treatment and Miracle Lift Anti-Aging Treatment. Available very soon is the European Spa Facial. It also offers the following spa treatments: Queen of Sheba’s Milk Bath, Hand Spa, Body Scrub and Aromatic Foot Spa—all are holistic ways of pampering to unleash the youthful and carefree spirit. For more information, log on to www.bioessencephil.com.

RP among fastest-growing broadband countries--Ovum
By Lawrence Casiraya
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 12:14pm (Mla time) 09/24/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines has been ranked among the top 10 fastest growing markets for broadband connectivity by telecom industry analyst Ovum.

The Philippines was mentioned along with Greece, Indonesia, India, Ukraine, Ireland, Thailand, Vietnam, Russia and Turkey.

Based on Ovum's report, Ireland is projected to have the highest broadband penetration rate by 2011 followed by Greece, Turkey, Thailand and Russia.

In the Philippines, the number of broadband users is expected to grow from some three million to less than 10 million in the same period, based on a graph that accompanied the Ovum report.

Infrastructure competition, relative pricing and regulatory involvement are what drives the growth of broadband markets, Ovum said in a statement.

"At a time when broadband is quickly reaching saturation point in most developed markets, less developed markets across the globe continue to exhibit extremely high levels of growth," Ovum analyst Jonathan Coham said in the report.

However, he added that barriers still exist in in many of these countries that could limit the growth of their broadband markets.

He said: "Wealth relative to the cost of broadband is a major consideration in most of these markets."

Ovum's report noted that broadband Internet service providers in Greece, Turkey, Ireland and Russia all offer cheap services relative to the average disposable income in their markets, in order to make broadband attractive to a greater proportion of potential subscribers.

This, in addition to content, has helped to drive the uptake of broadband services, according to Coham.

"In a growing number of cases, demand for content is helping to fuel broadband growth, as operators incorporate TV and VoD [video on demand] services into their offerings early on."

Saturday, September 29, 2007


BPO exodus to RP from India begins (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/sept/29/yehey/business/20070929bus5.html)

By Likha C. Cuevas-Miel, Reporter

HIGH labor costs in India have led to an exodus of business process outsourcing (BPO) companies operating in that South Asian country to the Philippines.

Victor J. Asuncion, CB Richard Ellis director, said three Indian firms and an India-based American company are moving to the Philippines where salaries of highly literate workers are lower.

Asuncion said the Indian companies are considering Fort Bonifacio as the possible site for their operations. These non-voice back-office service providers are expected to sign the contracts with local property firms within this quarter and will move in early next year.

The lone American firm meanwhile will expand its Indian operations to the Philippines by late next year, Asuncion said.

Some of these firms may set up operations in Cebu City, the fastest growing BPO site in the country next to Metro Manila.

Ryan L. Isip, another director for the property consulting firm, said office space in Metro Manila is becoming scarce and to date, only 1 percent of office space in Makati—where rents may go as high as P1,600 per square meter in the near-term—are available for tenants.

However, the escalation of office space rentals may be tempered by vacancies in some buildings due their inability to provide the right facilities and infrastructure needs of BPO companies.

Office space demand for this year has already reached 200,000 to 250,000 square meters in Metro Manila alone and 70 percent of these are already pre-leased. This demand could grow by 10 percent to 15 percent a year nationwide, thus, the growth of the construction business may be assured in the next few years, CB Richard Ellis said.

This demand for office space, and prospects for residential and tourism properties would further fuel real estate development in Cebu and other rising urban areas like Bacolod, Iloilo, Davao, Clark, Subic, Baguio and Zamboanga.

Builders are already running out of resources, like cranes, due to the boom in construction and scarcity may push up prices in construction materials, Isip said.

However, resource providers like cement companies are careful in their economies of scale so at this point the movement in prices of materials are “not that significant” to cause a hiccup in the construction industry, the CBRE executive said.

India has higher wages than us? wow never knew that! Well, ganyan talaga ang economics, they choose us because we are cheaper to hire :( But then again these jobs still are one of highest paying entry-level jobs in the Phils so that is good news for many Filipinos...

India has higher wages than us? wow never knew that! Well, ganyan talaga ang economics, they choose us because we are cheaper to hire :( But then again these jobs still are one of highest paying entry-level jobs in the Phils so that is good news for many Filipinos...

As for me I dont think so. why? :banana: Because Filipinos are leaving the country. Yes for more payment, high salary. We go back home, why we have strikes, company shutdown, or even bankrupt? Because employees are not satisfied with their salary and benefits. Most Filipinos prefer to lost a job than to have low salary!! It's true, we have a lot of foreign investors are relocating their BUSINESS to China or Vietnam particularly India. Why? Because of :) cheap labor. Now how about Filipinos? Comparing to India? Oh oh, not a good way to say that! :ohno: Filipinos do not want to be called CHEAP LABOR!! Better to quit the job than to have low salary, that's the MILITANT labor group said!!! Hahahahahaha, how can our country progress with such mentality. Please ask our investors and economist or even GMA. Ugali na ng Pinoy na hindi makontento kundi mareklamo, isa pa wala sa atin ang tinatawag na SAKRIPISYO MO NA PARA SA BANSA kundi bahala kayo sa buhay ninyo basta sa akin ayos! KANYA-KANYA mentality. Only my opinion do not be hurt!! Sorry!

As for me I dont think so. why? :banana: Because Filipinos are leaving the country. Yes for more payment, high salary. We go back home, why we have strikes, company shutdown, or even bankrupt? Because employees are not satisfied with their salary and benefits. Most Filipinos prefer to lost a job than to have low salary!! It's true, we have a lot of foreign investors are relocating their BUSINESS to China or Vietnam particularly India. Why? Because of :) cheap labor. Now how about Filipinos? Comparing to India? Oh oh, not a good way to say that! :ohno: Filipinos do not want to be called CHEAP LABOR!! Better to quit the job than to have low salary, that's the MILITANT labor group said!!! Hahahahahaha, how can our country progress with such mentality. Please ask our investors and economist or even GMA. Ugali na ng Pinoy na hindi makontento kundi mareklamo, isa pa wala sa atin ang tinatawag na SAKRIPISYO MO NA PARA SA BANSA kundi bahala kayo sa buhay ninyo basta sa akin ayos! KANYA-KANYA mentality. Only my opinion do not be hurt!! Sorry!

^^ Sapul....:lol: :lol: :lol: You have a point. When I was working in Japan, I use to avoid only some Filipinos.. Why kaya? I guess some of the reason was already answered by You!!! :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

^^ Magaling po ang ating outsourcing industry, pero we need a great patience and self understanding to achieve that... The fate of the nation nowadays lies on how its economy is performing... Sabi nga ng iba, kayabangan na lang ginagawa para matakpan ang kahirapan... Good economy... We have a great President right now, but she needs our cooperation... Every single Filipino must do that.... sa paghahabulan kung sinong susunod sa halalan, walang kahihinatnan...

^^^ I agree completely. im beginning to think all these investigations in the senate are just for show and designed as a contest of who has the bigger dick. Its really becoming a hinderance to progress. You can piss on their pants and then have an investigation on who pissed on them!

Regarding BPO. I agree that this industry is quite fickle. While its turning in our favor we should start coming up with alternatives once we start to fade from the spotlight. I think the Philippines also has a very good chance of taking a big chunk of software, accounting, and other technical operations away from China and India. Take a look at eastwood, there are plenty of call centers located there but at the same time there are also plenty of backdoor technical operations going on.

A lot of the western nationals working in the Philippines have come to call the Philippines their second home. A fact my hubby can attest to. The cultural similarities make it easier for Americans to adjust to the country. I bet they can see themselves living in the country long term as opposed to maybe India or China.

Diversification and developing potential industries other than outsourcing and labor exports are the alternatives not only to keep the economy afloat but also to move up one level higher.

Cebu fourth in list of top emerging BPO locations--survey

Agence France-Presse
Last updated 12:14pm (Mla time) 09/30/2007


BANGALORE, India--Cebu in the Philippines has come in fourth in a list of 15 emerging outsourcing destinations for global companies, an industry report said Sunday.

However, India remains the favored technology outsourcing destination, according to the report, amid concerns a rising rupee and soaring wages would blunt the country's competitive edge.

A study by industry publication Global Services and investment advisory firm Tholons put the Indian cities of Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune at the top of a list of 15 destination.

Kolkata at number five and Chandigarh at number nine were the other two Indian locations on the list, which contained three Chinese and two Vietnamese cities as well.

The three hot cities for outsourcing from China were Shanghai at number eight, Beijing at 10 and Shenzhen at 13. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi were put at number six and number 12.

The Sri Lankan capital of Colombo at seven, Cairo at 11, Buenos Aires at 14 and Sao Paulo at 15, the study's sponsors said in a statement released in Bangalore.

The list is based on criteria such as scale and quality of workforce, financial infrastructure, risk environment and quality of life.

But it does not include established outsourcing locations such as Bangalore, the New Delhi capital region, Manila, Mumbai and Dublin that have had a decade's headstart.

Costs are surging in the prime cities in India, which has earned a reputation as the world's back office, as property values and rentals rise and wages increase at an annual pace of more than 15 percent amid a shortage of skilled employees.

Indian outsourcing firms are also feeling the pinch from an appreciating rupee, which dents dollar-billed earnings, forcing them to cut costs by expanding to less expensive locations.

"With the demand-supply gap widening, newer tier II cities will play a critical role in re-engineered globalisation models," said Tholons chairman Avinash Vashistha.

"Destinations will need to provide greater level of cost effectiveness and operational efficiency."

India's outsourcing companies have thrived by winning work from companies in the US and Europe that sought to tap the country's low costs and large employee pool by handing over jobs ranging from answering customers' calls to risk management and financial analysis.

Pure-play outsourcing firms account for about 10 percent of the $50 billion in revenue logged in the year ended March by the entire information technology industry, which also includes software giants such as Tata Consultancy and Infosys.

Now thats good news!

I highly doubt it. India and China will never run out of manpower. India has a billion people and China a billion and a half.

How many of that billions are literate? I don't want to be sarcastic or what, but that's the truth. They may have a population of more than one billion but still the quality of work is far more important than anything else. (Well, economic and political stability are also factors.) Whatever.

^^ I remember that scene in the movie Transformers where the call center agent is from India. It surely looks like they are not efficient in rendering services to their clients.

Anyway, I've seen in the news today that Baguio, Cebu and Manila are among the cited cities in the world where the emergence of the BPO industry is most welcomed. I'd like to think the efficiency of our people can lead us to something worth beneficial.

Cebu ranks 4th globally as outsourcing destination (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/net/2007/10/01/cebu.ranks.4th.globally.as.outsourcing.destination.html)

CEBU CITY -- Cebu landed number four among 15 emerging outsourcing destinations for global companies, according to an industry report.

India, though, remains the most favored technology outsourcing destination despite concerns that a rising rupee and soaring wages would blunt the country’s competitive edge.

Join forum on Sandiganbayan's guilty verdict on Estrada plunder case. Post comments here.

A study by industry publication Global Services and investment advisory firm Tholons put the Indian cities of Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune at the top of a list of 15 emerging outsourcing destinations for global companies.

In an interview with Sun.Star Cebu, Cebu Investment Promotions Center (CIPC) executive director Joel Mari Yu said he expects Cebu to reach number one, as the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry here is rising compared to that in India.

Costs are surging in the prime cities in India, which has earned a reputation as the world’s back office, as property values and rentals rise and wages increase at an annual pace of more than 15 percent amid a shortage of skilled employees.

Indian outsourcing firms are also feeling the pinch from an appreciating rupee, which dents dollar-billed earnings, forcing them to cut costs by expanding to less expensive locations.

Demand outpaces supply

“With the demand-supply gap widening, newer tier II cities will play a critical role in reengineered globalization models,” said Tholons chairman Avinash Vashistha.

“Destinations will need to provide a greater level of cost effectiveness and operational efficiency.”

Kolkata at number five and Chandigarh at number nine were the other two Indian locations on the list, which contained three Chinese and two Vietnamese cities as well.

The three hot cities for outsourcing from China were Shanghai at number eight, Beijing at 10 and Shenzhen at 13. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi were put at number six and number 12.

The Sri Lankan capital of Colombo placed seventh, Cairo at 11, Buenos Aires at 14 and Sao Paulo at 15, the study’s sponsors said in a statement released in Bangalore Sunday.

The list is based on criteria such as scale and quality of workforce, financial infrastructure, risk environment and quality of life.

But it does not include established outsourcing locations such as Bangalore, the New Delhi capital region, Manila, Mumbai and Dublin that have had a decade’s headstart.

India’s outsourcing companies have thrived by winning work from companies in the United States and Europe that sought to tap the country’s low costs and large employee pool by handing over jobs ranging from answering customers’ calls to risk management and financial analysis.

Pure-play outsourcing firms account for about 10 percent of the $50 billion in revenue logged in the year ended March by the entire information technology industry, which also includes software giants such as Tata Consultancy and Infosys.

Spread

Yu said among Third World countries, the Philippines has an edge in that Filipinos speak better English, or that which is closest to the American twang, compared to Indians, who have an accent.

But, he said, the government should start giving the industry more attention in policy direction to keep that advantage.

“It would be better that the industry would not be concentrated in Cebu alone but in other provinces as well so that qualified workers do not congregate in Cebu.

And this entails better government planning involving other local government units,” Yu said.
In particular, he said, other places should offer English, computer technology and other information technology-related courses for a better-qualified pool of workers.

“Pero ang bottomline sweldo gihapon,” he said, however, adding that Cebu has lower labor cost compared to the competition.

He said the industry would not wither in the next five to six years even though only those with good oral communication skills, the willingness to work night shifts, and the stomach to accept insults (from customers) are suited for the job.

Yu also revealed another problem just came into focus.

He said that while workers are especially educated for IT-related jobs, their training does not include managerial and people skills so that they struggle when promoted to higher positions.

“There is also the need for schools to offer IT curricula that teach students to be more versatile IT workers,” he said in Cebuano.

sama muna kaya ang clark dyan kasi dami BPO sa clark, like yun AOL nasa clark..

^^Davao too. :)

BSP has limited resources to stop peso from appreciating further — HSBC



LEE C. CHIPONGIAN

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) does not have enough capital resources or monetary tools to stop the peso from appreciating further, an economist from Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corp. (HSBC) said yesterday.


"We don’t expect the BSP to intervene indefinitely (in the foreign exchange market)," said Frederic Neumann, HSBC economist. "The central bank has stepped in and tried to slow down the appreciation of the peso by buying dollars, but we think the peso will continue to appreciate for two reasons — remittances will continue to pour into the country and second, the ability of the (BSP) to buy dollars is limited … its not like the Chinese central bank who has imposed capital controls with a massive ability to buy any dollars that will come in."

Neumann, who spoke yesterday at the International CEO Conference of the Management Association of the Philippines at Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City, expects the peso will continue to appreciate to end at P44: $ 1 this year and P41 by the end of 2008. The peso is rising because of demand from remittances, which as of July has reached $ 8.3 billion. "The appreciation of the peso has been quite remarkable in the last few years the peso has done quite well," he added.

At the moment, the BSP is losing income due to its dollar buying, or from foreign exchange fluctuations. For the seven-month to July the central bank incurred an income loss of P39.2 billion and P49.86 billion from peso-dollar exchange fluctuations, completely wiping out gains of P27.34 billion from lower interest expenses.

"The (BSP) does not have the tool (similar with China’s capital controls) at its disposal because whenever it intervenes in the market it creates domestic liquidity by buying dollars —- they were adding peso in the money supply and there’s too much money already in the economy," said Neumann.

The BSP however has been siphoning off excess money supply via its special deposit accounts (SDAs) to take it out of circulation. "But this is costly for the central bank which pay interest rates on the SDAs … it is so costly in fact that we don’t expect the BSP to intervene indefinitely and I expect they will be content to allow the peso to appreciate so long as it’s not too volatile and that it will happen gradually."

In the meantime the BSP said they have a strong dollar reserves and that they have long dollar positions. "What we do is to make sure dollar reserves are adequate," BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said in a previous interview. As of July the country’s gross international reserves totaled $ 30 billion while the balance of payments surplus is an alltime high of $ 6.75 billion.

Also as of July BSP’s net worth was P219.19 billion, lower than the same period last year of P265.45 billion. Total assets, on the other hand, amounted to P1.812 trillion, higher than last year’s P1.380 trillion while total liabilities amounted to P1.593 trillion from P1.155 trillion a year ago.

The BSP’s primary objective is to maintain price stability conducive to a balanced and sustainable economic growth. The BSP also aims to promote and preserve monetary stability and the convertibility of the national currency.

Under the New Central Bank Act, the BSP performs the following functions as a central monetary authority: liquidity management, currency issue, lender of last resort, financial supervision, management of foreign currency reserves, and implementing the exchange rate policy.

Since the BSP determines the exchange rate policy, it adheres to a market-oriented foreign exchange rate policy. "The role of the BSP is principally to ensure orderly conditions in the market," said Tetangco. "Basically we allow market forces to determine the peso-dollar rate and we’re there only to smoothen the exchange rate fluctuation."

It's because they're starting to smell spices already sa mga BPOs from India....:lol:

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/5153/14098dd5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^ i believe they are also in to tetrapack fruitdrinks.... (1oo% davaoeno yan!)

I don't think so. Even if you apply for another job in another company...you will still face problems like office politics, low salaries, crab mentality, and crappy bosses! But at the end of the day, it boils down to having a positive attitude and being optimistic --- which are the key to having a successful career. Of course, there will be some drawbacks like graveyard shifts, working even during holidays, etc.
Still, the call center industry offers so many opportunities to fresh graduates and those who might already be
considered “over-aged.” I consider this a big blessing because I'm almost 40 years old but I was accepted in a good company like Ascendasia (http://ascendasia.com), I can still work and help provide for my family. We should all remain open-minded and optimistic and not downgrade the industry on which benefited a lot of people like me.

Sutherland Global Services of India has announced its plan to expand its call center operations in the Philippines.

Sutherland president K.S. Kumar, who called on the President in Mumbai, said Sutherland would set up a new call center in Camarines Sur province, southeast of Manila, in the next 45 days, which he said was expected to create 500 jobs.

He said that within the next three months, they will be establishing a 100-seat call center in Davao, and add another 500 seats to their existing 2,000-man operation in Clark.

Kumar said Sutherland Global Services was among the first locators in the new IT Park in the northern province of Tarlac, with its 100-seat call center expected to be online by January 2008.

The company is finalizing the evaluation of a proposed 200-employee call center operation in Iloilo and the planned training facilities in seven provinces to accommodate 500 graduates every month.

WNS Global Services also presented to the President its plan for a call center project in the Philippines that was registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority last Sept. 26.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view_article.php?article_id=92866

Harriette Cecilio - AHN News Writer (http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7008679656)

New York, N.Y. (AHN) - Latin American countries will soon give business process outsourcing leaders India and the Philippines a run for their money as more U.S. companies are looking to better serve 31 million Spanish-speaking American customers.

According to research outfit Datamonitor, the Latin American call center industry is rapidly growing with the U.S. Hispanic population, which is now estimated at 44 million. The upward trend is expected to continue in the coming years.

Many Latin Americans who have settled in the U.S. could speak English fluently but prefer to conduct business - be it with banks, insurance providers or customer representatives of their favorite fast food chain - in their native tongue.

As such, call center jobs in Latin America could increase to nearly 190,000 in 2010 from 104,000 in 2005, the research firm estimates.

The Census Bureau said there would be more than 102 million Hispanics in the U.S. by 2050.

Fortune Magazine reported that U.S. firms want to provide customer care and support to this population, but also are looking for ways to affordably market to Hispanic households.

Amit Shankardass, a senior vice president of global marketing for Sitel, a Nashville, Tennessee-based outsourcing firm, said this is where Latin American call centers come in.

Countries such as Panama have numerous bilingual agents who can handle calls in English and Spanish, sometimes simultaneously.

Few customer care agents from Bangalore, India and Manila, Philippines could converse in Spanish.

However, aside from Latin American call centers, companies based in Spain also want to get a piece of the $3-billion outsourcing pie.

While the potential of Latin America as the new business process outsourcing is unquestionable, Datamonitor analyst Peter Ryan noted that some U.S. firms refuse to deal with Latin American companies. They reportedly perceive the markets as unstable places to do business, even though Chile and Costa Rica are recognized as very pro-business.

Numerous U.S. companies have set up business processing centers in Asia including Procter and Gamble, Dell and the American Insurance Group.

Ashoak Upadhyay | Wednesday, 03 October , 2007, 10:12 (http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=14536582)

Read alongside the new ceilings of foreign exchange use by corporate bodies and individuals by the Reserve Bank of India recently, the news report of MindTree Consulting’s plans to set up a development centre overseas seemingly provides further evidence of India’s movement towards developed-nation status. In a short span of four years, it has moved from wooing capital, both portfolio and direct foreign investments, to exporting it.

In this journey, India has joined the ranks of emerging economies such as China and other East Asian countries that use their considerable foreign exchange reserves to re-export them, either as intra-government loans or aid, as China is doing in a massive way in Africa, or through local firms that are leaving their footprints all over the world through technology collaborations, acquisitions or production bases in host countries.

While India still has a long way to go in portfolio investments overseas compared to China and other East Asian economies that invest in US Treasury bonds, it has accelerated the rush of local firms across the spectrum acquiring companies around the world.

The new wave

Nothing quite matches up to the way Indian high-tech firms are going global. For major companies such as Infosys, TCS, Wipro Satyam and, now, Mindtree Consulting, it is not simply a matter of acquiring productive assets overseas, like Tata Steel, for example, but a strategic shift in client-servicing to offshore centres.

Most of the large high-tech firms have back-offices in countries as diverse as China, Romania, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and North America, not to mention east Europe.

Infosys and TCS may have set up these back-offices decades ago but, of late, they have been ramping up their operations.

Some have moved critical services closer to clients in North America for which Mexico offers location advantages, just as east Europe does for West European clients.

This trend marks the movement of high-tech industry up the value chain, from being the recipients of outsourced jobs to outsourcing the jobs back in proximity to actual and potential clients.

Behind these moves are a host of factors driving high-tech firms into hitherto untapped markets, not simply as vendors selling services from India but from just around the corner, be it in China, the Philippines or the US.

The most challenging factor is the demographic mix of clients. With Spanish being the second most used language after English in the US, India’s largest market, the Big Three are upgrading operations in the Philippines and Mexico.

Similarly, east Europe offers better client servicing facilities for German and French-speaking clients across the continent.

High-tech and call centre operations no longer have a predominantly Anglo-Saxon clientele and Indian firms have moved aggressively into a space that was as alien to them as Mars.

In the bargain, they have joined battle with home grown high-tech firms and in a continent like Europe, where jingoism is often visible beneath a veneer of modernity, that battle is noteworthy.

What makes all this probably more palatable to the host countries is the Indian firm’s willingness to employ local talent instead of shipping it out from India. MindTree Consulting, it is reported, will employ more than 90 per cent of the workforce from the host country it plans to invest in.

Export of jobs

A rising rupee that eats into export earnings is encouraging high-tech firms to further outsource their outsourced jobs to countries that have favourable exchange rates.

With skill shortages in India beginning to show up across the organised sector, it is the high-tech firms that have shown a willingness to experiment with new ways of dealing with the spectre of rising wages.

On-the-job training of science graduates has now become routine in the industry.

But high turnover leaves them no cost advantage given the need to retain employees with higher wages. According to studies, the wage differentials between the US and Indian high-tech professional is now narrowing.

What was good for the economy in terms of high incomes and high consumer spending that fuelled the current growth is bad for the high-tech firms; wage inflation is another reason for them to set up operations in other developing countries, cashing in on the high-tech boom in countries such as such as Algeria Morocco, South Africa and, of course, China that wants to muscle in on the software end of the business.

Along with the export of capital in the form of more forex for individuals and for companies to buy companies elsewhere, we are now witnessing the export of jobs, though not at the cost of domestic employment as yet. TCS, Infosys, Wipro and the others still have the largest contingent of their total workforce within the country.

But all those contextual factors - a strong rupee that may stay that way for some time, a skilled-labour shortage that will stay for a very long time, the changing demographic profile of overseas clients and, of course, the high tech firms’ own movement up the value chain - will play a role in pushing companies to re-locate incremental jobs and services elsewhere.

Diaspora of Capital

The export of capital and jobs by high-tech firms will then be both a necessity and a choice engendered by their own development as service-providers.

In their diaspora, as it were, they differ from manufacturing and other service-providers - airlines, for instance - by the flexibility of their response to contingencies not of their own making. That is why they may not prove trendsetters for the brick and mortar industries that also face a skill shortage, though not quite to the same extent and, as exporters, the adverse effects of a strong rupee.

But, increasingly, as wage inflation in other sectors catches up with the West, domestic industry jobs will become globalised. Already, service industries such as hotels and airlines are tapping a global pool of executive talent. But the trend, restricted to the private sector will be slower to pick up than the reverse one of jobs being exported by high-tech firms to low-cost labour economies.

Stumbling into uniqueness

In retrospect, the past decade’s growth pattern presents a unique model not found elsewhere in that the high-tech industry’s growth predicated on globalisation preceded, perhaps prompted, growth in the rest of the organised sector, beginning with services, in general, and permeating to manufacturing, all of them together propelling India into the ranks of the fastest growing emerging economies.

While China followed the Anglo-Saxon model of development and deliberately turned itself into the world’s factory India became its office quite by accident.

With the growing intervention of high-tech firms into every corner of the world, countries unblessed with employment options but excellent educational systems, Algeria, east Europe, maybe even Cuba, will benefit from Indian capital’s diaspora. And because the export is so diffused and widespread, no Indian ‘techie’ or call-centre professional reckoning he has lost his job to a foreigner will be able to say he has been “Shangaied”, like his American counterpart could say he had been “Bangalored”.

Outsourcing is not just an Indian trend. U.S. firms are also moving (way) south of the border to serve Spanish-speaking customers, reports Fortune's Stephanie Mehta.

By Stephanie N. Mehta, Fortune senior writer
September 28 2007: 11:14 AM EDT


NEW YORK (Fortune) -- Most Americans realize that when they call a bank, electronics maker or insurance provider, there's a good chance their queries will be routed to a call center outside the U.S., perhaps in India, the Philippines or other markets filled with English speakers happy to provide customer service or tech support for relatively low wages.

But what happens to the calls of the 31 million Americans who speak Spanish at home? Those who want to get help in Spanish increasingly are speaking with agents located in the hot new region for call centers: Latin America.

According to research outfit Datamonitor, Latin American countries (the data exclude Mexico) could see the number of call center jobs, known in the industry as "agent positions," grow to 188,500 in 2010, up from 103,600 in 2005. The growing U.S. Hispanic population - the Census Bureau says there will be more than 102 million Hispanics in the U.S. by 2050, up from about 44 million today - is responsible, in part, for the expansion of Latin American call centers.

Amit Shankardass, a senior vice president of global marketing for Sitel, a Nashville, TN.-based outsourcing firm, says U.S. firms want to provide customer care and support to this population, but also are looking for ways to affordably telemarket to Hispanic homes. And often, that means using bilingual agents: While most U.S. Hispanics speak English - of the 31 million Americans who say they speak Spanish at home, more than half say they speak English very well - a number of immigrants are more comfortable conducting business in their native language.

That's where Latin American call centers come in. Sitel consultant Randy Harris says countries such as Panama are endowed with educated, bilingual populations, and agents there can handle calls in English and Spanish, sometimes simultaneously, making it an ideal place to handle calls to and from U.S. Hispanic households.

But Latin American call centers aren't just for companies looking to serve the U.S. Spanish-speaking population. Indeed, some of the first companies to outsource customer services and marketing to Latin America were companies based in Spain. Today, Sitel's Latin American call centers, for example, serve European clients (Portuguese corporations use centers in Brazil) and a growing number of Latin American companies looking to outsource their back-office operations to one or two lower-cost locations. The company has some 10,000 employees in the region.

Still, some companies are not entirely comfortable outsourcing to Latin America, says Peter Ryan, a senior analyst at Datamonitor. Some perceive Latin America as an unstable place to do business, even though countries such as Chile, Costa Rica and others are very pro-business, and are installing telecommunications infrastructure and other amenities to lure multinational corporations. And even if culturally "Latin America" seems close to home, in reality it can be far away; a plane ride to Buenos Aires isn't much shorter than a trip to Manila, depending on where executives are based.

Still, Ryan and others are optimistic that Latin America will be the next great call center capital of the world, partly because it has a potentially bigger clientele: It can serve not only U.S. multinationals but European and Latin American clients as well. Sitel, for example, says it serves customers from 28 countries out of its Latin American facilities. The outsourcing business in Latin America "may never be the size of India," says Sitel consultant Harris, "but it is a good solution for a lot of customers."

http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/28/magazines/fortune/mehta_pluggedinlatam.fortune/?postversion=2007092811

^^ ^^

That's right. When our business group went to the cities of Bangalore (Bengalooroo), Chennai (Madras) & Mumbai (Bombay) last summer, the common lamentation in most local business dailies was that their call centre industry was totally caught flat footed by this sudden rise in demand for spanish speaking agents. They tried setting up spanish language schools but they're still way way behind us. :) They just dont have any background in it at all.

We should be so lucky...:cheers:

CICT identifies 15 cities ideal for BPO (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=15804092)

By Lawrence Casiraya

MANILA, Philippines -- The Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) has identified 15 key cities assessed as ideal locations for investors in the BPO sector.

Monchito Ibrahim, consultant for CICT's cyberservices group, said the 15 cities are among 35 being assessed under the Cyberservices Corridor initiative.

The CICT looks at factors like availability of human resources, peace and order, power and telecom infrastructure.

"Redundancy is an important factor in terms of infra. There must be at least two telcos or service providers present (in an area)," Ibrahim said in an interview.

Aside from those in Metro Manila, the initial list of cities include Cebu and Davao in the South that already have a sizable number of BPO firms.

"Bacolod (Negros Occidental), for example, has been getting a lot of interest. Sta. Rosa (Laguna) is also investing in a number of buildings that are attracting investors," Ibrahim said.

Other cities identified by CICT include General Santos, Dagupan (Pangasinan), Cabanatuan (Nueva Ecija), Bacoor (Cavite) and Lipa (Batangas).

The CICT was assisted by Department of Trade and Industry regional offices in doing the assessment.

"We try to mobilize the academe and private sector groups in these cities. Investors generally are most confident when talking to local businessmen," Ibrahim said.

so the trend now is english and spanish.... woh! this business sounds like it is made for the philippines!!! :lol:

^^

Good on you. I've been told about a call center where the grandmother 65 and her daughter 45 and her granddaughter 20 are all working on the same shift :)

^^ Yup! :lol:

Spanish may become the new language in call centers (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view_article.php?article_id=68860)
By Vincent Cabreza
Northern Luzon Bureau

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines -- The government's campaign to produce English speaking workers for the business outsourcing industry may soon become an outdated goal because the job market is now looking for Spanish speakers too, according to a school owner here.

Outsourcing clients from Spanish speaking countries have started checking out the Philippine labor force because of the country's historical Spanish links, and because its schools once required college students to take Spanish courses, Maria Bryce Fabro, president of the Center for Technical Excellence Integrated School Inc. (CTEISI), has said.

This client base accounted for 37 percent of the outsourcing market, she said.

Most businesses that require the services of call centers in the country have been concentrated in production and manufacturing, but demand is also growing for call centers that help manufacturers sell their products overseas, according to Fabro.

Many countries that buy these products are Spanish-speaking countries in America and Europe.

The Commission on Higher Education dropped Spanish from its mandatory courses more than 10 years ago, and many universities elected to make this language course as an elective.

Department of Labor and Employment studies showed a mismatch between popular courses taken by students and the actual demands from the labor force, Fabro said.

But new studies revealed an anomaly in communication skills being required by a section of the outsourcing market, she said.

In a recent study by the Personnel Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), experts agree that the industry is looking for good communicators and not necessarily grammatical English speaking workers.

Fabro set up Language Zone Inc. this year to offer crash courses in Spanish when she realized that most business outsourcing enterprises are looking for workers who are fluent in Spanish.

An outsourcing firm in Pampanga advertises its Spanish-speaking work force as one of its strengths when it offers its services overseas, according to Fabro.

Language Zone was selling its services with the slogan "The World Speaks English" but was also teaching Nippongo to overseas workers who found new opportunities in Japan, she said.

She said English may have helped break down borders in trade but it opened the doors for other cultures to trade with the Philippines.

^^ why not bring the BPO's to the Latin City of he Philippines?? They are related to Spanish, kunting changes lang okei na... Chavacano is a spanish language decent right?

^^ I remember that scene in the movie Transformers where the call center agent is from India. It surely looks like they are not efficient in rendering services to their clients.


Its typical American stereotyping my friend.

^^ why not bring the BPO's to the Latin City of he Philippines?? They are related to Spanish, kunting changes lang okei na... Chavacano is a spanish language decent right?

I think only about 16% of Chavacano is Spanish-based. It is still Malay-based mixed with some Arabic.

^^ Still, that would give Chavacano speakers a world of advantage when learning Spanish. My Chavacano-speaking classmates in the two universities I went to had a really easy time. They were the ones getting the top marks in class. Since, English would have the same grammatical structure as Spanish, learning the vocabulary, would be the next stumbling block. But for Chavacano speakers, they said the nouns are basically the same and the verbs, though the conjugations are different, are not totally alien.

Web site tweaks could be new niche for RP

BY VERONICA S. CUSI (http://www.bworldonline.com/BW101907/content.php?id=002)

AFTER CALL CENTERS and medical transcription, the Philippines could become an outsourcing destination for another information technology (IT) service.

This time, the opportunity is in search engine optimization (SEO) or search engine marketing (SEM), which includes strategies and techniques to ensure that a website ranks high in web searches.

Ranking high in searches usually translates to profits since top of rank is equated to top of mind.

SEO/SEM can easily be the next outsourcing wave for the Philippines as US firms are now eyeing the country as an alternative Asian outsourcing site after India, said Marc Hil J. Macalua, founder of SEO Philippines, an online interest group practicing SEO/SEM.

The industry in North America alone was valued at $9.6 billion in 2006 and expected to double to $18.6 billion by 2011, according to the SEM Professional Organization (SEMPO).

Mr. Macalua said US firms tend to outsource some of the time-consuming, labor-intensive SEO tasks such as article writing, link building, and HTML editing.

"Skills that complement these tasks are in demand right now," he told BusinessWorld.

Higher level needs like pay-per-click account management, SEO/PPC strategy formulation and advanced programming are not readily outsourced.

Mr. Macalua said SEO/SEM could be an "alternative to a call center life" and search engine marketers need not even have the American twang to become a part of the billion-dollar industry.

"Oral English language proficiency is not a requirement, but you have to have impeccable English writing skills. You don’t have to have the call center twang but it would be a great skill to have if you wish to interface with clients," he said.

Call centers and medical transcription are some of the more prominent outsourcing opportunities for IT services in the country.

Call centers and medical transcriptions offices are sprouting almost everywhere. Even some of the county’s top schools have joined the bandwagon by offering short-term courses.

Job fairs focused on these are also abundant.

Unlike call centers where tasks are outsourced to companies, SEO/SEM can be done by freelance individuals with specific skills such as programming or writing.

"Some entrepreneurial SEOs don’t actually do third party client work. Instead, they focus on doing SEO for their own sites which when monetized correctly can earn anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per month per site," he added.

In the US, Mr. Macalua said the task is usually done by marketing people, in collaboration with technology staff. Here in the Philippines, however, SEO/SEM is led more by technology people.

Like call centers, SEO/SEM work not limited to Metro Manila. Major cities and university towns outside Metro Manila also have a pool of talent for SEO/SEM work, he said.

While SEO/SEM is fairly new in the Philippines, the Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPA/P), an industry association, said it welcomed other business process outsourcing (BPO) opportunities.

"The SEO/SEM sector is not yet a part of the BPA/P but they are certainly most welcome," said Danilo Reyes, BPA/P president, in an e-mail reply to a BusinessWorld query.

"Our objective in the BPA/P has always been to promote the country’s capabilities in the ITES (IT enabled services) and BPO industry.

"If we are able to support promotion of new sectors such as SEO or SEM, then we are achieving our objective."

In another e-mail, Oscar Sañez, BPA/P chief executive officer, said "SEM is definitely another sector that the Philippines can participate in."

On the skills sets needed, Mr. Sañez said the outsourcing industry needs to identify the requirements "so we can adequately map out and prepare for their needs and match them with new or existing companies."

"Already, we have companies focusing on either the technical side of it (programming, software development and application) or the creative/commercial side of it (content-building, marketing, etc.).

"Given the relative youth of the sector’s development, these outfits may currently play primarily in the IT sector or back office/transcription or even animation/gaming," he added.

Aside from US companies, Mr. Macalua said another market is Chinese businesses.

Chinese language search engine Baidu.com, for example, has been rated by comScore, Inc. as the number three search engine property worldwide following Google and Yahoo!

"There’s also a niche for companies that can do Chinese-English site promotion services," he added.

1CcViRUsrOA
Link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CcViRUsrOA)

RP among top performers
in outsourcing, but faces risks (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/10292007/headlines03.html)

VICTORIA, Canada—The global outsourcing market for IT, BPO and call-center services will finish in 2007 at $297 billion with an estimated growth rate of 19.31 percent, according to an independent forecast study conducted by leading ICT research and advisory firm XMG. This projected revenue estimate is up from its 2006 figure of $249 billion.

The report focused on the performance of the four top Asian offshore countries—India, China, Malaysia and the Philippines—but singled out the Philippines outsourcing sector, which has been growing 62 percent.

The bad news for 2008 is this, though, especially for India and the Philippines: rising real-estate prices and wage hikes caused by difficulties in getting and retaining good talent will swell the costs of the BPO sector.

The report revealed analyst expectations of the total outsourcing market to hit $450 billion by 2010. The scope of the global market in this study includes both the onshore and offshore delivery of outsourcing services. The study is part of its year-to-end forecast conducted in the fourth quarter to estimate year-end performance of the global outsourcing market.

Of the four best Asian performers, India is estimated to corner $34.1 billion in total revenue by year-end 2007 at compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.5 percent and settling in with 11.5- percent share of the global market. XMG estimates India will continue to lead the offshore segment through 2010 with at least 15-percent share.

China is estimated to have 4.4-percent share of the global market with 2007 total revenue figures forecasted to hit $13.1 billion while growing at 47.9 percent CAGR.

“While it is no surprise that India and China continues to lead among the offshore countries, our study also showed a noteworthy insight to those following the growth of other offshore countries in Asia”, commented Lauro Vives, founding president and chief analyst of XMG.

“The Philippines is experiencing an unprecedented growth rate of 62-percent CAGR and will surpass Malaysia in 2007”.

According to the XMG intelligence report, the Philippines’ revenue is expected to grow to almost $4.1 billion, thereby achieving 1.4 percent of the global market share. “The Philippine industry has far exceeded all analyst expectations,” added Vives.

In comparison, Malaysia’s revenue forecast by year-end is estimated at $3.6 billion, achieving 1.2 percent of the global market share. In 2006, Malaysia and the Philippines were neck-and-neck with 1.04 percent and 1.02 percent respectively of the share of the global revenue pie.

Even with Malaysia’s 38-percent growth, the report showed that other countries are outpacing Malaysia primarily due to the country’s lack of available manpower to sustain the growth of its offshore and outsourcing industry.

“Locators are turning to other countries where there is headroom for further growth and expansion”, added Vives. “This continues to show that the strategy for expanding offshore rests on the availability of manpower in that country. Our competitor intelligence report shows that the typical profile of offshore locators, whether service providers or captives, is to have the foresight that they can grow anywhere from 60 percent to 90 percent year-on-year unabated over the next two to three years”. The report also said that Malaysia recognizes its limited manpower size and has been steadfastly focusing on increasing revenue share through higher value services.

Looking forward to 2008, the study showed turbulence but continued strong growth in the offshore markets, citing the rising cost of operations and the continuing depreciation of the US dollar.

Other than China and Malaysia, the cost of operations in India and the Philippines is increasing due to wage rate hikes to retain people and the rise in real-estate prices. Both India and the Philippines are estimated to experience continuing general wage increases of 11 percent and 8 percent, respectively due to talent supply problems.

The spiraling effect of the US dollar and the accelerated appreciation of Asian domestic currencies such as the India rupee and the Philippine peso is also a factor. “For every percentage point these currencies appreciate relative to the US dollar, we typically see the cost advantages affected by 20 to 30 basis points”, Vives continued.

INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines -- A trade association based in the United Kingdom has recognized the Philippines as the best place to outsource services.

At its fourth annual awards held in London, the National Outsourcing Association (NOA) ( http://www.noa.co.uk/ ) picked the country as the “offshoring” destination of the year. Offshoring refers to outsourcing work to another country.

The Philippines was represented by Team Europe, a group composed of the Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPAP) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).

In a statement, Team Europe Project Leader Stephanie Weber said the award would further make the Philippines a preferred destination by European firms for outsourcing some of their work.

The awards ceremony, which took place at The Brewery in London, was attended by almost 500 of the “most influential people in the outsourcing world,” the NOA said in its website.

“Over the last four years, the NOAAs have become a landmark in the acceptance of outsourcing as a legitimate business practice and recognize the efforts of companies or people who have shown excellence in the field of outsourcing,” the website added.

Also awarded in other categories were IBM and Sitel, both of which have delivery centers located in the Philippines.

Several British firms have already outsourced their operations in the Philippines, including HSBC Holdings, LogicaCMG Global Service Delivery Center, Mysis Banking System, Inc, and Shell Shared Services.

Weber said one of the major plus points of the Philippines is its large manpower resource, government incentives, established telecommunications infrastructure, low cost of office space and strategic location in the Asian region.

“British companies over the past few years have become increasingly aware of the potential of the country’s BPO industry. We are now looking at introducing the Philippines further to western European countries The Philippine BPO industry has grown rapidly over the past five years and we do not see that changing over the next three years,” Weber said.

By 2010, the local BPO industry is expected to get a 10-percent share of the world market for outsourcing. It is expected to get revenues of over $12 billion from animation, back office, customer care, digital content, engineering design, legal and medical transcription, and software development services.

Outsourcing sector aims for 10% of world market

Marian Grace S. Ramos (http://www.bworldonline.com/BW103107/content.php?id=004)

SEEKING TO CORNER a 10% share of the $130-billion worldwide business process outsourcing (BPO) market, the local industry has drawn up a road map detailing measures to be undertaken over the next three years.

The plan, drafted by the 220-member Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPA/P), calls for immediate changes aimed at boosting the industry’s growth rate.

BPA/P Chief Executive Officer Oscar R. Sañez told BusinessWorld the roadmap seeks to push the limits.

"The growth is already established. The only question is how far can it go," he said.

The program focuses on three main issues: improving workforce quantity and quality, creating "next wave" cities, and sustaining a favorable business climate.

"Based on the analyses that we made, these are the potential issues that could prevent us from attaining our goals," Mr. Sañez said.

To improve the workforce, the roadmap, among others, calls for an increase in the government’s budget for "near-hire" training. Through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the state subsidizes training for near-hires or applicants who are accepted for training but fail to qualify.

Mr. Sañez said 11% of the total TESDA annual budget is allocated to near-hire training. The Department of Budget and Management, on its website, places the TESDA budget for 2007 at P2.4 billion.

The 11% allocation is not enough, he said, as the industry needs an annual P700 million to attain the goal of increasing the number of qualified workers to 900,000 in 2010 from last year’s 230,000.

He also said the organization is proposing that funds be directly released to the BPA/P instead of being channeled through the TESDA.

"If funds are channelled through TESDA, we’ll be competing with other skills it handles," Mr. Sañez said.

"If the government is serious in promoting the BPO sector, it (the industry) should be given more funds for scholarships and training."

Mr. Sañez also said the industry is having difficulty in finding workers proficient in English and who can think critically.

"This shows the longtime neglect in the public education system," he said.

To address this, the roadmap proposes increasing English electives in the tertiary curriculum.

Next, the industry roadmap calls for new investment sites given the lack of space in Metro Manila’s traditional commercial districts.

The proposal, said Mr. Sañez, addresses the congestion issue via the use of "next wave cities" in the provinces of Iloilo, Cavite, Laguna, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Pangasinan.

"The majority of the graduates are outside Metro Manila, with only 25% here. We need to tap that supply of workforce in other places," he said.

While space does remain in the metropolis, Taguig and Quezon City for example, "We’re already running short, that is why we need to disperse investments outside Manila."

Mr. Sañez said cities would be ranked based on "buying factors on investments", or how investors decide based on location’s infrastructure, workforce and technology.

Improving the overall business environment, meanwhile, was deemed important as tax incentives would not be enough.

Congress, Mr. Sañez said, should pass laws that would ensure the permanence of the perks and data privacy. "Legislation on data privacy and tax incentives are ways to encourage more investors," he said.

The government should also improve its way of marketing the country abroad, which "should be better or at least on par with other countries like India."

But for XMG Chief Executive Officer Lauro Vives, the BPA/P’s proposed reforms cannot be easily attained, especially in terms of education. While the intent is a step in the right direction, attaining the goals would take more than three years, he said.

"These reforms should have been introduced since 2004 to alleviate the talent war that is currently happening, especially in the call center industry," Mr. Vives noted.

The 10% target market is achievable, but the revenue goal of $13 billion is not. XMG forecasts a 9.68% offshore market share for the Philippines by that year, which would yielding $10.7 billion in revenues.

The BPA/P, Mr. Vives said, should set realistic expectations on how cities outside the National Capital Region would participate in the outsourcing boom.

"Unlike India and China, XMG studies have shown that the Philippines will only have two or three tier-one cities and a handful of tier-two cities that can support the BPO industries."

Tier-one cities are the most BPO investment-friendly, with abundant workforces, highly developed infrastructure, lower real estate costs relative to global standards, and low geopolitical and geophysical risks.

Leechiu & Associates Senior Manager for Consultancy Services Claro Cordero Jr. said prices of real estate, particularly in Metro Manila, have been increasing since 2005 due to demand from the outsourcing sector.

"There has been a shortage in grade A and prime office spaces, especially in Makati, with most having 90% to 95% occupancy rates."

Makati is not the only option, with Mandaluyong and Fort Bonifacio in Taguig as some of the alternatives.

"It is definitely cheaper outside the [Makati] central business district (CBD)," Mr. Cordero said.

According to a Leechiu office market overview, most of the current BPO sites are in Luzon, with the Makati CBD accounting for most of it at 33%.

CICT aims for more BPO hubs by 2010

By Lawrence Casiraya (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view_article.php?article_id=98980)
INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines--The Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) aims to certify at least 30 outsourcing "hubs" by 2010, according to its chairman, Ray Anthony Roxas-Chua III.

Under the government's Cyberservices Corridor project, the CICT has assessed and identified 20 key cities or areas ideal for BPO investors based on the supply of workers, real estate, telecommunications infrastructure, among other criteria.

"We are working closely towards that goal and we are encouraging investors to look outside of Metro Manila," Roxas-Chua said in a briefing Monday by the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP).

According to BPAP, about 80 percent of outsourcing activity in the country right now is within Metro Manila. BPAP's goal is likewise to identify the "next wave cities" to accomodate foreign investors and generate some 600,000 more jobs in the next three years.

Aside from Metro Manila, BPO firms have either located or expanded their operations in cities like Cebu and Baguio. Over the last few years, other cities like Davao, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Dagupan and Bacolod have attracted investments.

The following are the 20 cities or areas identified by the CICT as ideal for BPO investors: Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Bohol, Clark, Sta. Rosa, Lipa, Legazpi, Naga, Rizal, Bacolod, Cabanatuan, Dagupan, Subic, Cavite and Tacloban.

The CICT is working with Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) regional offices and local government units in doing its assessment. "We would like to be the coordinating body for investors in need of government assistance," Roxas-Chua said.

Monchito Ibrahim, a consultant for the CICT working on this initiative, is confident the commission will achieve its goal of identifying 30 to 35 BPO hubs even before 2010.

"The response from LGUs and the local private sector is very good. They realize the employment potential the BPO industry can generate," he said.

More Filipinos now transacting online
By Ronnel Domingo
Inquirer (here (http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=99322))
Last updated 07:09am (Mla time) 11/07/2007

MANILA, Philippines--The outsourcing trend is expected to take deeper roots among local companies as more Filipinos get the hang of making purchases and transactions by phone or the Internet, an official of Pilipinas Teleserve Inc. said.

Pilipinas Teleserve, a member of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines, is one of a few local outsourced service providers that serve domestic entities, including the National Statistics Office, McDonald’s and Petron Corp.

Company director Raffy David said in an interview that the use of outsourced services was increasing because the public was getting more comfortable with online transactions and more companies could take this as a signal to contract service providers.

“Traffic is getting denser,” he said. “For birth certificates alone, we are handling no less than 30,000 calls a day.”

David said Pilipinas Teleserve logged in the first nine months some 300,000 transactions or about the number it posted for the entire 2006.

“This is not limited to Metro Manila residents who are expected to adopt new ways of doing this faster than those from the provinces,” he added. “Half of our calls come from Metro Manila and half from outside the capital.”

David said the trend is the same with similar government services outsourced to Pilipinas Teleserve, including transactions related to marriage and death certificates or exit clearances from the Philippine Overseas Employment Authority.

“More consumers are also ordering food by phone as we have seen with our programs with McDonalds, North Park and Super Bowl, and even buying LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) from Petron.”

David sad he was predicting a “proliferation” of consumer services being offered and accessed through contact centers.

On Monday, the Business Process Association of the Philippines launched its Offshoring & Outsourcing Philippines: Roadmap to 2010,” which aims at realizing a 41-percent growth in revenue from $3.3 billion in 2006 to $13 billion in 2010.

BPA/P chief executive Oscar Sañez said the roadmap strives at a once in a lifetime opportunity for the country to become a global O&O player, with a 10-percent market share of what is estimated to become a $130-billion industry in 2010.

NCCC Mall - ICT PAVILLION

An ICT / BPO zone, a shopping destination, and a lifestyle enclave.....

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/DAVAO/ncccmalldavao.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/DAVAO/DL_NCCC.jpg

^^This is now the hq of CALLBOX in Davao.

Callbox is an Outsourcing Partner dedicated to providing world-class and profit-maximizing customer contact solutions and business processing services. Operating 24/7, Callbox serves the world’s leading companies in many industries including IT and software, financial and merchant services as well as business and consumer products.

Peeps...i have just received a query looking for an IT Building with a 3,000 sqm for BPO operations in Davao City. pm or txt me if u have info..thnx

Creation of ICT dep’t pushed
By Carmelito Q. Francisco Published : 2007-10-24

THE Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry has joined the call for the creation of the Department of Information and Communications Technology that will map out plans for the industry.

Andre Fournier, trustee of the chamber of commerce, yesterday said the department is important in promoting the country as investment area for the industry, adding that this will be one of the resolutions that will be submitted to the national government.

“That is our biggest problem. We do not have a department whose sole attention is to give focus to the industry,” said Fournier after Commissioner Ray Anthony Roxas-Chua called on the business sector in the city to support the proposal.

In his speech during the opening of the Mindanao Information and Communications Technology at the New City Commercial Center Mall, Roxas said the department is very important in drafting a plan for the industry.

“(I)ndustry-related institutions must be transformed into a focused, `lean and mean,’ effective organization,” said Roxas in his presentation, pointing out that this can be achieved if the present commission can be turned into a department.

“We really need the department,” said Fournier as he called on the legislative department to pass immediately a law that will create the department.

Fournier said at present, the commission does not have enough authority in pushing for the development of the industry.

He said a big body, like the department, is necessary in drafting a program for the industry, focusing on its authority to craft incentives for the possible investors. “Right now, investors run to the different agencies like the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, the Board of Investments just so they could obtain incentives. We need a single body that will have the authority to focus on issues concerning the industry,” he said.

Just last week, Joji Ilagan-Bian, president of the JIB e-Academy, said locators want to have a body that to run to so they can obtain incentives.

Bian pointed out the need for more investments in the creation of Philippine Economic Zone Authority-accredited zones where industry investments can be put up, like the one established by the Damosa Land Inc.

Bian said this is very important in luring investors to pour in their capital, because these companies wanted to have better incentive packages so they can reduce their operational expenses at the same time increase their profitability.

“This will also reduce the risks they are facing when the start their businesses,” she told BusinessWorld, taking note that some key investors have not considered Davao City in particular as investment area even when it has everything necessary for industry investments.

CICT aims for more BPO hubs by 2010 (http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view_article.php?article_id=98980)
By Lawrence Casiraya
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 05:56pm (Mla time) 11/05/2007

MANILA, Philippines--The Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) aims to certify at least 30 outsourcing "hubs" by 2010, according to its chairman, Ray Anthony Roxas-Chua III.

Under the government's Cyberservices Corridor project, the CICT has assessed and identified 20 key cities or areas ideal for BPO investors based on the supply of workers, real estate, telecommunications infrastructure, among other criteria.

"We are working closely towards that goal and we are encouraging investors to look outside of Metro Manila," Roxas-Chua said in a briefing Monday by the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP).

According to BPAP, about 80 percent of outsourcing activity in the country right now is within Metro Manila. BPAP's goal is likewise to identify the "next wave cities" to accomodate foreign investors and generate some 600,000 more jobs in the next three years.

Aside from Metro Manila, BPO firms have either located or expanded their operations in cities like Cebu and Baguio. Over the last few years, other cities like Davao, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Dagupan and Bacolod have attracted investments.

The following are the 20 cities or areas identified by the CICT as ideal for BPO investors: Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Bohol, Clark, Sta. Rosa, Lipa, Legazpi, Naga, Rizal, Bacolod, Cabanatuan, Dagupan, Subic, Cavite and Tacloban.

The CICT is working with Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) regional offices and local government units in doing its assessment. "We would like to be the coordinating body for investors in need of government assistance," Roxas-Chua said.

Monchito Ibrahim, a consultant for the CICT working on this initiative, is confident the commission will achieve its goal of identifying 30 to 35 BPO hubs even before 2010.

"The response from LGUs and the local private sector is very good. They realize the employment potential the BPO industry can generate," he said.

PGMA pledges support for call center roadmap (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20071107107941.html)

ROXAS CITY — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has endorsed the roadmap crafted by the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) whose aim is "10x10" for 10-percent global market share by year 2010.


"Congratulations. We endorse the roadmap," the President announced at the launching yesterday morning of the book, "Offshoring and Outsourcing Philippines: Roadmap 2010" at the Quezon Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La and after she received the first copy of the 220-page book – the first report published by the BPAP, the "umbrella organization of over 100 industry players and 100 vendors in the country."

It may be recalled that the Philippines was given the "Outsourcing Destination Award" by the highly prestigious 4th Annual Outsourcing Association (NOA) in ceremonies held in London last Oct. 19.

The BPAP’s dream of a 10-percent market share is equivalent to $ 13 billion in revenue, with one million jobs created by the end of the decade.

In the same book-unveiling ceremony, Sen. Manuel A. Roxas thanked President Arroyo for "bucking the unwise opinion" of quarters which found call centers and the like "too-low brow" for Filipino labor, and for her focusing on the objective of job generation, believing in the "norm that we have to walk before we run."

On the other hand, BPAP chair Fred Ayala thanked the President for "accelerating industry growth via the PGMA Scholarship For Work Project."

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) had crafted a program to hone the skills of Filipinos to match the demand of the call center industry in coordination with state learning institutions.

This is in line with President Arroyo’s "8 by ‘08" priority programs and legacy-building phase of her remaining term whose ultimate goal is to provide more jobs, improve living conditions, make education more accessible and boost the economy to make the Philippines attain First World status.

The BPAP said the report "examines the state of the offshoring and outsourcing industry, globally and in the Philippines, and looks closely at the factors that contribute to its growth (and those that indeed may eventually inhibit it)."

The Roadmap 2010 Report is a "strategy for breakthrough growth in the offshoring and outsourcing industry (O&O) in the Philippines."

The new wave cities proposed by BPAP are the: Cordillera-Ilocos Hub; Davao-GenSan Hub; Central Luzon Hub; Western Visayas Hub; and Central Visayas Hub. (PIA)

PGMA pledges support for call center roadmap (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20071107107941.html)


The new wave cities proposed by BPAP are the: Cordillera-Ilocos Hub; Davao-GenSan Hub; Central Luzon Hub; Western Visayas Hub; and Central Visayas Hub. (PIA)

^^ I like this more bro! It would be a win to win team up for Davao and Gensan! I even wish that these two cities would form an economic bloc or corridor (all the cities in Davao) and Gensan.

^

I like this compartmentalizing bro, very reminiscent of the Ramos administration. Though GSC was not so happy with it, I'm pretty sure this kind of amalgamation would augur well for both cities. Now that Davao is ahead, it won't take long for GSC to play catch up.

http://img477.imageshack.us/img477/5056/photo352tw5.jpg

JPMorgan expands BPO operations here with P3.7-billion add’l infusion

JPMorgan Chase Bank, the world’s leading global financial services firm with assets of $ 1.5 trillion, is expanding its back-office operations in the Philippines with P3.744 billion in additional investments bringing the company’s total investments in the country to P4.856 billion.


The new project, to be located at the E-Square IT Park in Fort Bonifacio, is expected to generate annual export sales of $ 104.154 million. It will start commercial operations in March 2009 employing 3,468 workers.

In approving the project, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director-General Lilia B. de Lima cited the JPMorgan project — customer care center — as the biggest IT-enabled services registration registered by the agency, so far. PEZA grants incentives to export-oriented enterprises.

De Lima said that JPMorgan Chase will engage in the provision of business process and customer services, application development, software quality assurance, help desk/technical support and IT support services at the E-Square IT Park.

But the New York-based investment bank is expected to focus on credit card and treasury services.


The increased investment of this reputable financial institution in the Philippines is in line with the company’s plans to diversify its back-office locations.

The company’s decision to expand in the Philippines was largely due to the fact that its Mumbai (India) back-office operations with 8,000 workers has become congested due to back-office operations of various other investment banks.

JPMorgan plans to ramp up its Philippine operation with 5,000 professionals in the next two years.

The New York Stock Exchange-listed firm operates in more than 50 countries employing over 170,000 employes. It is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers, small business and commercial banking, financial transaction processing, asset management, and private equity.

JPMorgan Chase serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients.

The brands JPMorgan Chase, JPMorgan and Chase are currently used in the marketplace to deliver community partnership capabilities around the world.

De Lima cited the JPMorgan’s project as the latest IT-enabled services project to join PEZA’s growing number of BPO companies.

For the first ten months this year, PEZA has registered a total of 104 IT projects with total combined investments of P13.344 billion employing 40,900 workers.

Major companies that already operate in the Philippines include AIG, AOL, Barnes & Noble, Chevron, Citigroup, Dell, HP, HSBC, IBM, Intel, JPMorgan Chase, Motorola, Procter & Gamble, Siemens AG and Trend Micro.

Roster of outsourcing clients includes NEC Telecom, Caltex, Fujitsu and Alitalia. Notable BPO vendors include Accenture, Convergys, and Unisys. There are numerous smaller operations that either support larger vendors during seasonal demands, or directly service Small and Medium overseas companies.

Major vendors are managed jointly by expatriate and local managers whereas smaller operations maintain their viability through direct management by its owners, who themselves are most likely to be from the BPO and ICT industries.

^^ is the regional headquarters for JPmorgan in Singapore or Hong Kong?

Wala lang. I would like to share some information about the contact center situationeer of the country.

2006 Contact Center Industry Benchmarking Report: The Philippines
by Callcentres.net

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Superb infos and updates bros...:banana::banana::banana:

Friday, 09 November 2007
US software expert in town for free workshop
Walter I. Balane / MindaNews
Friday, 09 November 2007 21:03


DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / November 9) – A world renowned US programmer would be in town next week for a free workshop on Java Script, an important program on developing website and accessing objects embedded in other Internet applications.

Thom Parker, touted as one of the top three world experts on JavaScript, would offer a free workshop at Felis Seminar Resort on Friday November 16 at 3:00 pm.

His talk would cover many areas of JavaScript programming and he would show examples of results one can achieve using JavaScript, according to a press release. The Davao Acrobat and Adobe User Group and Felis Seminar Resort have sponsored the workshop “as part of a series to help boost the so-called Silicon Gulf Coast of Davao”.

Davao City Councilor Peter Laviña said the workshop should enhance capability of local ICT personnel and increase their competitiveness. ICT Davao, a group of the city's ICT stakeholders had been trying to push Davao City as Mindanao's ICT hub.

Oliver Robillo, of the ICT Cluster of the Regional Development Council, said the workshop would benefit the local IT industry “as JavaScript is widely used in website development”.

"Developers and students here will definitely profit from added know-how from an expert such as Thom Parker," he said in a text message to MindaNews.

Robillo cited the need for more of similar trainings in Davao to complement what's being taught in schools.


JavaScript is a scripting language most often used for client-side web development, according to Wikipedia.com .


Online sources cited JavaScript as a program influenced by many languages and was designed to have a similar look to Java. Easier for non-programmers to work with, JavaScript is best known for its use in websites (as client-side JavaScript), and to enable scripting access to objects embedded in other applications.

Parker, is founder and CEO of WindJack Solutions, Inc., a software development company based in Portland Oregon, USA, which especializes on Acrobat, JavaScript and PDF development.

Organizers announced interested persons can register for the event by emailing to felisresort_4@yahoo.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (082) 298-2601.

Job Orders from People Support Davao


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Or visit our PeopleSupport Recruitment & Training Center – Davao and
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Know more about our openings at www.peoplesupport.com

http://img477.imageshack.us/img477/5056/photo352tw5.jpg

I wonder how sprawling their Davao office is....

Mindanao Bureau
Inquirer.net

DAVAO CITY -- Jade Suaybaguio wants to send his sick mother to the hospital, but this is just wishful thinking for a 19-year-old son of a laborer.

His father had stopped supporting the family, leaving the responsibility to him and his elder sister, who, unfortunately, lost her job recently.

Jade no longer goes to college because no one was financially assisting him. He now works as a liaison officer for the employees’ cooperative of Tagum City government and earns P100 daily.

Sam (not his real name), 27, on the other hand, has not been regularly employed for almost a year now. The son of a carpenter, he supports himself and his family from the small fees he gets doing corporate shows and community events.

The difficulty of being a free-lancer is that events do not happen regularly, forcing him to even try writing thesis and other research works for high school and college students, he said.

Both Jade and Sam now see a glimmer of hope when they joined the Training for Work Scholarship Program, a multimillion-peso skills development initiative of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). They enrolled at the Academia de Davao Inc. to learn the basics of the call center industry.

Job prospects

The two are among some 2,000 people from Southern Mindanao who are benefiting from the program. Graduation will give them opportunities to find jobs in the booming call center industry, like the 1,600 people from the region who have already become call center agents.

That life is difficult is something that Jade avoids to think, as this will only make things worse for him and his younger siblings. He said he would rather see the brighter side of his family’s condition and the opportunities coming his way.

Sam has availed himself of a government scholarship program when he enrolled.

Working during the day, Jade is finishing the 100-hour course for call center agents at the school through night classes.

Jade, who took up an agricultural engineering course at the state-run University of Southern Philippines in Tagum, was described by his call center mentor, Lorna Rasay, as intelligent.

During a job fair for call center agent aspirants in Tagum last week, Jade passed the interview given by Link2Support, a progressive business outsourcing company.

“Well, I’m really happy. Things are turning really well for me and my family. I learned that I was able to pass the interview level and that alone is already a huge thing for me,” he told the Inquirer by phone.

TESDA scholarship

Getting the scholarship program from TESDA “is very important for me,” Jade said.

“Remember that I have to stop going to school because nobody was supporting me. This one is a major opportunity opening doors for more opportunities for me.”

Mafel Negrido-Gamale, information officer of TESDA-Southern Mindanao, said the program, especially the one for call center agents, had attracted a lot of undergraduate students and job seekers.

“Another factor, of course, is the fact that one applicant can easily pass the exam given to aspiring individuals. Another is the fact that the training is for free,” Gamale said.

The program was launched here in May last year with a nationwide budget of P1.06 billion. Next year, another P1 billion will be allocated to benefit those enrolling as welders, medical and legal transcriptionists, animators and software developers, and those who want to be in the household services, hotel and restaurant management and other critical skills.

‘Employables’

Gamale said the beneficiaries were labeled as “employables” and “near-hires” or those who possess the required technical skills and competencies.

“Near-hires and employables are the top priorities as they need only enhancement of certain competencies to be given assurance of employment after choosing their desired finishing courses,” she said.

TESDA data showed that the employment rate among those who entered the Work for Scholarship Program, especially in the call center sector, was 23.3 percent for Compostela Valley, 25.2 percent for Davao del Norte, 13.1 percent for Davao Oriental, and 20.6 percent for Davao del Sur, which includes Davao City.

Prospects for skilled workers, like call center agents, are bright and the demand is expected to rise each year, Gamale said.

In 2006, Department of Trade and Industry records indicated that the region needed at least 1,000 call center agents, 90 medical transcriptionists, more than 3,000 animators and 88 software developers.

November 2, 2007
The global outsourcing market will finish 2007 at US $297 billion, with an estimated growth rate of 19.31 percent, according to an independent market forecast by XMG. The forecast includes IT, BPO and call center services, and the onshore and offshore delivery of outsourcing services. The study shows offshoring beating market expectations. XMG analysts predict strong growth and turbulent conditions for global outsourcing through 2010.

XMG forecasts the total outsourcing market to reach US $450 billion by 2010.

"While it is no surprise that India and China continue to lead amongst the offshore countries, our study also showed a noteworthy insight to those following the growth of other offshore countries in Asia," said Lauro Vives, Founding President and Chief Analyst of XMG. "The Philippines is experiencing an unprecedented growth rate of 62% CAGR and will surpass Malaysia in 2007."

In 2006, Malaysia and the Philippines were neck-and-neck with 1.04% and 1.02% respectively of the share of the global revenue.

Additional highlights from the study on the performance of the top 4 Asian offshore countries include:

* India is estimated to capture US $34.1 billion in total revenue by year end 2007 at 29.5% CAGR. India will claim an estimated 11.5% share of the global market. XMG estimates India will continue to lead the offshore segment through 2010 with at least 15% share.
* China is estimated at US $13.1 billion by year end, growing at 47.9% CAGR. China is on track to have a 4.4% share of the global market, based on 2007 total revenue figures forecasted.
* The Philippines is expected to grow to almost US $4.1 billion, and 1.4% of the global market share.
* Malaysia is estimated to finish the year at US $3.6 billion, achieving 1.2% of the global market share.

Even with Malaysia’s 38% growth, the report showed that other countries are outpacing Malaysia primarily due to the country’s lack of available manpower to sustain the growth of its offshore and outsourcing industry.

"Locators are turning to other countries where there is headroom for further growth and expansion," said Vives. "This continues to show that the strategy for expanding offshore rests on the availability of manpower in that country. Our competitor intelligence report shows that the typical profile of offshore locators, whether service providers or captives, is to have the foresight that they can grow anywhere from 60% to 90% year on year unabated over the next two to three years."

XMG analysts saiad that Malaysia recognizes its limited manpower size, and have been steadfastly focusing on increasing revenue share through higher value services.

Turbulence ahead

Looking forward to 2008, the XMG forecast indicates continued strong growth in the offshore markets, citing the rising cost of operations and the continuing depreciation of the US dollar.

Other than China and Malaysia, the cost of operations in India and the Philippines is increasing due to wage rate hikes to retain people and the rise in real estate prices. Both India and the Philippines are estimated to experience continuing general wage increases of 11% and 8% respectively due to talent supply problems.

The spiraling effect of the US dollar and the accelerated appreciation of Asian domestic currencies such as the India Rupee and Philippine Peso is also a factor. "For every percentage point these currencies appreciate relative to the US dollar, we typically see the cost advantages affected by 20 to 30 basis points," said Vives.

PIA Press Release
2007/11/17
DepEd trains young technologists, entrepreneurs
By Mai Gevera

Davao City (17 November) -- With the increasing opportunities on skills and heightened demand for jobs on the local and international level, the Department of Education is now training young minds to be interested and active in upgrading their skills.

The said department believes that the world recognizes commendable talents and skills of the Filipino workers. This is the reason why in both elementary and high school level, school kids are already exposed to various courses, trainings, and competitions that would in time help them in finding better jobs after a vocational or college degree.

One of the regular events of the said department to support the skills upgrading of elementary and high school kids is the holding of an annual skills competition.

Davao is set to host this year's Student Technologists and Entrepreneurs of the Philippines National Skills Development Competition on November 19 to 24. Expecting a huge number of participants from the different schools of the 17 regions, DepEd Region XI and the Division of Davao City are now preparing for a smooth hosting of the event.

The competition is aimed to make the students apply, practice, and be excellent on their special skills learned from the different skills courses like Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE), Technical-Vocational Education (TVE) and Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP).

DepEd now supports the thrusts promoted by the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in encouraging more high school graduates to try vocational courses as most of the job requirements abroad are intended for skilled workers.

DepEd secretary Jesli Lapuz will welcome the national participants on November 20 as he would be inspiring young students to develop and excel on their specific skills and at the same time develop leadership and desirable work values and character. (PIA XI) [top]

Tuesday, November 20, 2007
DTI conducts tests for call center aspirants
By Joy Romares-Sevilla
THE regional office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 reported that the DTI in Davao Oriental is now assessing prospective call center agents following the huge demand for them.

In a report of the DTI-DO that reached the DTI regional office, it said that DTI in Davao Oriental is currently accepting applicants with the following qualifications: male or female, 18 to 55 years old, at least second year college, and proficient in English language.

This initiative is in response to the call of the government and private agencies for collaboration in order to increase the number of training centers for call center representatives.

DTI-DO said the assessment would be an initial phase before one will qualify as call center agent.

The qualifiers of the initial testing will be endorsed to companies and will be subjected for follow up assessment based on the latter's existing hiring policies.

Currently, DTI-DO reported that seven call center applicants were accepted during the Small and Medium Enterprise Development (Smed) Week last July.
DTI-DO also invites interested and qualified applicants to take advantage of this opportunity to be employed by reputable call center agencies and enjoy the privilege of receiving competitive remuneration.

Cebu is now NO.1 BPO site in the COUNTRY!!! hehehehe! :banana:

^^

Good on you. I've been told about a call center where the grandmother 65 and her daughter 45 and her granddaughter 20 are all working on the same shift :)

whoaw~!!! this is interesting. i wonder who got in first, then she might have the most referral bonus! :) cheers to all call centre agents! and do take care of your health. i know it's no joke working in graveyard shift.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n233/davaoeagle/wiretap.jpg

Bakay dyan ang source ng Hello Garci....:cheers:

^

You might need a dose of corny pills! :jk:

^^:lol::lol::lol:

Actually, I'd say if one's wants to save up in five years or so, working for a call center (or any BPO, I guess) would be a good choice. Entry level salaries are, what? 15k? My salary when I entered four years ago was 12k. Right now, there's plenty of opportunities for those who wish to work for the BPO industry.

Hahaha, indeed, working in the graveyard shift is no walk in the park. Everytime I get the night shift, I'd find a way to get back to the morning shift.

^

You might need a dose of corny pills! :jk:

i'm overdosed already !!! I need a DOWNer...:cheers:

http://neodavao.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/callwell.jpg


Callwell Teleservices is an international callcenter which is based in Davao City. It is owned and being operated by Dabawenyo entrepreneurs with Mr Brian Dexter M. Medija as the company’s president. They deliver cost effective enterprise solutions to their clients through their Davao contact center facility. The company’s goal is to become the premier call center and IT services provider and vendor networking organization in the country, providing quality and highly reliable service to global corporations.

Callwell Teleservices International Corporation is an addition to the growing number of contact centers and BPOs in Davao City. It is also one of the growing and promising IT companies in Davao. Currently, they are looking for qualified individuals to be part of their team. This is definitely a good news as this would provide employment opportunities to our fellow Dabawenyos.

Having Davao as Callwell’s choice for their contact center facility strengthens Davao’s dominance as the IT Hub of Southern Philippines. Callwell’s presence in Davao would definitely boost our IT and BPO industries and the Silicon Gulf’s IT capabilities.

Kudos to Callwell…a global company in a global city!

what does a "dead end job" mean?

what does a "dead end job" mean?
you're dead when you lose your job at the end:lol:

^^ nice info ibex... btw, i've been to damosa lately and the place is cool. excited ako sa U/C commercial center in front of market basket, beside mac donalds. a great addition to lanang area, 7 kilometers away from downtown (city hall).

http://neodavao.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/callwell.jpg


Callwell Teleservices is an international callcenter which is based in Davao City. It is owned and being operated by Dabawenyo entrepreneurs with Mr Brian Dexter M. Medija as the company’s president. They deliver cost effective enterprise solutions to their clients through their Davao contact center facility. The company’s goal is to become the premier call center and IT services provider and vendor networking organization in the country, providing quality and highly reliable service to global corporations.

Callwell Teleservices International Corporation is an addition to the growing number of contact centers and BPOs in Davao City. It is also one of the growing and promising IT companies in Davao. Currently, they are looking for qualified individuals to be part of their team. This is definitely a good news as this would provide employment opportunities to our fellow Dabawenyos.

Having Davao as Callwell’s choice for their contact center facility strengthens Davao’s dominance as the IT Hub of Southern Philippines. Callwell’s presence in Davao would definitely boost our IT and BPO industries and the Silicon Gulf’s IT capabilities.

Kudos to Callwell…a global company in a global city!



^^ aka dextertexter! :okay: one of our SSC Davao's active forumers!

^^ guys....to those who want to learn more of the Silicon Gulf, one can visit our site at http://www.davaotechnopreneurship.com . Also, you may send your contributions regarding Davao's IT industry to my email address at shealthiel@gmail.com and I would be glad to post this in Davao Technopreneurship website with your credits. :okay: Thanks for your help!

for more updates re Davao, one may also visit my blog at http://neodavao.wordpress.com

i'm overdosed already !!!


I can see that...

what does a "dead end job" mean?

My understanding is that it's when you can't go any further where you are. Like you can't be promoted to a higher position, and when you move to another company, you don't have any skills that'll be useful for a different job position.

Peope who work on a call center doesnt have to deal with minimum wage and ecola :lol: No need to go to street and beg the government for wage increase because there is a regular annual appraisal. I don't think it's a dead end job because you can just hop from one company to another and get a higher paying salary, equal opportunity employers etc.. compare to a regular job where people start on a minimum wage and it will take you 5-10 years to double you current salary and discrimination is rampant. Piracy is the major reason why the attrition rate is high because competitor will surely give you a higher salary.

Cebu is now NO.1 BPO site in the COUNTRY!!! hehehehe! :banana:

:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Cebu is the most preffered city for outsourcing and offshoring work in the country, according to the recent report of an international management consulting firm, Mckinsey and Company.

Bonifacio Belen, Cebu Educational Development Foundation for Information Technology (Cedf-it) executive director, said the MCkinsey report is contained in the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPA/P) Outsou8rcing and Offshoring Road Map 2010.

"BPAP's Roadmap 2010 was presented to President Arroyo last Nov.5. The recent Mckinsey report contained in the roadmap ranks Cebu as the number one city for outsourcing and offshoring work in the country" Belen said.

BPAP's roadmap 2010 presents a strategic plan on how to maximize the country's pool of talents and infrastructure in the global and offshoring services which include the goal of reaching a total revenue of $13Billion in 2010.

Belen said the result proves that the province continues to provide quality and dependable services to BPO clients worldwide. The Report also gives another recognition as the leading outsouring destination.

In Sept. 2007 a study by Global Services and Investment advisory firm Tholons ranked Cebu as number 4 of the 15 emerging outsourcing destinations in the world. The same study ranked Pasig City in Manila 23rd spot and Baguio city in Northern Luzon in 36th place.

Commisioner Monchito Ibrahim of the Commission on Information and Communications technology (CICT) said good talent pool, excellent infrastructure, comaprative lower cost of doing business and first rate business environment contribute to Cebu's ranking.

Ibrahim said that the presence of Cedf-it "serves as a catalyst in ensuring that an adequate pool of qualified talents are made available"

Cedf-it is a consortium of industry, academe, government and non-govt. organiztaions that seek to increase the quantity and improve the quality of professionals in the ICT and IT enabled services.

Some of its programs are the IT teachers academy which maintains and sustains high teaching standars and the Professional Certification and Traing Center which ensures quality and competence in the practice of ICT.

In an earlier interview CIPC managing director Joel Mari YU said Cebu's BPO industry will continue to flourish and creat more direct and indirect employment for Cebuanos and neighboring provinces because of its excellent private-public partnership.

Yu said that based on CIPC records Cebu has 25 call centers and more than 75 BPO companies which offer software, legal and animation services, and medical transcription among others.

The rising Peso provides a good opportunity for the provinces to attract BPO investments as some operators are starting to find Manila less and less "competitive" in outsourcing. Of course this would be contingent upon the local governments making their cities business friendly.

Monday, December 03, 2007
Is Davao IT ready for Japan?
By Oliver Robillo
IT Talks

SOON after the opening of the Philippine National IT Standards Foundation (PhilNits) branch in Davao City, there has been positive movement within the Japanese IT community in the Philippines.

Where before they have only paid lip service to initiatives in promoting Davao IT to the Japanese market, now these entities (private and government) are in fact looking towards the South as a viable investment and outsourcing destination. But more so, as a source of IT manpower.

PhilNits is engaged in the development of high-tech skills. Japan is in dire need of highly skilled skilled personnel. Hence the bullish outlook of Davao City as an IT center by Japanese companies and government agencies. But we must not be overly optimistic.

This renewed industrial interest in Davao City (dormant ever since the heyday of abaca plantations) is not necessarily driven by the presence of a robust IT industry here. It is fueled rather by Japan's own requirements. According to the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro), their country is in need of 150,000 IT engineers annually.

The inability to address this has finally allowed Asian countries with strong IT industries to receive offshore projects from Japan, especially China, India and Vietnam. It was published in a report that the Philippines receives less than half of what Vietnam gets in terms of outsourced projects for software development and animation.

Hopefully this will change. Metro Manila and Cebu technology providers have already started to gain more ground towards where Vietnam is now. Davao IT companies have yet to get a first engagement.

But with the growing interest in the city, soon we just might realize a first and a quick second, third and so on. That is, if we can sustain this growth and development that the Japanese see in us.

Recently, SpiceWorx, a Makati-based consulting firm, visited Davao officially for the first time. Each year, SpiceWorx is retained by JETRO to accomplish research into the Philippine I.T. industry on their behalf.

Beginning next year, SpiceWorx's annual report will include Davao City. This report is written in both English and Japanese, thus it has tremendous reach and influence.

It's safe to assume that Davao's IT industry will very soon witness an influx of inquiries and feelers from Japan. Hopefully, it won't be all about manpower supply. In order for our industry to experience sustained growth, we need high-value investments to come in: the establishment of foreign-funded software development houses, for one, and the entry of outsourced projects.

But there are still a number of issues that might hinder our ability to successfully synergize with our Japanese counterparts, as well as penetrate the Japanese market. Foremost of this is the availability of IT manpower, both present and future. Do we have enough now? Are we going to have a sustained supply of software programmers, graphics designers, animators, systems engineers, etc. in the coming years?

Is Davao prepared to accommodate Japan's burgeoning IT requirements?

Spanish firms plan to invest $ 151 M in Manila


Genalyn D. Kabiling


MADRID (via PLDT) --- Buoyed by the country’s world-class Filipino workforce and friendly business climate, a number of Spanish companies plan to invest some US$ 151 million in the lucrative sectors of renewable energy and business process outsourcing in the Philippines.

President Arroyo convinced Tuesday the Spanish business community to consider the Philippines as an investment destination in the region.

After her remarks at the Confederacion Espanola de Organizaciones Empresariales Spanish-Filipino business forum, the President witnessed the signing of four business agreements among private companies from Spain and the Philippines, which are expected to generate more employment opportunities for Filipinos.

The first memorandum of agreement involves the creation of a joint venture company in the Philippines for the development of bio-diesel products with target investments totalling US$ 150 million.

The pact, signed between Green Fuel Corporation of Spain and Guidance Management Corporation of the Philippines, is expected to generate employment and livelihood opportunities for at least 10,000 families in Mindanao.

WinSource Solutions, a Philippine outsourcing firm, also bagged three other historic agreements with Spanish companies amounting to US$ 150,000 for the outsourcing of Filipino talents in software engineering and development.

These are considered the first knowledge process outsourcing ventures in Spain using Filipino talents for digital imaging, computer aided design, and software engineering services.

A memorandum of agreement was signed between GMV of Spain and WinSource Solutions of the Philippines which will initially generate 50 jobs for Filipino software and technical engineers.

Around 800 to 1,000 additional jobs would be available in succeeding projects after the successful delivery of this initial project with GMV, a technological business group with services and solutions in aeronautics, defense transportation, and telecommunications.

The Philippine-based WinSource firm also inked a separate accord with European Virtual Engineering of Spain for a similar knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) venture, a high value added form of BPO.

Fifty Filipino software development engineers, graphic designers and other outsourcing professionals would be hired under this project. At least 1,000 more job openings for Filipino engineers and graphic designers would be opened in the future projects of both KPO firms.

Another agreement was inked between Estudios Durero of Spain, a leading digital imaging company, and WinSource Solutions involving the outsourcing of graphic design services from the Philippines.

The business accord is expected to create 100 job openings for Filipino graphic artists, designers, animators, among others.

Harold Jose James Pardo, WinSource Solutions director for European Business Development, said the pioneering venture of his company opens up continental Europe for the whole Philippine BPO industry.

Pardo thanked the Arroyo government for helping WinSource Solutions penetrate the European market outside the saturated Northern American market and beyond the increasingly commoditized call center industry.

"WSI’s success to penetrate the Spanish and UK markets is greatly attributable to the administration’s non-stop hard work to address policy directions of President Arroyo to provide the right opportunities for Filipino professionals to remain in the Philippines working in their fields of study," Pardo said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071206110722.html

That's right. We now have evolved to be - not only a BPO destination - but now a KPO destination na rin. And looking at the services offered (aeronautics, defense transportation, and telecommunications), these requires notch higher expertise, which translates to higher paycheck. This is a market that the country has just begun exploring.

^^ is the regional headquarters for JPmorgan in Singapore or Hong Kong?

I've seen their office in HK, and read somewhere that they have regional office there.

Soul, can you give your source of those stats above? Very interesting. I wonder if the manager or TL's annual salary refers to the basic, or total renumeration. Any idea?

And to BPO team leaders out there, can you tell us how is it like doing the job?

it says callcenter.net.

By Joyce Pangco Pañares (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=politics2_dec7_2007)

A Philippine-based business process outsourcing firm has made its debut in the Spanish and North American markets, showcasing Filipino talents for digital imaging, computer-added design and software engineering services.

Winsome Solutions Inc. official Harold James Pardo said what used to be a one-way traffic to North America for BPO firms in the Philippines has changed as his company began its initial foray into Europe and North America.

“The state visit of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to Spain opened not just windows but doorways of opportunity for the Philippine business community. WSI, in particular, has found and penetrated new and better markets outside the saturated North American market and beyond the call center industry,” Pardo said after meeting Mrs. Arroyo Wednesday on the last day of the President’s state visit to Madrid.

Pardo said that while Winsome’s maiden contract in Europe is admittedly modest in an industry of multibillion-dollar deals, the pioneering venture opens up continental Europe for the whole Philippine BPO industry.

The Philippine-based firm has won contracts with four Spanish companies while on the local front, Winsome has created at least 250-300 jobs for Filipino engineers, architects, computer graphic designers, animators and data process outsourcing mining analysts for the past six months.

“As a rule of thumb, in salary terms, one knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) engineer is equivalent to 3-4 call center agents,” Pardo said.

Pardo said among the frontline services offered by Filipino “knowledge workers” to the four Spanish companies are design software applications for very diverse sectors, including aeronautics, space, defense, design, security, transportation and communications.

Before arriving in London yesterday, President Arroyo concluded her state visit to Spain with a commitment from a Madrid-based biodiesel leader in Europe to invest $200 million to develop at least 100,000 hectares of land into jatropha plantations to be used as feedstock for biofuel facilities in the Philippines.

“This is a step in the right direction in our search for alternative fuel sources, particularly in the wake of rising crude prices in the global market,” the President said.

The Department of Agriculture said Bionor Transformacion S.A., a well-established global multi-feedstock company based in Spain, bared its plans to invest in the local biofuel sector through a memorandum of agreement signed recently between AME Bionergy Corp. and the Philippine Agricultural Development and Commercial Corp.

AME, which was appointed the key integrator for Bionor in the Philippines, is tasked to identify suitable jatropha plantation sites and consolidate lands for the program.

Bionor is currently operating two biodiesel plants in Spain and Italy with a combined output of 125,000 metric tons. It is constructing an additional five plants in Spain and Brazil that will add 900,000 MT more of capacity in 2008 and in the first quarter of 2009, resulting in a combined capacity in early 2009 of over a million MT of methyl ester.

INQUIRER MINDANAO
Mindanao bloggers unite for peace
By Jeffrey M. Tupas
Inquirer
Last updated 06:07am (Mla time) 12/09/2007


DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- While most gatherings of bloggers are nailed on how to possibly earn huge money from this cyber exchange, which is almost as mundane as updating one’s web log, the first Mindanao Bloggers’ Summit talked about how to strive for peace.

Attended by almost a hundred bloggers from various parts of the island on Oct. 28 at the NCCC mall in Davao City, the summit aimed to promote the diverse cultures and identities of Mindanao in the hope of narrowing gaps that provoke conflict and misunderstanding.

A number of those who came were journalists, writers, artists and students, who even passed a resolution encouraging other bloggers to write about Mindanao as a “contribution to fostering understanding and peace.”

One of the summit’s major supporters, the United Nations Act for Peace Programme, and the Inquirer Mindanao Bureau drafted the resolution.

All shapes and sizes

The summit seeks “to bring together bloggers of all shapes and sizes, of varied beliefs and convictions, to a common venue, and hopefully together come up with answers to this question: What can we accomplish as bloggers to contribute to peace and understanding?” Oliver Robillo, the organizers’ team leader, said.

Robillo said the bloggers must open the windows to what is Mindanao for the world to see and appreciate, contrary to what is often highlighted in local and foreign media.

“Even our fellow Filipinos in Luzon and the Visayas are blind to the reality of our island,” he said.

“Through our collective voices, we will be able to effect certain improvements. By letting our blogs’ readers see our everyday lives, our work, our involvement, our passions --which we write about -- they will be given a glimpse of the true images of Mindanao,” Robillo said.

“By our blogging, the negative publicity surrounding the Philippine South might soon be overcome.”

According to the resolution, the bloggers would exploit the new medium of expression and information exchange to write stories about the “beauty of Mindanao’s people, culture, places, creativity as their contribution to foster understanding and peace on the island.”

Peace agents

“The participants have held Mindanao close to their hearts and are aware of its diverse people, rich cultures and amazing places,” it said. They “recognize the need to continually communicate with one another to know and understand Mindanao and its people through the available technology.”

Now posted at the www.mindanaobloggers.com, more bloggers said they were willing to become peace agents by supporting the resolution.

Fr. Albert Alejo, a peace advocate and one of the speakers, said peace building and promotion could be done in many ways, like writing stories about the goodness of people, especially those who are in the margins of society.

“We have to touch the heart where the violence starts … we have to create more images that touch the heart,” Alejo said.

The stories must tell about how government policies and officials further push the poor aside.

“Let us write about corruption because corruption is violence. Let us talk about Malacañang because Malacañang is violence,” Alejo said.

“We have to start writing about the billions of dollars coming in if the final peace agreement is signed between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front … we have to write about this before the money gets squandered by corrupt government officials.”

anybody knows jason of davao's famed i.t. guys. can't remember the surname. but i'd like to meet him for some exploring on tie-ups.

I've just had an excellent personal experience with outsourced Tech Support from the Philippines.

I've been having problems with my Linksys wireless connection at home so I was at my wit's end on how to solve it. I tried online chat tech support but was disconnected five times. I was getting infuriated.

Then, I had a phone call and this guy "Gus" was so patient and walked me through the set-up and connection system. I must say that he is really really patient with me because I was scrambling around the house to get my plug since my laptop battery was discharged and the PC kept on hanging on me, plus the fact that I am virtually clueless with anything tech-related. He just hang in there with me and gave me clear directions.

And finally... VoilA! My system worked seamlessly. I swear, I can kiss and hug this guy. I thanked him profusely on the phone and said that he was heaven-sent. I told him that if I can give him any commendation, then I will. He was happy.

Later, I received a follow-up call. This time, from Nora. We happened to find out that both of us are Filipinos. But I swear, if she did not say so, I wouldn't have detected that they were Filipinos assisting me. Their dictions were smooth and flawless.

They are world-class. Their service par excellence. They make me really proud of them as Filipinos.

So, for all you call center and outsourcing Filipino workers, you really make us proud with your excellent work. More companies should really tap the Philippines in establishing their centers and branches there.

^^ Were you tempted to converse in Tagalog when you had an inkling that they were Filipino?

^ I actually did not have an inkling that I was speaking with a Filipino. It's just when I happened to mention where I work that this immigration thing cropped up. And then, she said she was Filipina and the guy, Gus,who helped me out earlier was also Filipino. She said that their other outsourcing center is in India.

I have a more discernible accent than them. Madulas talaga magsalita.

I ordered two magnetic windshield cover and a set of tire pressure indicator cap for my car at Carol Wright Gifts on phone and I was pretty sure that the agent was Pinay. It wasn't obvious during her intro but later on I could really discern the Pinay in her. She did a good job with my order though.

Monday, December 17, 20
New IT hangout
By Oliver Robillo
IT Talks

CHRISTOPHER Cubos and I, ever since we got acquainted in the mid-90s, have been known to be at loggerheads when it comes to certain industry issues. For example, way back in the early days of Philippine Internet (Web 0.5?), we had a long running argument about content vs. design.

However, we are in wholehearted agreement on two things: community-building and good food.


Recently, while I have been preoccupied with building a bloggers' community in Davao (and Mindanao), Chris has been intent on helping develop the future movers and shakers of the city's IT industry. His new restaurant in Metro Avenue, Fwendz Diner, has now become a hangout for IT professionals and college students taking up computer-related courses.

In his eagerness to foster the malleable and super-absorbent minds of young Dabawenyos, Chris welcomes these students into his fold, making his resources available to them - truly inspiring efforts by an indomitable pioneer in the industry.

One of Chris's current involvements now is the formation of a Drupal users and developers group in the city. Another is his participation in Ted Padova's Adobe Acrobat evangelization efforts. And a recent development is the promotion of the "Silicon Gulf" concept, in which I intend to contribute as well.

Chris and I hold the belief that, in order to help spark growth, it must be done in, through, and with the community. Synergies are important -- no single entity can successfully bring about meaningful change in Davao's already complicated IT industry setup.

If you're an aspiring IT professional, I encourage you to participate in the informal get-togethers at Fwendz Diner. It's a place not only for good and inexpensive food, but also for invaluable hands-on learning.

anybody knows jason of davao's famed i.t. guys. can't remember the surname. but i'd like to meet him for some exploring on tie-ups.

Jason Banico , si tj kilala siya:)

^^ Wow, I feel proud of our fellows. I dunno if they get a plus if they receive commendation from their clients/callers. But guys, don't keep them on the line for too long as they have this so called average handling time (AHT) sort of a KRA. That will also determine their cost effectivity, and I guess it's also used for manpower planning...and all that. So they want to make their AHT as low as possible. So the more complicated your problem is, the longer the agent has to keep you on the line, and the worse performance appraisal he gets at the end of the month. But they don't really mind spending long time as long as there's a satisfied customer when they hang up the phone. Aside from AHT, I'm sure they also have KRA (key result area) on Quality.

I usually receive negative comments among people working at Contact Centres. Stress, irate callers, erratic work schedule...etc. But not everyone. Some have very positive attitude towards their jobs and company and it's very nice to see them make their way up the corporate ladder. They love helping others and that is what's making them stick with their jobs. After all, it's a high paying job, relatively speaking. They offer higher entry level basic pay than my company.

it says callcenter.net.

hey thanks Amigo. stupid me again...

Later, I received a follow-up call. This time, from Nora. We happened to find out that both of us are Filipinos. But I swear, if she did not say so, I wouldn't have detected that they were Filipinos assisting me. Their dictions were smooth and flawless.

They are world-class. Their service par excellence. They make me really proud of them as Filipinos.

So, for all you call center and outsourcing Filipino workers, you really make us proud with your excellent work. More companies should really tap the Philippines in establishing their centers and branches there.

:) very proud here. though I am not an agent myself. hehe...
ate lili, they are not allowed to disclose their nationality unless you initiate on this topic. now i wonder who handles Linksys customer support. Perhaps that's an inhouse custumer support? I've seen Linksys office at PhilamLife.

have we already named the companies that outsource their business processes here? let's try to name them all..

Convergys:
Direct TV
General Motors
Yahoo. MSN
Onstar
...

NCO Financial:
Directory Assistance
Capital One
GE Money Bank
Securis
Sprint Together with Nextel
Windows Live
XBOX
..

what else?

i think the list will be very very long. a company's business process is diverse...well, multinational company, that is. the first wave of oursourcing is concentrated on the none-core processes like transcription, translation, voice and email support...then F&A, HR, etc. we're now infiltrating the very core business processes.

by the way JP, how did you know all these? an outsider is not supposed to know who are the clients of who, right?

let me see what i know...

HP does P&G's F&A and HR
:ohno: i know very little...

Maybe we can ask Tyronne who are the clients of Peoplesupport.

A friend who works with Headstrong is developing banking system for the likes of New York Bank. I know of some who have established their operating HQs here. I think we call that insourcing. My company is doing insourcing. But my team has taken up the most centralization of global tasks. From 5 regional certification centres - Dubai, Miami, Hamburg, Johhanesburg and Manila, we managed to centralize all processes to Manila. Even the ones done in Nairobi are now done by my team. So now we can demand for higher paycheck. And I guess that's the very reason why we were able to 'pirate' high caliber experts from the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) who does very similar job as we do. Now they earn higher than their supervisor! :ohno: which is me....wahuhuh...

:) very proud here. though I am not an agent myself. hehe...
ate lili, they are not allowed to disclose their nationality unless you initiate on this topic. now i wonder who handles Linksys customer support. Perhaps that's an inhouse custumer support? I've seen Linksys office at PhilamLife.

Maybe. Anyway, the technician who helped me did not disclose his nationality. It was the follow-up caller who did.

I attended this meeting and there was this British lawyer that has been outsourcing their services in India, particularly, in the fields of Personal Injury, Immigration and Intellectual Property. They skirted the legal representation issue because they justify it as just document support work. You know a lot of legal work here are initiated by filling out forms and discovery work. The British law firm still signs off as the law firm of the clients.

I was thinking, it may be harder in the Philippines because of that constitutional provision limiting the practice of profession to Filipino citizens. Some one may raise an issue that outsourcing legal work in the Philippines constitutes unlawful practice of law.

We were told that it will soon be the wave of the future especially for big British and American law firms because with the ease of electronic communication and transmission of data, they can easily oursource work especially in countries where laws are based on the English common law. The Philippines is one. But I'm afraid we do have that legal/constitutional hurdle. In the meantime, it is now being done in India.

Any opinions out there?

^^ Didn't they start outsourcing law from US to the Philippines already??? Hmmmmm, interesting cause i read an article a while back that states outsourcing law to the philippines is next big thing because Filipinos are very much familiar with law in the United States. The article said that Filipino lawyers would be quick to recognize Roe Vs. Wade, while others would not.

^ really? I'd like to see that. That's good then because I did not say anything at that time, because I did not want them to discount the Philippines as a venue for outsourcing.

I attended this meeting and there was this British lawyer that has been outsourcing their services in India, particularly, in the fields of Personal Injury, Immigration and Intellectual Property. They skirted the legal representation issue because they justify it as just document support work. You know a lot of legal work here are initiated by filling out forms and discovery work. The British law firm still signs off as the law firm of the clients.

I was thinking, it may be harder in the Philippines because of that constitutional provision limiting the practice of profession to Filipino citizens. Some one may raise an issue that outsourcing legal work in the Philippines constitutes unlawful practice of law.

We were told that it will soon be the wave of the future especially for big British and American law firms because with the ease of electronic communication and transmission of data, they can easily oursource work especially in countries where laws are based on the English common law. The Philippines is one. But I'm afraid we do have that legal/constitutional hurdle. In the meantime, it is now being done in India.

Any opinions out there?

My buddy who used to work with me in the ad agency now works for a company in Fort Bonifacio which does the outsourced work of Baker & McKenzie. http://www.bakernet.com

His life is less stressful nowadays having junked the rat race in advertising to a "more boring" field as law.

On my end, just hot from this recent trip to Europe, my friends and I are currently embarking on a new field of outsourcing. I can't disclose the matter entirely pero puro numbers naman ang laro namin (all parties in this interest are from Philippine Science High). As such, one could say this is a very nerdy interest.

^ Yung mga abogado na nag-attend nung conference on pins and needles nung malaman na ina-outsource na yung ibang jobs nila. Eh yung British lawyer-turned outsourcing guru sa Asia, magaling mag- parry ng blows at questions. Sabi lang, niya, "it's a reality and a trend. It's now happening. And your jobs will soon be outsourced."

May isang Americano na sabi, "you are downplaying our roles here. US legal know-how is necessary in these matters and cannot be outsourced without close supervision by someone with expertise in US laws." Sabi ng Indian, "you will be surprised how much more knowledgeable an Indian paralegal is of US laws than a newly minted US law grad." with a chuckle.

Ako naman, ayoking sabihin ng may constitutional provision na ganyan sa Pinas para kahit pa-paano, ma-attract pa rin mag-outsource sa Pinas, di lang sa India. Ayaw kasi ng legal loopholes ng mga ito kapag nag-invest sa ibang bansa.

(muahahah.... bloody hell)

^^ yabang naman ng indiano na yan

^ medyo mahangin nga siya. pero siguro totoo sinasabi niya.

^^ Didn't they start outsourcing law from US to the Philippines already??? Hmmmmm, interesting cause i read an article a while back that states outsourcing law to the philippines is next big thing because Filipinos are very much familiar with law in the United States. The article said that Filipino lawyers would be quick to recognize Roe Vs. Wade, while others would not.

We have several "scopist" companies here or offices here. I believe that's what they call the "legal transcription" and "outsourced legal services."

ah tama me mga nakikita akong job posting for legal transcription. and that posting was like almost a year ago pa. so how much more ngayon? i dunno how hardcore yung ginagawa nila. but look at that, kahit mga ganun klase na ng trabaho na ooutsource. and that Indian could be right. mahangin lang siguro dating. pero wag niya i uundermine ang mga pinoy. :D

Monday, December 03, 2007
Is Davao IT ready for Japan?
By Oliver Robillo
IT Talks

SOON after the opening of the Philippine National IT Standards Foundation (PhilNits) branch in Davao City, there has been positive movement within the Japanese IT community in the Philippines.

Where before they have only paid lip service to initiatives in promoting Davao IT to the Japanese market, now these entities (private and government) are in fact looking towards the South as a viable investment and outsourcing destination. But more so, as a source of IT manpower.

PhilNits is engaged in the development of high-tech skills. Japan is in dire need of highly skilled skilled personnel. Hence the bullish outlook of Davao City as an IT center by Japanese companies and government agencies. But we must not be overly optimistic.

This renewed industrial interest in Davao City (dormant ever since the heyday of abaca plantations) is not necessarily driven by the presence of a robust IT industry here. It is fueled rather by Japan's own requirements. According to the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro), their country is in need of 150,000 IT engineers annually.

The inability to address this has finally allowed Asian countries with strong IT industries to receive offshore projects from Japan, especially China, India and Vietnam. It was published in a report that the Philippines receives less than half of what Vietnam gets in terms of outsourced projects for software development and animation.

Hopefully this will change. Metro Manila and Cebu technology providers have already started to gain more ground towards where Vietnam is now. Davao IT companies have yet to get a first engagement.

But with the growing interest in the city, soon we just might realize a first and a quick second, third and so on. That is, if we can sustain this growth and development that the Japanese see in us.

Recently, SpiceWorx, a Makati-based consulting firm, visited Davao officially for the first time. Each year, SpiceWorx is retained by JETRO to accomplish research into the Philippine I.T. industry on their behalf.

Beginning next year, SpiceWorx's annual report will include Davao City. This report is written in both English and Japanese, thus it has tremendous reach and influence.

It's safe to assume that Davao's IT industry will very soon witness an influx of inquiries and feelers from Japan. Hopefully, it won't be all about manpower supply. In order for our industry to experience sustained growth, we need high-value investments to come in: the establishment of foreign-funded software development houses, for one, and the entry of outsourced projects.

But there are still a number of issues that might hinder our ability to successfully synergize with our Japanese counterparts, as well as penetrate the Japanese market. Foremost of this is the availability of IT manpower, both present and future. Do we have enough now? Are we going to have a sustained supply of software programmers, graphics designers, animators, systems engineers, etc. in the coming years?

Is Davao prepared to accommodate Japan's burgeoning IT requirements?
I think, this will be really helpful to us..

IT Davao, gear up!!

when will be the construction of ala Pryce Tower look-a-like building?

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Davao Agricultural Ventures Corporation (DAVCO)

DAVCO is engaged in the production of fresh Del Monte Gold pineapples under the Del Monte label for export to international markets such as Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Middle East and New Zealand. The company was incorporated on September 2, 1981 and is a joint venture between Del Monte Fresh Products International, Inc. and ANFLOCOR.

DAVCO, whose plantation areas are currently located in Calinan and Baguio Districts in Davao City, has organized Health, Safety and Environment Department to take care of promoting workers' health and safety, and environmental protection.

The last five years were the busy years for DAVCO. It went on an expansion and modernization program. A new packinghouse was constructed. Consequently, a forced air cooler and a cold storage were added as part of its plan to improve its product quality standard. During this period, DAVCO also upgraded its warehousing facilities, chemical mixing and engineering shop, and went on to re-fleet its agricultural and transportation equipments by acquiring new tractors, excavators, forklifts, boom harvesters and sprayers, hauling trucks, service vehicles and a mulcher.

On the external affairs, the Bereau of Internal revenue District in Davao City awarded DAVCO as the No.1 Corporate Income Taxpayer in 2002. DAVCO also participated in the "Adopt-A-Site" Program of the Davao City Water District for the Talomo-Lipadas Watershed. As part of its corporate social responsibility, it helped different schools in the areas surrounding the plantations, sponsored medical and dental projects and provided garbage cans to Calinan.

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Davao Packaging Corporation (DAPACOR)

The premier producer of quality packaging products and services in the manufacturing of export corrugated carton boxes, plastic films. sheets, synthetic twine and sticker labels.

Davao Packaging Corporation is a company of skilled individuals dedicated to the pursuit of Quality, Excellence and innovations. It has the most modern and hi-tech equipment that boost its manufacturing operations. Its recent acquisition of Forklift, Stand-by Power Generating set, Sun Lead Edge Feeder for Langston Corrugator machine, Equalizer Mount for Flexo Machine, Plastic Extruder Machines, Universal Powerful Crusher, and "Sinfa" Brand HDPE double dies Super High Speed Plastic Extruder machine, has brought continued development in enhancing the company's standard towards total customer satisfaction.

The company serves multinational companies involved in the distribution of bananas and other fruits worldwide.

In its 25 years of service, Davao Packaging Corporation is no longer just a production center of packaging materials, but it has evolved into a company that now produces marketing tools for its multinational and transnational clients, meeting international demands in quality and quantity. In fact, DAPACOR was recognized by the Securities and Exchange Commission as one of the top 5,000 companies, consistently making high marks in the upper-half of the roster of businesses in the country.

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Nenita Quality Foods Corporation (NQFC)

On December 5, 1991, thirty six years after Don Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr., parlayed a small pig farm into 22,000 hog complex, Nenita Quality Foods corporation (NQFC) was born. With a vision, "To bring to the Filipino homes food products of the highest international quality standards and to give them the best value for their money," NQFC has maintained its reputation as the premier meat processing company in Mindanao.

For years, its commitment to quality and reliability of its products are well known and has in fact helped it to grow into a processed and fresh meat supplier, not only in Southern Philippines but in Luzon as well.

Their tireless drive for excellence has reaped many awards for the company. NQFC has been awarded twice the nation's highest honor for operating the cleanest triple A slaughterhouse in the Philippines; included in the NMIC Hall of Fame for topping the the Region's Cleanest Plant search for 5 consecutive years; and just recently, it was awarded with the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point or HACCP for their Hog Slaughter House by the Department of Agriculture's National Meat Inspection Commission.

NQFC has also grown to become the leading meat processor in Mindanao. In fact, the company is now on its way to finalizing the agreement with some of the Davao Hog Raisers in their aim to supply the needs of the Pampanga Association of Meat Processors or PAMPRO (A move which is in line with the Department of Agriculture's program "meat in a box").

In order to uphold the high standards that it has helped set for the industry, and the exacting demands of its discriminating customers, NQFC maintains an ongoing research and development program that tirelessly seeks for ways to improve its products. This involves making commitments to its customers by guaranteeing the freshness and reliability of its products throughout the manufacturing process - through selection, procurement, and production.

With this, NQFC continues to uphold its commitment to provide products and services that exceed those provided by competitors.

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United Financing Corporation (UNIFINANCE)

Started 14 years ago as a corporation tasked to cater exclusively to the financing needs of the Ford automotive dealers. Its establishment was the result of the spin-off of what used to be the Credit and Collection Department of the different automotive dealerships of the Floirendo Group.

Unifinance then opened branches through automotive dealers such as the Davao Motor Sales Company, Mindanao Motors Corporation (CDO), Valley motor Sales, Inc. (Gen.San.) and Anflocars, Inc. (Parañaque).

But after 9 years, the Ford Company pulled out of the country, consequently slowing down businesses of the automotive dealers. To sustain its operation, UNIFINANCE shifted to financing of surplus reconditioned vehicles which became very affordable to buyers, as well as appliances sold to employees of affiliates.

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Davao Agritech Incorporated (DAI)

Started in agricultural aerial spraying. It then expanded its scope of operation with the inclusion of management and technical advice to agro-industrial enterprise as a secondary business purpose. After which, it absorbed the personnel and laboratory of Mindanao Fruits Corporation and later on gained the capacity to formulate chemical-based products for agricultural application (APADC). Then in early January 2004, it was decided that DIA just concentrate on agricultural aerial spraying and the technical group was transferred to TADECO as part of a naturalization move.

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Pioneer Trading and Supply Corporation, Inc. (PITRADE)

A company engaged in trading of general merchandise. It was organized on August 26, 1976 as a spin-ff of the tires, batteries and accessories (TBA) division of Davao Motor Sales Co. (DAMOSA) to venture into a profitable business spawned by the growing automotive industry. It was formally registered as a corporation on October 20, 1976 but actually began its commercial operations on January 1, 1977.

The company grew rapidly through the acquisition of businesses from affiliated companies such as superstore based in Bo. AO Floirendo in Panabo, Davao del Norte; four store outlets located in Dapecol area and kitchenette/bakery kiosks within TADECO compound; and rice mill/banana chipping operations.

By July 2004, PITRADE divested itself from these businesses to concentrate on its core interests: TBA and other automotive related products, fruit marketing, appliance dealership and general merchandise. An addition to these developments is the construction of its new office located in DAMOSA complex to house a new supermarket, automotive TBA retail shop and a display area of their products.

PITRADE is now under the management of Vincent R. Floirendo, Vice President and Managing Director.