Outsourcing Industry - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 7

SUV111

August 9th, 2008, 05:42 AM

IT targets tackled

Emerging academic discipline can help address human resource concerns in the midst of the continuing growth of the information technology and business process outsourcing industry, IBM Philippines stressed during the Service Science, Management and Engineering Conference in Quezon City recently, a conference press release said.

Representatives from Bacolod City, Iloilo, Davao and Laguna presented the developments and initiatives in the offshoring and outsourcing industry in their respective areas during the conference.

The event was conducted by the Commission on Information and Communications Technology, the Business Processing Association of the Philippines and IBM Philippines, the press release said.

It aims to address concerns on the sustainability and competitiveness of the nation’s talent vis-à-vis global workforce requirements, the press release said.

SSME is an emerging academic discipline, a research area, and a framework for stakeholder collaboration. It is also a call for academia, industry, governments and R&D institutes to focus on becoming more systematic about innovation specifically in the services sector, which is the largest sector in industrialized nations and many emerging economies.

The Bacolod-Negros Occidental Federation for Information and Communications Technology, Inc. will soon be collaborating with IBM and CICT to bring the concept of SSME to Bacolod and the neighboring areas, Bacolod City Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, who represented the city in the conference said in the press release.*

annie_may

August 9th, 2008, 07:33 AM

SUV111

August 9th, 2008, 07:58 AM

teleperformance bacolod's swimming pool...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2746144304_109f22e38a_o.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/anniemayvaldez/2746144304/)

owned by luxur place, this pool is free for use by teleperformance employees...

post some more annie_may...:) i love it

bacolodchamp

August 9th, 2008, 09:47 AM

SUV111

August 9th, 2008, 01:15 PM

wow. never heard of any bpo company that offers such facility for its employee like what tp does.

definitely!!! its one of a kind :)

cyclosimon_89

August 10th, 2008, 04:17 PM

oradude23

August 10th, 2008, 07:45 PM

Monday, August 11, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Banking & Finance
One Network Bank hikes first-half income

DAVAO CITY — This city’s One Network Bank reported it earned about a fifth more in the first semester from a year ago due to a higher demand for loans.

Alex V. Buenaventura, bank president, said One Network Bank earned a net income after tax of P157 million in the first half compared to P131 million during the same period last year.

The bank, however, failed to hit its target of P167 million.

This developed as the bank identified five more areas where it will establish branches: Surigao City, Gingoog City, Ozamiz City, Dipolog City and Sindangan in Zambo del Norte.

In failing to hit the target, Mr. Buenaventura explained this was due to the P16 million in "unprogrammed additional provision for loan loss which we booked during the first semester."

Strong loan demand, he said, came from Education department teachers and banana growers.

Bank data showed that teachers accounted for P2.8 billion of the total P3.988 billion in salary loans the bank booked during the first semester. Banana growers, meanwhile, borrowed P239.36 billion during the period, 62.88% higher than last year.

Another factor for the growth in income, he added, was the increase in "volume of ATM (automated teller machines) acquiring fees." The bank is among the few rural banks offering the service in Mindanao.

Mr. Buenaventura said the bank aims to hit a net income after tax of P286 million this year, or about 24% higher than last year when the bank earned P231 million. — C. Q. Francisco

dinabaw

August 11th, 2008, 05:22 AM

Monday, August 11, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Corporate News
Davao property owners brace for entry of outsourcing firms

DAVAO CITY — Property owners in this city have started sprucing up their buildings, while others have started erecting new structures in anticipation of the entry of big business process outsourcing (BPO) companies within the year.

Erriberto P. Barriga, Jr. of consulting firm Gibbex Outsourcing Solutions, Inc. said his company has started promoting properties here where BPO companies can set up offices.

In an interview, he noted that when he went to Manila three weeks ago, big companies, including foreign ones, had asked him whether these could immediately set up shop in Davao.

He said local investors have started to realize the need to prepare their buildings for inspection by BPO locators.

"It helps that this is also my advocacy," said Mr. Barriga, who is also a ranking official of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Information and Communications Technology Association of Davao.

He said the new projects were in response to the clamor of industry leaders for local business establishments to be ready for business process outsourcing companies wanting to come here.

Two of the properties, both located on the north side of the city, are being developed into a mall with an information and communications technology park and with adequate parking spaces.

One of the properties is being envisioned as the city’s first environment-friendly establishment, while the other is being considered for customers from the north side of the city and nearby areas, including the Island Garden City of Samal.

Another property is along Torres Street, which is known for its upscale restaurants and workout facilities.

"This property is suited for call center operations," Mr. Barriga said, noting that his company had started negotiating with Manila-based call centers that have signified interest in coming here.

Another property is located beside a big mall, while the other is located across another mall, making these attractive to BPO firms that want to operate in busy centers.

Still another prospective site is in front of a big university and is known for its food stalls, although it will need drastic renovation to make it suitable for business process outsourcing operations.

The advantage of this property, Mr. Barriga said, is that it is at the heart of the city. He declined to provide further details.

Local industry leaders earlier complained about the inadequate interest of building owners here to upgrade their facilities so that locators will find it easier to set up shop.

Business establishments need to get accredited by authorities so that these and their locators can get incentives.

In the city, only Damosa Land, Inc. and NCCC Mall Davao have been accredited by the local government, while several others have filed their applications. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

...

dinabaw

August 11th, 2008, 08:23 AM

Business Article
PEZA OKs NCCC mall ICT center application
By Carmelito Q. Francisco

THE PHILIPPINE Economic Zone Authority is set to approve the application for accreditation of the NCCC Mall Davao for its information and communications technology center.
Based on an information reaching the TIMES, the signing of the accreditation is scheduled on Tuesday in Manila. However, officials of the company did not confirm the report.
The accreditation was granted five months after the application was granted. This made the mall the second establishment accredited by the authority.
The accreditation is necessary so that locators in the center will be granted incentives for their operations including tax holidays.
The NCCC Davao IT Center, a 4,000-square meter fourth floor of the mall, has housed the Western Wats, a research company whose clients are in the US, has started its operations since the last week of last month.
However, the research company has just been in a half capacity operations with 250 seats in one shift. Based on the previous information from the locator, it will occupy the whole area.
The management of the research company earlier said it has invested about P70 million for its operations as it is planning to increase the number of seats to 500 within the next six months of operations.
Ivan Spencer A. Lim, mall president, earlier welcomed the entry of the research company, saying this will allow the mall to look into intensifying its operations. However, Lim said the mall management was still studying whether to extend mall hours in case the research company operates longer.
Jose Antonio T. San Gabriel, president of the research company which is also operating in Cebu, earlier said the operations of the company are expected to intensify because of the US elections as some of its client are politicians in the US or their research arms.
San Gabriel said the company will continue its recruitment activities as it intends to double its operations.
However, Teolulo T. Pasawa, National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center chief, earlier said call center companies operating in the city have found it difficult to expand considering the lack of those applying for employment.
Pasawa said this is because those operating in the city do not pay as high as those offered by companies in Cebu and Manila. Entry level salary in the city ranges between P8,000 and P11,000, he said, while in Metro Manila it can go as high as P15,000 to P18,000 excluding other benefits like relocation packages.

http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/story.php?id=21289

dinabaw

August 11th, 2008, 01:56 PM

dinabaw

August 11th, 2008, 01:59 PM

Metrolifestyle Extension

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/3158/ssc2020el4.jpg

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/9435/ssc2019fa3.jpg

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/6118/ssc2018pg0.jpg

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/4224/ssc2017vy6.jpg

photos by @PengHok

dinabaw

August 11th, 2008, 02:01 PM

Damosa IT Park

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/nick4ubaby/Image175.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/nick4ubaby/Image178.jpg

photos by @nick4ubaby

dinabaw

August 11th, 2008, 02:06 PM

another IT buildings?

http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL1903/10063903/20260455/328969795.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5470/328970110gu0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

photos by @Sarcasticity

Rall

August 11th, 2008, 05:20 PM

another IT buildings?

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5470/328970110gu0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

photos by @Sarcasticity

... owned by Sunny Sweets

dinabaw

August 12th, 2008, 03:38 AM

Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Another contact center to open Wednesday

WESTERN Wats, the leading provider of survey research data collection services in the United States, will be inaugurating its 7th contact center showroom Wednesday at the 4th floor of the NCCC Mall of Davao.

Derek Rice, facility director of the Western Wats Davao, said the reason that the Western Wats management decided to put up a contact center in Davao is because of the city's untapped human resources and talents.

Visit the Beijing Olympics 2008 blog

"We know that untapped talents here can really be very valuable assets to our ever-growing family," Rice said.

Western Wats Davao will employ close to 500 people this year with an additional increase of 1,000 employees next year.

"We look forward to give them the opportunity for career growth and to aid them in developing their skills which can help make them better individuals," Rice said.

Western Wats was established in Orem, Utah in 1987 and started operations with only a few dialing stations.

From its humble beginnings, it expanded its operations and now has 17 contact centers all over North America and the Philippines (its Davao showroom being the latest addition to its growing family) due to the large demand for accurate data collection in the market today.

Rice said accurate data collection can help companies create better business plans and help them determine how to launch a new product or service, or how to fine tune their existing products and services. (JGRS)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2008/08/12/bus/another.contact.center.to.open.wednesday.html

dinabaw

August 12th, 2008, 03:38 AM

^^ ah hopian diay hehe kamusta na bai?

henji

August 12th, 2008, 02:04 PM

bacolodchamp

August 12th, 2008, 04:31 PM

Sunstar Bacolod
Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Local artists gear up for animation

NEGRENSE artists actively responded to the need for a manpower pool to complement the campaign of Bacolod-Negros Occidental Federation for Information and Communications Technology (Bnefit) Inc. on animation outsourcing.

Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue inducted officers of the League of 2D Artists (L2DA) last week and expressed full support to Bnefit on all its initiatives to hone the artistic talent and creative instinct of Filipino animators in Bacolod and Negros Occidental.

"The presence of our artists will help make our place one of the preferred outsourcing partners of big international production outfits worldwide as what is happening in the Philippines now," Batapa-Sigue told the L2DA members numbering to almost 50.

The core group of the League of 2D Artists includes Von Caberte, Chalmer Relatorre, Christopher Mar Bayaban, Juvil Graciadas, Ramon Puasa and Leonard Samson. The officers are Lee Santiago, president; Barry Cervantes, vice president; Joan Fortu, secretary; Stephanie Hilado, treasurer; Mark Lester Jarmin, public relations officer and Guinevere Decena, Daniel Decena and Japoi Cequiña as committee heads.

As chair of Bnefit, Batapa-Sigue also earlier tapped the Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI) to provide an orientation on animation outsourcing.

"ACPI believes that aside from lower costs of services, big companies rely on us due to our English proficiency, consistent quality and speed in delivering output, and ability to comprehend concepts and story lines better than our Asian counterparts. The Philippines has been providing animation services to the world for over 20 years now. Filipino animators as the prime provider and the Philippines as the preferred outsourcing destination of animation and content creation services in Asia by the US, UK, France and Japan markets," she added.

Bnefit as a non-stock, non-profit organization for academe-industry, government collaborative undertaking on ICT for Bacolod and Negros Occidental, together with L2DA, will request ACPI to help Negrense artists avail of the PGMA coupons for animation managed by the Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPAP) to learn more about 3D animation and other related skills.
__________________

Rall

August 12th, 2008, 05:42 PM

^^ ah hopian diay hehe kamusta na bai?

same same... busy busy.. lurking lang ko ever now & then

oradude23

August 12th, 2008, 08:26 PM

Wednesday, August 13, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Corporate News

Gov’t lures locators to NCCC Mall in Davao City

DAVAO CITY — The government hopes to attract more call center locators with the accreditation of the NCCC Mall of Davao as an information and communications technology (ICT) park.

The mall will be the second ICT park to be accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), entitling it and its locators to perks.

The first government-accredited ICT park here is the Damosa complex of the Antonio Floirendo Group in this city’s Bajada district.

Other major ICT parks planned here will be under Metro Manila-based property developers like Ayala Land, Inc., J.G. Summit and SM Prime.

The 4,000-square meter NCCC ICT park, which consists of the shopping mall’s fourth floor in the Matina district, houses Western Wats, a research company that started operating last month. It is, however, running at half capacity, or 250 seats in one shift.

The management of the research company earlier said it had invested about P70 million for its Davao operation and was planning to occupy the entire area and increase the number of seats to 500 within the next six months.

NCCC President Ivan Spencer A. Lim earlier welcomed the entry of the research company, saying this would allow the mall to look at further expansion once it operates in full shift.

Jose Antonio T. San Gabriel, president of the research company, which also operates in Cebu, earlier said he expects the company to be busy in preparation for the US elections.

Some of its clients are American politicians who consult partner research firms in the US mainland.

Mr. San Gabriel said the company would continue its recruitment activities as it tries to double operations.

But Teolulo T. Pasawa, chief of Davao’s National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center, earlier said call center companies here have found it difficult to expand in the absence of qualified applicants.

He said business process outsourcing firms operating in the city do not pay as much as companies in Cebu and Manila.

The entry level salary in the city ranges from P8,000 to P11,000, he said, while it can go as high as P15,000 to P18,000 in Metro Manila, excluding benefits such as relocation packages. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

dinabaw

August 13th, 2008, 03:25 AM

Wednesday, August 13, 2008
New contact center targets 700 seats
By Joy Romares-Sevilla

WESTERN Wats, NCCC Mall of Davao's biggest tenant today, is targeting a maximum of 700 seats within five years of operation.

Derek Rice, Western Wats Davao facility director, said this in Tuesday's press conference at the Western Wats Davao conference room.

He said that this year, the company is targeting a total of 250 workers for its first phase of operation, while another 400 workers for the company's second phase of operation next year.

Derek said the recruitment of call center agents in Davao City has been very outstanding and satisfactory.

"Currently, we have a hundred of agents, but we have around 40 to 45 agents every batch, who are already undergoing trainings every week. Our agents here are at par with Western Wats Cebu agents," Rice said.

Rice added that majority of its agents came from universities in Davao City and neighboring provinces.

Rice said the company poured in at least P60-million investment for the construction of the facility.

With the entry of Western Wats Davao, Ruel Gustilo, director for malls and entertainment of the NCCC Mall, said the management have to adjust the store hours and even the operation of its food tenants in order to cater call center agents during odd hours.

On the other hand, Bong Te, corporate planning director of the NCCC Mall, revealed that the company has an exclusive contract with the Western Wats. This would mean that they would not anymore accommodate other call center companies to occupy a space at the NCCC Mall.

Western Wats is occupying a total of 4,871 square meters at the mall's 4th level.

"Western Wats is our biggest tenant, and we want to protect its interest. But we can accommodate other call centers in other branches of the NCCC," Te said.

Western Wats was established in Orem, Utah in 1987 and started operations with only a few dialing stations. From its humble beginnings, it expanded its operations and now has 17 contact centers all over North America and the Philippines (its Davao showroom being the latest addition to its growing family) due to the large demand for accurate data collection in the market today.

"We empower businessmen, political leaders, and decision makers to make smarter, better and informed decisions. We have close to 300 clients (including Fortune 500 companies)," Rice said.

These clients, Rice said, range from government agencies, auto manufacturing firms, advertising outfits, media organizations, print publications, and universities, to mid-sized grocers, small private businesses, and non-profit groups.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2008/08/13/bus/new.contact.center.targets.700.seats.html

dinabaw

August 13th, 2008, 04:48 AM

2008/08/13

Davao Region provides Western Wats with needed manpower

by Prix D Banzon

Davao City (13 August) -- The Davao Region has given Western Wats, the kind of human resource it need to man its new branch that opens Wednesday, August 13 in Davao City.

Facility Director Derek Rice in a press briefing on Tuesday at the Western Wats conference room at the New City Commercial Corp. (NCCC) Mall in Matina said the universities of the city supplied them us with excellent people who can speak the A & B English language.
He said they are particular about workers that could really speak excellent English.

After one week of operation since its opening, Rice said the agents are already comparable to that of Cebu.

"Their first week of operation is at par with Cebu operations," he said.

He said they do not encounter any difficulty in looking for human resource because there are lots of potentials here.

Western Wats is the largest survey research data collection company in North America and is a one source destination for all the data collections needs of research organizations worldwide. With headquarters in Orem, Utah, Western Wats operates globally throughout its offices located throughout the Intermountain West, the Great Plains states and the Philippines. Services include Cati, Web surveys, IVR (automated voice messaging), and Data Express online reporting.

It also operates an extensive online research panel which can be utilized by Western Wats clients to reach a broad selection of consumer and business segments.

Rice said most of their clients are among the top 100 corporations rated by the Ford Magazine.

These corporations need to analyze data and they look for people who could do it for them and that is where Western Wats does the work for them, he said.

He said getting these data would help them improve their products and services.

Rice said they will operate Phase 1 of the call center with 250 work stations operating in a single shift of a work schedule of six hours from 4:30 AM to 11:00 AM. The Phase 2 constructions will start in April 2009 and hopefully they could fully operate by then with 450 work stations.

"We still have a green staff and they are new to the industry," he said.

He said they need to do continuous training but they aim that the Davao operation could surpass their Cebu branch.

"This is a challenge to us but Davao City has given us the kind of support that we need. And doing business in Davao City is more affordable than in Cebu," he added. (PIA) [top]

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p080813.htm&no=10&r=R11&y=08&mo=08

hacker4life2489

August 13th, 2008, 05:26 AM

Hi. Somebody help me. I want to apply as a csr for concentrix in davao. who's the company HR officer that I can be addressed at my cover letter? I tried calling the office and it's always busy. Also tried e-mailing them but nothing happens. I also have no time in visiting their office. Any help will be appreciated. thanks.

oradude23

August 13th, 2008, 05:53 PM

Thursday, August 14, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Corporate News

US outsourcing firm eyes 600 seats, more shifts

DAVAO CITY — American outsourcing company Western Wats wants to increase its call center seats to 600 by next year as it takes advantage of the increasing number of clients abroad.

Derek Rice, facility director of the company, said the management was looking at adding two more shifts by late next year in addition to the present single shift with 250 seats.

"I want to beat Cebu," Mr. Rice said. The company, which opened here on Wednesday, has 1,800 seats in Cebu, where it opened four years ago. Mr. Rice was among the pioneers then.

To outperform Cebu, he said, the Davao unit must be able to produce more surveys with better quality. He said Davao agents are better than their Cebu counterparts when the latter were just starting.

Mr. Rice said Western Wats has attracted about 1,800 applicants, adding that the hiring rate is high. He declined to provide figures.

The main qualification, he said, is for agents to have above average English communication skills, since the company’s clients are top American and British companies that need surveys for their marketing plans.

Western Wats has invested about P70 million here and it plans to increase that when it hires more for its second phase, Mr. Rice said. He said the company is looking hard for qualified applicants.

Ruel B. Gustilo, NCCC Mall Davao director for malls and entertainment, said Western Wats is the biggest tenant.

He said the management has started allowing food concessionaires to open at 4 a.m., when call center agents start coming in.

He added that the mall, which was recently accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority as an information and communications technology park, would continue to introduce changes especially when Western Wats intensifies operations next year.

Mr. Gustilo said the NCCC accreditation would allow locators to obtain tax incentives. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

**********
My question is this. If Western Wats thinks highly of Davao agents, and they think they produce better results, why are they offering substantially lower salaries than Cebu? Why can't they offer something more than the 8-10k they are offering? In the long run, if you have happy, productive, and well paid agents, these agents will stay put and be loyal.

Just my 2 cents. :)

dinabaw

August 14th, 2008, 04:18 AM

Western Wats Philippines, Inc. - Davao

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/8477/photo798ur3.jpg

The Main Lobby
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/7421/photo795nl1.jpg

The Agent's Stations
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/5493/photo797pf5.jpg

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/648/photo799nj2.jpg

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/1716/photo801mb5.jpg

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/5639/photo803bj2.jpg

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2452/photo804rd5.jpg

Some of the epals :D
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2152/photo800dg4.jpg

Western Wats did a great job in converting the fourth floor area of NCCC Mall Davao into a top class call center facility. P60 million indeed!

photos by Peng Hok

bacolodchamp

August 14th, 2008, 11:05 AM

SUV111

August 14th, 2008, 05:00 PM

Robinson's Cybergate Center, Bacolod

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/2762091581_9b96952802.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/2762937676_654b1efa0e.jpg?v=0

TONZI

August 14th, 2008, 05:29 PM

TONZI

August 14th, 2008, 05:45 PM

guys, what do you think of the BPO outsourcing industry of the Philippines?
Join this poll (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=686272)

Yre

August 14th, 2008, 07:34 PM

Guys what do you think is the sign of the Presence of call centers in the PHilippines and other third world countries, a sign of progress or not?

Irony --> in the sense that it poses an unseen negative impact to our country.

------------------------------------------------------

For me no. It's because I have talked to a foreigner regarding the labor policies that their British government has (same goes with that of the United States) that their labor code does not allow companies to pay their employees lower than expected. With such policy, the laborers in the UK demand the wage ceiling which companies can no longer accommodate.

The result? These companies outsource their services to 3rd world countries such as the Philippines for cheap labor wages. In this case, the call center companies who have come to give us a "better" pay from an international company.

And this is the "irony" that we currently have in the call center industries: We think that we are having the better pay from these call centers when in the countries where they are from, they were called upon by labor unions for higher wages which means our wage (being paid by call centers, which we think is high enough) is nothing but a "CHEAP" alternative against the high labor wages that they have back in the UK and the US.

Thats why, it makes me laugh when some forumers quoted that a certain call center company's facility is bigger than that of all of its US facilities combined. Well, ask why the company has small facilities in the US??? The question is answered in the preceding paragraphs.

It may not be the answer to our woes but you just can't deny the contributions it gives into the economy by giving people jobs albeit with a lot smaller pay than their counterparts in the US and UK but still higher than the standard pay of the Philippines.

So what do you think should we focus on? We were left behind by other asian countries during the industrial revolutions, should we also forego the current trends because these companies were actually paying filipino call center agents cheap even though it is still slightly higher than the standard pay of local companies?

Can you suggest another alternative to these call centers sprouting up in the Philippines to give people jobs with the same pay?

TONZI

August 14th, 2008, 07:57 PM

Can you suggest another alternative to these call centers sprouting up in the Philippines to give people jobs with the same pay?

the alternative here bro is to eradicate the red tape in the government system. Uplift our labor policies and eradicate corruption. It is the governments' role to provide jobs to the Filipino people.

Well, as for the question of the poll, what is your stand, yes or no?

lazybum

August 14th, 2008, 08:26 PM

It may not be the answer to our woes but you just can't deny the contributions it gives into the economy by giving people jobs albeit with a lot smaller pay than their counterparts in the US and UK but still higher than the standard pay of the Philippines.

^^
Definitely! I agree completely with Yre's statement. These call center jobs no matter how we view them, collectively, create wealth and opportunities for our Filipino workers, and they trickle up to benefit the general economy. Filipino workers should take advantage of these jobs while they are available.

The notion that it is the government's responsibility to create jobs is probably misplaced. The government's role is to set policies that will create opportunities for the private sector to create jobs for the Filipino worker.

Yre

August 14th, 2008, 09:20 PM

the alternative here bro is to eradicate the red tape in the government system. Uplift our labor policies and eradicate corruption. It is the governments' role to provide jobs to the Filipino people.

Well, as for the question of the poll, what is your stand, yes or no?

The question just cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. For one, I don't believe the service industry alone can pull our economy towards progress but as I have said, it may become a catalyst in improving our economy which I don't think I need to elaborate further.

The current labor policies is fine as it is but i'm sure it will improve more as the economy goes stronger since these two correlates as can be observed in the countries you've mentioned.

Red tape and corruption cannot be eliminated but it can be minimized if we start it ourselves, the common people. The small things that we justify as what J.Lo has done is the reason why we can never eliminate nor minimize corruption. We just can't rely on our gov't officials to led the way as majority of them it seems has no hope of ever mending their ways.

Maybe if we try it from the bottom up, it might work like not bribing a police officer or obliging a payoff for a traffic violation that if everyone do this, 'kotong' may become extinct in our vocabulary and eventually amplify to every sector of society.

So, if i may revise your question, it should been,"Would this trend become a catalyst for progress?" Then my answer is yes as long we don't focus ourselves on one industry only.

One more thing, I don't see any "Irony" in it as you've said, we are a 3rd world country and "beggars can't be choosers".

normandb

August 14th, 2008, 10:23 PM

bacolodchamp

August 15th, 2008, 02:14 AM

Robinson's Cybergate Center, Bacolod

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/2762091581_9b96952802.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/2762937676_654b1efa0e.jpg?v=0

add ta lang migs para completo...hehehe

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/zyanz/bacolod/teletech_call_cent_BACOLOD.jpg
photo posted by mr. fanatic

bacolodchamp

August 15th, 2008, 02:18 AM

Sanparq Building
Home of Convergys Bacolod

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2741478382_a5e1be126a.jpg?v=0

http://images.doi12.multiply.com/image/8/photos/114/500x500/17/P4253111.JPG?et=1nqGCjNQ%2Cptcp%2BxGFkRQ9Q&nmid=93630723

Askal82

August 15th, 2008, 03:07 AM

eonynx

August 15th, 2008, 03:21 AM

^^
Definitely! I agree completely with Yre's statement. These call center jobs no matter how we view them, collectively, create wealth and opportunities for our Filipino workers, and they trickle up to benefit the general economy. Filipino workers should take advantage of these jobs while they are available.

The notion that it is the government's responsibility to create jobs is probably misplaced. The government's role is to set policies that will create opportunities for the private sector to create jobs for the Filipino worker.

agree! anything to help lower down our unemployment rate especially in these times of high inflation! the nice thing about this call center phenomenon is it is not limited to metro manila alone. cities such as cebu, davao, bacolod, etc. have sizable shares of the call center pie so people from these regions don't need to migrate to MM to get these high paying jobs (at least by philippine standards).

morely, the call center industry helps create other industries because of their graveyard shift nature. 24-hour food and other businesses are becoming a reality in provincial and regional cities. this further creates other jobs, hence, the trickle down effect is not only intra-industry, but also, inter-industry wide.

bacolodchamp

August 15th, 2008, 03:40 AM

http://www.teleperformance.com/uploadedImages/USA/AboutUs/Nearshore/Offshore/Phillippines/Bacolod/Call%20Center%20Reception%20Desk.jpg
Bacolod Reception
In 2006, Teleperformance expanded operations in the Philippines with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art contact center location with the feel of a resort in Bacolod, Negros Occidental.

Located in the central part of the Philippines, in the Western Visayas Region, Bacolod City is known as "the city of smiles". Bacolod is a very accessible destination and be reached by air in 50 minutes from Manila and in 30 minutes from Cebu.

http://www.teleperformance.com/uploadedImages/USA/AboutUs/Nearshore/Offshore/Phillippines/Bacolod/bacalod1.jpgTeleperformance has partnered with local colleges to develop call center readiness curriculums. With 39 colleges and universities, we have found a rich pool of qualified English-speakers agents.
Clear

http://www.teleperformance.com/uploadedImages/USA/AboutUs/Nearshore/Offshore/Phillippines/Bacolod/bacolod2.jpgWith 40,000 Sq. Feet, 560 workstation capacity, 4 training rooms, employee swimming pool, large garden with gazebos and spacious employee lounge, our Bacolod facility is a treasure for our agents which will drive very high employee satisfaction.

http://www.teleperformance.com/uploadedImages/USA/AboutUs/Nearshore/Offshore/Phillippines/Bacolod/accomodations%20room.jpgBacolod offers 2 suites and 2 standard rooms - mirroring those of the Makati Shangri La - for clients to stay at our facility.

We offer bilingual services in English and Spanish to the U.S. domestic market and we support other languages such as Japanese, German, Mandarin, Fookien and Tagalog upon request.

Our Philippines operations are ISO certified.

As posted by Mr Fanatic

in_a_rush

August 15th, 2008, 03:46 AM

mas mahal ang pasweldo sa ibang bansa kasi mahal din ang cost of living dun.

mwg12a

August 15th, 2008, 04:46 AM

It's not the government's role to provide jobs to the Filipino people, however, it is the government's initiative to provide an environment conducive for businesses and investments.

Philippines needed a bigger slice of hard investments to provide more jobs, combat poverty, facilitate technology transfer and capital distribution. The problem lies in attracting investments. With so much bureaucratic red tapes and loopholes in the government (including graft and corruption), lack of infrastructures (highways, airports, electricity, etc..), restrictive business ownership laws, and shortage of human resources in science and technology (because most of our kababayans wanted job-providing ticket out of the country) - only few would dare venture in the Philippines to put up their capital.

All of what you have stated are true except that part that it's not the government role to provide jobs to filipino people. As a matter of fact, it is their job to ensure that there would be job availability for all it's citizens. They do this just as how you stated it via condusive environment for business and investments.

This is the reason why since Marcos time, the Philippine president is always on talks to different goverments all over the world. They promote the filipino talents. Remember sometime that Arroyo is in talk with the Malaysian government who was making it difficult for filipino workers to work in that country? Taiwan was also another, so now, taiwan kind of eased out it's policy on foreign workers particularly the filipino workers who use to only be allowed to work in taiwan for 2 years and they would have to wait another 2 years to be able to work back there. Some even resorted to changing their names through their passports just so they can return to taiwan after they finished their 2 years stint as a factory worker in Taiwan.

When it comes to call centers in the Philippines, it helps in alleviating the unemployment problems in the Philippines but it is not a guarantee nor an indicator for a progressive economy in the Philippines.

Ic3

August 15th, 2008, 05:25 AM

Davao is first ‘HP City’
BY JUDY QUIROS

The booming Information Technology (ICT) industry in Davao City has prompted Hewlett-Packard (HP) Philippines Corp., one of the world’s largest IT companies, to locate here and make it its first “HP City.”

In an interview with the Mirror yesterday, HP country general manager Bernadette Nacario said the remarkable growth of Davao City’s IT industry and its opportunities to become a major cyber hub in the Philippines and throughout Asia gave HP the confidence to count it as one of HP’s family members.

“There is so much growth in the IT industry here. The 20 percent contribution of Davao City to the IT industry nationwide shows the city is becoming a significant market of HP in the Philippines,” Nacario said.

HP is a technology company that operates in more than 170 countries around the world with a portfolio that spans prin-ting, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure. According to its statement, the company raked in a total revenue of $110.4 billion as of April 30 this year.

Nacario said HP is aware of Davao City’s booming IT industry because it had set up a survey center here, an authorized service provider, and an HP Service Center.

In deciding to make Davao as its First HP City, the company has aligned with the city’s IT industry leaders, Nacario said.

Nacario declined to say how much money HP will be earmarking for Davao City but added the company is shelling out a considerable amount to locate a number of its workers here to further look at opportunities and the needed infrastructure and to conduct trainings and marketing strategies.

Next to Davao City, HP is eyeing to transform Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bacolod as HP Cities.

To formally launch its entry in Davao City, the company turned over two computer units to the city government through Mayor Rodrigo Duterte last Wednesday at the Grand Men Seng Hotel.

Duterte, in his brief talk during the ceremony, assured the HP executives that the company was not wrong in choosing Davao City as one of its destinations.

“Davao City is the center in Mindanao, so you’re not wrong in co-ming here. You chose one of the most viable cities. The city would be good prospect for your busi-ness,” he said.

Duterte said it is not so much the taxes that he is thankful for whenever big and small investors locate in the city but “the employ-ment these businesses generate in the city.”

Duterte also assured the HP executives of their security in Davao City, saying it is “a dangerous city for the criminals” and not for law-abiding citizens.

Also at the launching, HP announced that it is sponsoring the Kadayawan Festival on August 18 to 24.

http://dailymirror.ph/August/local08152008&04.html

dinabaw

August 15th, 2008, 05:26 AM

^^ after IBM now it's HP :bow:

dinabaw

August 15th, 2008, 05:41 AM

Askal82

August 15th, 2008, 05:42 AM

All of what you have stated are true except that part that it's not the government role to provide jobs to filipino people. As a matter of fact, it is their job to ensure that there would be job availability for all it's citizens. They do this just as how you stated it via condusive environment for business and investments.

This is the reason why since Marcos time, the Philippine president is always on talks to different goverments all over the world. They promote the filipino talents. Remember sometime that Arroyo is in talk with the Malaysian government who was making it difficult for filipino workers to work in that country? Taiwan was also another, so now, taiwan kind of eased out it's policy on foreign workers particularly the filipino workers who use to only be allowed to work in taiwan for 2 years and they would have to wait another 2 years to be able to work back there. Some even resorted to changing their names through their passports just so they can return to taiwan after they finished their 2 years stint as a factory worker in Taiwan.

When it comes to call centers in the Philippines, it helps in alleviating the unemployment problems in the Philippines but it is not a guarantee nor an indicator for a progressive economy in the Philippines.

It is sad that the government is pimping precious Filipino talents abroad when it could have been used to enrich and preserve the wealth of the country if and only if they are doing their jobs by serving the common good.

Imagine if we are being flooded with investments - more jobs means that going abroad is a career choice and not a necessity just to make a living. Philippines won't have broken families and troubled children anymore - the social costs of employment immigration.

Call centers as for now are a great help. They alleviate unemployment but it somewhat puts them under a new category - underemployment. This young people could have done a lot more had there been more opportunities available for them that matches their education and skills.

tj_brewed

August 15th, 2008, 05:43 AM

RonnieR

August 15th, 2008, 05:50 AM

LordCarnal

August 15th, 2008, 06:01 AM

But call centers aren't stable, I've witnessed call centers in the US folded. It only last for so long, it's different if there is something the Philippine government can promote that has more permanency and stable, such as manufacturing products. I've seen a video in a Youtube about how some filipino student engineers were discovering how to have an alternative source of energy, through use of bleach product and the other from urine that would create life in a battery. Call centers are only good for so long but once a computerized help center is established let's say in the US alone, it will downsize call centers overseas including the Philippines. I've seen MCI call center rise and fall in 4 years time so, there is not permancy to it, especially if there is another country that would offer cheaper labor than the Philippines. Just as how domestic helpers are getting cheaper now since countries from africa were taking those jobs for a much more cheaper salaries than the filipinos, then you have this crude oil crisis...

My point exactly. That's what my friend said. Call centers are unstable.

We might be enjoying the boom now, but there's still the uncertainty that they will pack together and go to other countries.

Manufacturing, according to my friend is much better.

.:.

LordCarnal

August 15th, 2008, 06:01 AM

mwg12a

August 15th, 2008, 06:02 AM

LordCarnal

August 15th, 2008, 06:08 AM

jaywalker

August 15th, 2008, 06:17 AM

Japanese firm eyeing
contact center in Silay

A group of Japanese investors is eyeing a call center in Silay City, the Mayor’s Office said in a press release yesterday.

Osamu Sato of Masterpiece Group Inc., Shimada Takehero of Nomura Securities Philippines Inc., and their partner Juri Nakajima came to Silay to discuss their intent to invest in the city.

Mayor Jose Montelibano said the city government will facilitate the investors’ needs immediately once the plans are finalized.

The proposed call center will cater to Japanese, Chinese and English-speaking clients.

The Japanese investors consider Silay as an ideal business site because it is peaceful and has no traffic problem, the press release said. Also, the city government offer incentives to investors.

Sato also considers Silay as good place for Japanese retirees because the food is cheap and the people are friendly.

The investors are considering the possibility of inviting other Japanese businessmen to study a possible seaport project in Silay, the press release added.*

bitoy

August 15th, 2008, 06:51 AM

the alternative here bro is to eradicate the red tape in the government system. Uplift our labor policies and eradicate corruption. It is the governments' role to provide jobs to the Filipino people.

Well, as for the question of the poll, what is your stand, yes or no?

One of the important things that our government should do is to to keep peace and order in the country. Peace and security of the land is one of the factors that local and foreign investors are looking for, before they would put up some businesses in Pinas to create more jobs.

Call centers in the Philippines are not really a sign of progress. It is more of we got a piece of the pie that's already divided into more slices and can be taken easily from us in due time. It can be a sign of progress if majority of unemployed in the Philippines would be qualified for that job.
A skilled and non-skilled manufacturing company is a lot better but right now, the Pinoys will take any job offerings handed to them by anyone.
On the bright side, the employees of the call centers in Pinas although mostly employed by foreigners don't have to sacrifice a lot on being away from their families like those OFWs.

Weina

August 15th, 2008, 07:31 AM

call center is good, better than none at all. it provides us temporarily job opportunities but definitely not a sign of real progress. A start of progress perhaps to the workers lives who knows how to handle their higher income compared to other jobs in the philippines. And if most of call centers are locally owned then i think it would bring much progress to us. So while we have have the edge right now with other countries to this industry we should take the opportunity but of course our gov't should not depend alone on this or make this as our long term labor policy.

Weina

August 15th, 2008, 07:36 AM

richard24

August 15th, 2008, 07:40 AM

Strange answer. government providing jobs to the people? Are we North Korea? Cuba? The government should create investor friendly environment so businessmen whether local or foreign will put up factories, open new businesses, then jobs will be created. Trickle down effect yun.

As for the call centers, yes, it is a sign of progress. They have faith in our country, the people.....

exactly. :)

henji

August 15th, 2008, 04:40 PM

ayus ang HP printers... tama lang na naay HP svc center dire sa Davao, offices patronizing HP will be less reliant sending to Manila for major repairs. ang tanong asa kaha sila magset-up dire sa Davao? I guess North pa rin kasi andon na ang Canon, their competitor. para head to head sila.

kevinb

August 15th, 2008, 04:52 PM

I have a friend who said that we should not rely on call centers so much but rather we should keep on attracting manufacturing companies.

Time will come when guys from Malaysia, India, etc. will be able to speak english better than us.

..

BPO companies don't need to go to other countries provided that our English prowess remains and cost of doing business here does not rapidly increase, as what is happening in India and the US. BPOs are transferring to or expanding in the Philippines because of competitive English-speaking people and lower cost of business. Say for example, in the US, it costs a BPO to spend about $1000 per agent while here in the Philippines, it is only ranging from $350 to $400. Also take into consideration the prices of water, power and infrastructure. They get the same services, but on a lower price. JP Morgan Chase Fraud, which used to be a client of Convergys, now have it's own direct call center facility in Ortigas, if I'm not mistaken. Why? They want to spend lesser. It's true that they are already spending less when they used to be tied up with Convergys, but they are spending even less right now that no company is in between. Think about it, those two factors are the only things that made this. If one of these factors were not present in our situation, our call center industry would be like a midget's, so to speak.

normandb

August 15th, 2008, 06:48 PM

this is what i've been ranting here for so long. Filipinos are really good spenders. They spend almost everything they earn. And this is what really separates us from our neighbor countries citizens. Meron rin sa kanila na ganito but mostly marunong mag handle nang pera di tulad sa pinoy. Kain, party, gimmicks lang ang hilig:ohno:

awayin ka nga mga gimikero dito sa SSC. Calling Waldenstorm and pronghorn :lol:

Weina

August 15th, 2008, 07:23 PM

^^he he there's nothing about having gimmicks, life is boring without it but there is what we call balance. Yung iba kasi gimmick na lang halos ahat.

Fly2Bacolod

August 16th, 2008, 03:39 AM

Next Wave Cities’ host new call centers

Twenty five members of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) have already set foot in 16 so-called "Next Wave Cities" in the country, topped by Convergys and TeleTech with its seven sites outside the primary hubs of the Makati and Ortigas central business districts.

CCAP tallied the locations of all its member companies, showing the evident shift away from Metro Manila to outlying cities and provinces. Out of the 96 locations, 43 or around 45 percent are located outside Makati, Pasig, and Mandaluyong.

Among these emerging cities, the top three cities with the most number of CCAP call center locators are Quezon City, with 14 sites; Cebu City, with eight sites; and Bacolod City, with three sites. Those with two CCAP member locators are Muntinlupa, Manila, Baguio, Laguna, and Batangas. Taguig, Pasay, Parañaque, Marikina, Rizal, Cavite, Angeles, and Dumaguete have one each.

Among its 37 members, TeleTech has the most presence with all of its eight sites located outside the Makati and Ortigas CBDs. It is followed by eTelecare with four and Convergys with three.

"This only shows the unrelenting growth of the call center industry. We are proud of the fact that the phenomenon is not isolated in Metro Manila. More and more Filipinos are benefiting from the investment and employment opportunities provided by outsource and in-house contact centers nationwide," says Jojo Uligan, executive director of CCAP

Fly2Bacolod

August 16th, 2008, 03:40 AM

Bacolod City...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2741478382_a5e1be126a.jpg?v=0
^^One Sanparq Bacolod

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/2762091581_9b96952802.jpg?v=0
^^Robinsons Cybergate Bacolod

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/zyanz/bacolod/teletech_call_cent_BACOLOD.jpg
^^TeleTech Bacolod

http://images.doi12.multiply.com/image/8/photos/114/500x500/17/P4253111.JPG?et=1nqGCjNQ%2Cptcp%2BxGFkRQ9Q&nmid=93630723
^^Convergys Bacolod

http://www.teleperformance.com/uploadedImages/USA/AboutUs/Nearshore/Offshore/Phillippines/Bacolod/Call%20Center%20Reception%20Desk.jpg
^^Teleperformance Bacolod

Fly2Bacolod

August 16th, 2008, 03:46 AM

Japanese firm eyeing contact center in Silay

A group of Japanese investors is eyeing a call center in Silay City, the Mayor’s Office said in a press release yesterday.

Osamu Sato of Masterpiece Group Inc., Shimada Takehero of Nomura Securities Philippines Inc., and their partner Juri Nakajima came to Silay to discuss their intent to invest in the city.

Mayor Jose Montelibano said the city government will facilitate the investors’ needs immediately once the plans are finalized.

The proposed call center will cater to Japanese, Chinese and English-speaking clients.

The Japanese investors consider Silay as an ideal business site because it is peaceful and has no traffic problem, the press release said. Also, the city government offer incentives to investors.

Sato also considers Silay as good place for Japanese retirees because the food is cheap and the people are friendly.

The investors are considering the possibility of inviting other Japanese businessmen to study a possible seaport project in Silay, the press release added.*

Fly2Bacolod

August 16th, 2008, 03:51 AM

http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w357/fly2bacolod/bacolod-1.jpg
http://bacolodcity.gov.ph/it_bacolod/introduction.htm

We gladly invite you to invest in Bacolod City, a highly-urbanized growth center right in the heart of the Negros Island in the Visayas, where everything is in place for your information technology (IT) business to succeed.

The City radiates with the comfort of modern living but also exudes the gentility of the past. Amidst the bustling pace of urban life is a congenial community enjoying clean air, high quality and sufficient water, easy access to transportation and communication services, availability of first-rate convention, recreation and relaxation facilities, excellent standard of education in all levels, favorable peace and order situation, competent and efficient human resource, competitive business costs, and dynamic local governance.

Make that wise business decision now! Make IT Bacolod!

You are very much welcome to the City of Smiles!

You are simply a click away to that wise business decision! MAKE IT BACOLOD!

urban Iegend

August 16th, 2008, 06:05 AM

Teletech and APAC @Tacloban/Palo

http://leytesamardaily.com/images/newspics/pixbanner.jpg

Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez (center) talks with officials of Teletech, a call center firm that is reportedly planning up a branch in Tacloban. Teletech officials Maulik Parekh (left), senior vice president and general manager for Asia, and David Deechiu, country head, discussed yesterday the plans of their company during a meeting with members of the city council and department heads. (Lito Abala Bagunas)

source: www.leytesamardaily.com

New call-center firm at Leyte Park to hire at least 500 workers

Jack C. Gadaingan

TACLOBAN CITY — At least 500 people will be initially employed when a call center, which is planning to locate at the Leyte ICT Park, opens this month.

The Leyte Trade and Investment Promotion Center (LTIPC) confirmed that APAC Customer Services Inc. will start soon its operation at the 6.8-hectare Leyte Province’s economic zone.

APAC, which is a leading provider of customer interaction solutions for market leaders in financial services, insurance, telecommunication, health care and logistics, is reportedly eyeing to provide 500 to 800 call center seats with plans for expansion.

LTIPC unit head Nelieta Baguna said APAC Customer Services Inc. is a voice and non-voice business process outsourcing with main headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois, US and with Philippine branches in Alabang, Muntinlupa and at Cyber Park in Cubao, Quezon City.

Baguna said APAC would be occupying a 2,435-square-meter area at Leyte Academic Center as its production site, while the second floor of the two-storey Leyte Information and Communication Technology Park, right above the AMA Computer School, will be occupied by the company’s human resource and management offices.

Leyte Gov. Carlos "Jericho" Petilla, during a recent gathering, announced that the coming of the call center to Leyte would advance the province’s development as an alternative IT hub in the Visayas.

"We have continuously encouraged and looked for locators with the purpose of creating more opportunities for local employment and spur more economic activities, Governor Petilla said.

It was learned that APAC will be conducting a job fair in Tacloban City on Aug. 21-23 interviews for hiring of middle-management personnel for the Leyte ICT branch.

The jobs are for the human resource office, public relations, administrative and management offices.

Recruitment of customer service agents would follow after the August job fair.

Governor Petilla said that the provincial government has continuously partnered with the colleges and universities in the region to ensure adequate supply of qualified manpower for call-center firms, assuring that the new ICT Park locator will not be wanting in qualified manpower to fill up its initial workforce.

The ICT Park is 10 kilometers from the city proper, which is the regional capital of Eastern Visayas. It also houses the AMA Computer College, St. Augustine School, Core Data, LIDER Review Center, Zurcsoft, and Technology Business Incubator.

http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080807131836.html

ritche

August 16th, 2008, 07:24 AM

^This is a good thread.

RonnieR

August 16th, 2008, 09:05 AM

BPO companies don't need to go to other countries provided that our English prowess remains and cost of doing business here does not rapidly increase, as what is happening in India and the US. BPOs are transferring to or expanding in the Philippines because of competitive English-speaking people and lower cost of business. Say for example, in the US, it costs a BPO to spend about $1000 per agent while here in the Philippines, it is only ranging from $350 to $400. Also take into consideration the prices of water, power and infrastructure. They get the same services, but on a lower price. JP Morgan Chase Fraud, which used to be a client of Convergys, now have it's own direct call center facility in Ortigas, if I'm not mistaken. Why? They want to spend lesser. It's true that they are already spending less when they used to be tied up with Convergys, but they are spending even less right now that no company is in between. Think about it, those two factors are the only things that made this. If one of these factors were not present in our situation, our call center industry would be like a midget's, so to speak.

Yes! It works to our advantage with the proliferation of office towers, and its trickle down effect: construction, food, power, water industries.

RonnieR

August 16th, 2008, 09:11 AM

^^he he there's nothing about having gimmicks, life is boring without it but there is what we call balance. Yung iba kasi gimmick na lang halos ahat.

I think we got this from the Spaniards. party, fiestas, drinking, etc. Buti na nga lang, walang siesta dito. In Spain, people do practice this. :)

RonnieR

August 16th, 2008, 09:25 AM

Agence France-Presse
First Posted 22:53:00 08/15/2008

MANILA—The Philippine outsourcing industry will need an extra 420,000 workers within the next two years as it bids to become one of the world's leading outsourcing centers, business leaders said Friday.

The industry is targetting annual revenues of $12 billion to $13 billion by 2010, Business Processing Association of the Philippines chief executive Oscar Sanez said.

Last year the industry saw revenues of $4.9 billion and 300,000 people in centers mainly in Manila, although call centers have been set up in Cebu, Baguio and other cities around the country.

Sanez said the industry, which includes call centers and back-office operations such as medical and legal transcription, engineering services and software writing, has seen major growth since 2001 when revenues totalled $120,000 and employed only 10,000 people.

The Philippines is attempting to catch up India as more companies based overseas outsource their operations here to save money.

Megaworld Corp., one of the country's leading property firms, is constructing 500,000 square meters (5.4 million square feet) of office space for the outsourcing industry in Metropolitan Manila and the central city of Cebu, said company vice president Josiah Go.

SUV111

August 17th, 2008, 04:07 AM

Sanparq

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2768013800_09d1974de4.jpg?v=0

SUV111

August 17th, 2008, 04:08 AM

Sanparq

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2768013800_09d1974de4.jpg?v=0

ritche

August 17th, 2008, 09:47 AM

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3320/spi1oo9.jpg

bartstrife99

August 17th, 2008, 03:00 PM

Remember because of the BPO our Real estate industry is in robust situation due to demand in office spaces not only OFW but those Company needed it.

dinabaw

August 18th, 2008, 05:32 AM

HP wants to expand Davao market; to seek new distributors

DAVAO CITY — Hewlett Packard (HP) Philippines is expanding its presence here by bringing in "the widest portfolio of products available" in the next few months.

Bernadette L. Nacario, general manager of Personal Systems Group, said the company will embark on aggressive marketing and increase local partners and resellers from the current list of only five.

Not too many people in Davao, she said, know that HP has a service center in the city, which is an indication of its market reach. "We have very limited engagement here but we intend it to be like Manila or Cebu," she said.

Ms. Nacario said setting up an office in Davao City was still on the drawing table. "We don’t have an exact value in terms of investment but we want to help in building an information technology (IT) infrastructure here," she said.

Last week, the company launched Davao City as the first "HP City" to be followed by Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bacolod and some cities in Luzon.

"Apart from being one of our most important markets, Davao City also represents the future of IT (information technology) in the Philippines," she said.

Part of the campaign is to tie up with the local businessmen and other groups to develop the city as an IT hub.

Local groups have complained of the lack of infrastructure in Davao City to support the influx of business process outsourcing firms.

The Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in one of its resolutions, had urged the local government to promote the city as IT hub through a comprehensive master plan.

The city council is looking to amend the 1994 Davao City Investment Incentive Code but some lawmakers have balked at the proposal to double incentives to locators outside the central business districts for fear of facing a class suit over discriminatory treatment.

Paul M. Alcantara, marketing manager of the Personal Systems Group, said the company is studying the possibility of adding to the list of vendors in the city from the present five, namely Digital Enterprises, Computer World, Emcor Appliance Center, Colombia Computers, and Digitech. "[W]e intend to expand that (list)," he said.

Mr. Alcantara said Davao City remains to be a "white box" market with 80% of consumers preferring generic computers and laptops over branded ones offered by HP, Dell, and Apple because of the price difference

But more than the price package, Grace H. San Juan, the company’s lead officer for the offshoring and outsourcing industry, said HP wants to offer value-added services to entice consumers to buy into the brand. "Beyond the price of the box, we have a very good advantage over our competitors," she said. — Joel B. Escovilla

http://www.bworld.com.ph/BW081808/content.php?id=042

simply_me

August 18th, 2008, 05:53 AM

Hi, napapadaan lang po... and taking this opportunity also (di man ko ma-technical noh, IT bitaw hehe) ... baka i might find someone here or someone you know, QA and Editors for Medical Transcription.. haay really need them badly. IM nyo lang ko if ever ha.. thanks in advance:)

dinabaw

August 18th, 2008, 06:06 AM

^^ ako puede na ko Gins :D .. welcome back ! join kasa sa EB.

simply_me

August 18th, 2008, 07:53 AM

^^ ako puede na ko Gins :D .. welcome back ! join kasa sa EB.

hehehe, binuang diha..serious ko ba, need them ASAP :bash:...

:cheers: thanks for the welcome...

JoeyIncali

August 18th, 2008, 09:24 AM

I wonder if HP will offer certification/training in Davao.
I'd like to HP printer certified but it's cost-prohibitive in the US.

kevinb

August 19th, 2008, 02:19 PM

^^ I forgot to stress on that point. Good thing you posted it. Thanks! :)

great184

August 19th, 2008, 02:32 PM

So two major factors prop-up our real estate industry: OFWs and BPO expats. A third, smaller leg to this Real estate would be the locally rich.

Btw, has there been any annual increases to the basic wages of BPO employees. Because from the articles posted one reason why BPO's are locating here at a faster rate is due to the stagnation of BPO wages adjustments compared to those in India.

bartstrife99

August 19th, 2008, 03:43 PM

I forgot to stress on that point. Good thing you posted it. Thanks!

Nope its okay :lol:

So two major factors prop-up our real estate industry: OFWs and BPO expats. A third, smaller leg to this Real estate would be the locally rich.

Btw, has there been any annual increases to the basic wages of BPO employees. Because from the articles posted one reason why BPO's are locating here at a faster rate is due to the stagnation of BPO wages adjustments compared to those in India.

Yup you're right aside from that is our Hospitality in handling customer and also our deep relationship especially in America and mainly BPO customer.

kevinb

August 19th, 2008, 06:33 PM

Btw, has there been any annual increases to the basic wages of BPO employees. Because from the articles posted one reason why BPO's are locating here at a faster rate is due to the stagnation of BPO wages adjustments compared to those in India.

I don't think that's the case. I just got an increase which I didn't think I'd be getting much. ;)

dinabaw

August 20th, 2008, 05:08 AM

ano kaya itong 2 companies na ito?

Two firms to assess city’s BPO prospects
By Rizalene P. Acac

TWO MANILA-based business process outsourcing companies will be here this week to check on possible sites where they could locate, a leader of the information and communications technology sector said.
Erriberto P. Barriga Jr., vice president of the Information and Communications Technology Association of Davao, told the Times that the two companies will evaluate the feasibility of doing business in the city, including the new one at the Metro Lifestyle at Jacinto Extension.
Barriga, president and chief operating officer of Gibbex Outsourcing Solutions Inc., however, did not identify the companies saying this would preempt the negotiations.
He is confident the two companies will pursue their intention to put up their business here. Barriga’s consultancy firm will continue to promote the city as destination for ICT investments.
He said many locators prefer the city because of its competitiveness in terms of providing human resource and infrastructure. He said the vast area of the city is also very promising in terms of expansion unlike saturated BPO sites in other large cities.
The image was further enhanced after Western Wats located in the city.
Officials of the Western Wats, the company occupying the top floor of the NCCC Mall of Davao, said they are contented with the number of applicants they are getting from their recruitment.
Lizabel Garcia-Holganza, president of the Transcription Alliance of Davao Inc., in a separate interview said the ICT sector is growing as more local companies are investing in infrastructure facilities.
She said last month they were able to market six different sites during the event of the Call Center Association of the Philippines held at SMEX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia.
Barriga said these sites are separate from those targeted by the two prospective BPO. He said that it is encouraging to know that investors are taking the skirmishes in other parts of the island in stride.
“They remain bullish about Davao City because they know that it can deliver,” he added.

http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/story.php?id=21406

dinabaw

August 20th, 2008, 06:40 AM

Davao — HP City

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/778/hplogoiw6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

by Blogie • 19 August 2008

HP Davao City’s bid to become a leading ICT hub in the Philippines got a boost last week when Hewlett-Packard Philippines Corp. launched a corporate marketing strategy called “HP City”. This program is HP Philippines’ way of contributing to the growth of the technology sectors in Davao City.

“Apart from being one of our most important markets,” said Bernadette Nacario, Country General Manager of HP Philippines’ Personal Systems Group, “Davao will always be a significant market for HP here in the Philippines.”

A visible sign of our being an HP City is this technology company’s sponsorship of the upcoming Kadayawan sa Dabaw festival. Already we are seeing banners and streamers bearing the familiar HP logo all over the city. According to Bebi Reyes-Guzman, Marketing Communications, there will also be taxi cabs that will sport the HP emblem.

HP is one of the world’s leading providers of personal computers (desktops and laptops), servers, and imaging equipment. This global company has also been noted for their entry into the mobile market, especially with their iPaq line and the HP Mini-Note PC.

HP Mini During the press conference hosted by HP’s team led by Nacario, an HP desktop computer and laptop were turned over to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, ostensibly as a sign of more goodies to come. Nacario expressed an interest in the city’s unique 911 emergency response service, and has indicated that, as an HP City, Davao will be the recipient of more significant computer donations from HP Philippines.

Duterte, as he is wont to do in such situations, apprised the HP executives of the state of affairs in Davao City, especially on the peace and order situation. It was icing on the cake, however, since Nacario and her team are already apparently convinced of the potentials of Davao and her fast-growing IT industry.

To further their commitment to the city, HP Philippines is set to expand their presence in the city. Aside from strengthening ties with local channels, and beefing up their service center, the company is now on the lookout for a territory representative for Davao and Cebu.

“Building Davao as an HP City is our own way of helping the city grow and be recognized as one of the IT centers not only in the Philippines but in Asia,” Nacario said. “We see a great potential for Davao to become a major cyber city in the region. By bringing the widest IT portfolio available today to Davao City, we are already helping it anticipate and address all its needs as a major IT hub.”

Nacario estimates that HP’s market penetration stands at around 5% in Davao, with bulk of the remainder belonging to the “white box” suppliers. She was referring to the largely inexpensive computer ‘brands’ emerging and proliferating out of Taiwan.

HP’s strengths lie in what the brand stands for: quality assurance, excellent after-sales service and systems scalability. According to Grace San Juan, VSDB Lead of HP’s Personal Systems Group, her company believes that Dabawenyos are now beyond mere price consciousness. Precisely why they have decided to bring their marketing and promotions to the Philippine South: to create more awareness of the worth of HP’s technology products and services.

http://www.ittalks.net/2008/08/19/davao-hp-city/

SUV111

August 20th, 2008, 12:02 PM

17 areas for CICT
Written by Michin
Sunday, 17 August 2008

Commission on Information and Communication Technology (CICT) reports outsourcing investments in 17 areas such as in Bacolod, Bacoor, Baguio, Batangas City, Cagayan de Oro, Cainta, Naga City, Cebu, Angeles, Davao, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Lipa, Manila, Sta. Rosa and Dagupan. The investors are from the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.

Moreover, according to Commisoner Monchito Ibrahim, CICT has identified a total of 22 areas in its drive to establish so called ICT hubs ideal for BPO investors. Also, they are now adding Tagbiliran and Tuguegarao for their list.

Furthermore, due to the growing awareness about BPO in the cities even in Metro Manila and increased enrollment in ICT-related courses in these areas.

Also, Call Centers continue to be the biggest revenue contributor and even non-call center investments as well and in provinces, like in Bacolod, having P 90 Million in new investments.

This project willl definitely gives high employment for the ICT graduates in metro Manila and in different provinces as well. [via]

source (http://www.callcenterphilippines.net/newsflashes/news-blog/17-areas-for-cict.html)

SUV111

August 20th, 2008, 12:03 PM

orville1ph

August 21st, 2008, 09:53 AM

BPO company APAC has postponed their Leyte job fair for still unknown reason (weather condition in luzon maybe a factor). Sked will be posted here as soon as the new date and venue is known

attitude2win

August 22nd, 2008, 06:58 AM

How much is the average salary of a call center agent here in manila? say for example in makati or in ortigas? are there any difference or still really depends on the call center company you're in? Earning 20,000php a month is already huge. I can already save at least php5000 a month. Anyways it still depends on the life you're in hehehe...

attitude2win

August 22nd, 2008, 07:14 AM

kyle@1008

August 22nd, 2008, 07:17 AM

^^ yup, there are call center training facilities in this areas some located in-campus some are independent

bacolodchamp

August 22nd, 2008, 07:38 AM

c0kelitr0

August 22nd, 2008, 01:09 PM

^^ my company has just set up a call center two months ago here in Manila providing services for our customers in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines. Entry level agents have a gross salary of more or less in that range. We only hired around 50 agents though. we just thought it's neat to set up a central unit and we chose Manila because of the pinoys' proficiency in English. We do have Chinese-speaking agents and they get more than double the average agent's salary.

kevinb

August 22nd, 2008, 04:23 PM

@attitude2win: It does not exactly depend on the company. It also depends on your call center experience. If you're applying as a tech rep, they'd take a look at your technical side. They usually consider a "tenured agent" who has stayed in the industry for more than 6 months. If you're more than a year in just one call center, it's a plus. The lowest base salary a call center agent, as I've heard, is 12K; highest is at 20K.

Nope its okay :lol:

:colgate:

SUV111

August 22nd, 2008, 06:59 PM

It's so nice to know that the Visayan Region now caters a lot of BPO companies..big BPO companies..Wow even Tagbilaran is also included in the so called ICT hubs.

What are the current BPO companies in the Visayas? I pressume most of them are located in Cebu or in Bacolod Cities.. DO schools or some institutions from these areas offer call center trainings already?

yup, some even offer short courses

excerpts from the State of the Province Address of Gov. Zayco....
www.visayandailystar.com

EDUCATION

The provincial government has more than 1,000 scholars a year and many of them are graduating at the top of their class, and it continues to make low-cost Nursing education available through its School of Nursing at the Cadiz District Hospital, he added.

The provincial government will soon also open the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center that will give free trainings for English and I.T. proficiency, he said.

“The center will prepare our people for employment and provide the skilled manpower needed by call center and IT industries, both here and abroad. The program will be supported by TESDA with scholarships under its I-CARE Program,” he explained.

thanks for posting @champ :)

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

August 23rd, 2008, 06:20 AM

among all those who have worked in call centers.. how many of them have saved a big chunk of their salary given that they have very big pay?

.. my co worker in a hospital before who used to earn P20,000 in Western Wats said that at the end of the month wala siya savings because everything is drained to weekly gimmicks, outings, buying gadgets, etc..

My friend this question is "it depends"... it depends on the person if he is a spender or not. But the fact remains that call centers still offer BIG ENTRY LEVEL BASE PAY than other jobs out there. No need to stress on this since aside from that there are medical benefits (180-500K) accident (up to a million) night diff, perf bonuses, tanspo & food allowance etc etc..

end of the day sa tao yan kung marunong ka humawak ng pera mo o hindi. yun lang yun.

Proud to say that instead of signing up for a credit card I am opening savings bank accounts. :)

I have a friend who said that we should not rely on call centers so much but rather we should keep on attracting manufacturing companies.

Time will come when guys from Malaysia, India, etc. will be able to speak english better than us.

..

Manufacturing? Thats why Colgate is in Malaysia? Manufacturing mas magulo dito sa atin... sa union pa lang talo na. Intel? wala na din? Bakit? mas unstable yun kasi ang labor dun marami kang kalaban...lalo na China... sa call center english proficiency ang labanan... better than us? I don't think so. As long as English is the medium in our school system and it is being supported by the government thru TESDA etc dito pa din. Thats why call centers are folding in the US because it being relocated here. :)

It is sad that the government is pimping precious Filipino talents abroad when it could have been used to enrich and preserve the wealth of the country if and only if they are doing their jobs by serving the common good.

Imagine if we are being flooded with investments - more jobs means that going abroad is a career choice and not a necessity just to make a living. Philippines won't have broken families and troubled children anymore - the social costs of employment immigration.

Call centers as for now are a great help. They alleviate unemployment but it somewhat puts them under a new category - underemployment. This young people could have done a lot more had there been more opportunities available for them that matches their education and skills.

You could be underemployed in some degrees YES but WELL PAID. But the worst thing is being EMPLOYED but UNDERPAID. Now that is something to think about.

Worst of all is being unemployed... that means you are not contributing to the economy.

bartstrife99

August 23rd, 2008, 08:33 AM

Ako nasa Manufacturing di naman siya magulo pero depende kasi sa kumpanya kung balasubas talaga mag pa sahod at mga benipisyo pero mababa talaga ang sahod ko almost 10k ($200)/ month comapare to 20k (400$) sa call center. Machining and designing ng Mould ang job ko! kung mag aabroad ko mga 2k$ sahod ko! kasi milyon$ ang kinita ng Employer ko sa work ko ehh! pero mababa talaga...

Fly2Bacolod

August 23rd, 2008, 09:57 AM

iloilocitykid

August 23rd, 2008, 10:30 AM

Guys just a suggestion: Why not just mix this thread with the Visayas BPO thread. Besides, the creator of this thread is also the creator of the Vis BPO thread. :)

SUV111

August 23rd, 2008, 06:11 PM

^^ this matter has been addressed to the mods already. soon, some threads will be merged and other dormant threads will soon vanish :) for now, we'll keep this thread and its up for the mods to decide if they will keep this one or they will merge it to other thread.

jaywalker

August 24th, 2008, 08:02 AM

excerpts from the State of the Province Address of Gov. Zayco....
www.visayandailystar.com

EDUCATION

The provincial government has more than 1,000 scholars a year and many of them are graduating at the top of their class, and it continues to make low-cost Nursing education available through its School of Nursing at the Cadiz District Hospital, he added.

The provincial government will soon also open the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center that will give free trainings for English and I.T. proficiency, he said.

“The center will prepare our people for employment and provide the skilled manpower needed by call center and IT industries, both here and abroad. The program will be supported by TESDA with scholarships under its I-CARE Program,” he explained.

:applause::applause::applause::bow::bow:
Fanstastic idea by the Governor Zayco.This will help beef up the present human resouces intended to provide BPO operation in Bacolod.This could lessen the unemployment rate in Negros.I hope that Bacolod City will coordinate with this project and would create awareness about this project in every Baranggays.This is the kind of project in Negros Occidental we needed because this will help some of those can't afford to attend Universties/Colleges for these courses.This is an example of reaching out to those people who are poor yet deserving ones and for those who want to uplift thier way of living.

Fly2Bacolod

August 24th, 2008, 09:12 AM

ExcelAsia expanding outside MM

Human resources solutions provider ExcelAsia is expanding its business outside Metro Manila, targeting strategic locations throughout the Philippines.

The move is in response to the fast-growing manpower demand of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and clients in other traditional sectors.

ExcelAsia provides end-to-end human resource services, including sourcing, recruitment and training, to over 30 multinational companies in the Philippines. It also provides executive search and business consultancy services to its clients.

"At present ExcelAsia operates from two major locations – Makati and Cebu – and a satellite office in Alabang, said ExcelAsia president Rita Trillo-Ugarte.

"For our expansion plans this year, we have earmarked Alabang — this time for a fully featured facility — Baguio and Bacolod, as strategic sites for our new offices. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to support the growth of our clients’ businesses, regardless of their location.
Trillo-Ugarte said the move to establish a physical presence in multiple locations nationwide is a natural next step given the BPO industry’s development. "Our BPO clients are constantly looking for expansion opportunities in emerging BPO hubs all over the country. Most of them are already operating outside Metro Manila in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

"We want to support their human resource recruitment and management programs by being in these places, and getting first-hand information on the manpower supply in each of them," Trillo-Ugarte said.

"ExcelAsia will offer the same premier suite of services that we are delivering from our existing offices, including placement of qualified applicants and training of near-hires under the ‘PGMA’s Training for Work Scholarship Program,’" Trillo-Ugarte explained.

"We plan to train around 500 trainees per month in each of the new sites," she said. "We look forward to assisting untapped talent in these areas find gainful employment, and boosting the employment rate in these locations. (EHL)

Fly2Bacolod

August 24th, 2008, 09:13 AM

SUV111

August 24th, 2008, 09:33 AM

way to go Bacolod :) hehehehe

bledzoe

August 25th, 2008, 05:20 AM

Aussie firm sets up call center in RP

By Lawrence Casiraya
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 10:34:00 08/25/2008

MANILA, Philippines – Australia's National Receivables Group (NRG) has chosen the Philippines over India in setting up its first overseas call center, according to its top official.

NRG provides services for financial services companies and holds offices in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.

Michelle Bubke, NRG's chief executive, said she was encouraged to visit the country after meeting with Business Process Association of the Philippines (B/PAP) officials in Sydney earlier this year.

Bubke recently visited the country to train agents of the company's first international call center, located at the IBM Building in Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City.

"The tight labor market in Australia had made it difficult to expand operations nationally and we had been researching offshore options for more than 12 months," Bubke said in a statement provided by B/PAP.

"Out of a number of possible locations, we chose the Philippines. Like most companies, I looked at India but discovered that the talent pool, time zone and lifestyle were superior in the Philippines," she added.

NRG initially contracted call center servicers from local operator firm IP Contact Center Outsourcing Inc. (IPPCO) before deciding to set up its own operations in the country.

Unlike other customers, NRG employs agents working dayshifts. Bubke said her company plans to have at least 60 agents before year's end and expand further to 600 agents within the next 18 months."

Sleepwalker

August 25th, 2008, 09:59 AM

SUV111

August 25th, 2008, 03:15 PM

daghang salamat bai sleepwalker...:) hehehehe

attitude2win

August 26th, 2008, 12:54 AM

attitude2win

August 26th, 2008, 01:03 AM

excerpts from the State of the Province Address of Gov. Zayco....
www.visayandailystar.com

EDUCATION

The provincial government has more than 1,000 scholars a year and many of them are graduating at the top of their class, and it continues to make low-cost Nursing education available through its School of Nursing at the Cadiz District Hospital, he added.

The provincial government will soon also open the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center that will give free trainings for English and I.T. proficiency, he said.

“The center will prepare our people for employment and provide the skilled manpower needed by call center and IT industries, both here and abroad. The program will be supported by TESDA with scholarships under its I-CARE Program,” he explained.

well here is the reason now why these firms would try to choose bacolod city as one major center for their businesses. The LGU here is really solid and really doing their job to help it's people look for a better job. In I.T alone, the government is even allocating huge budget for training facilities for FREE.

Having these trainings would not only mean that their people would be engaged in call centers but also in other top companies as well.

Great job..!!!

Fly2Bacolod

August 26th, 2008, 02:32 AM

A very good news to everyone...Congrats to Bacolod....:banana:
^^
thanks!:)

Fly2Bacolod

August 26th, 2008, 02:32 AM

Bacolod City...

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii174/wowphp/convergys.jpg
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii174/wowphp/teleperformance.jpg
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii174/wowphp/teletech.jpg
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii174/wowphp/1_593341303l.jpg
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w357/fly2bacolod/alliance.gif
www.alliancecallcentre.com.ph

Fly2Bacolod

August 26th, 2008, 02:34 AM

Fly2Bacolod

August 26th, 2008, 02:35 AM

Fly2Bacolod

August 26th, 2008, 02:38 AM

Corporate News
Teleperformance posts higher sales in Q2

Nasdaq-listed outsourcing firm Teleperformance is confident of reaching its revenue goal this year in spite of a challenging second half.

In a statement, the company said it had posted a 16% increase in sales in the second quarter. Gross revenues for the first half went up by a fifth, exceeding its 15% target.

"Considering the business results achieved in the first half... the management team still remains confident that the group will reach its annual revenue objectives," it said.

"The challenging economic environment impacts some of Teleperformance clients’ volume forecasts, therefore providing limited visibility for the second half of the year," it added.

More than half of the companies’ revenues in the second quarter came from European markets.

Teleperformance has about 85,000 employees in 45 countries. It has been serving companies around the world with customer care, technical support and debt collection programs on their behalf.

The company employs up to 6,000 employees in the Philippines in five different locations around Manila and Bacolod. — Paolo Luis G. Montecillo

Fly2Bacolod

August 26th, 2008, 02:39 AM

Fly2Bacolod

August 26th, 2008, 02:46 AM

San Antonio Park Square [SANPARQ]
Series of Development

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2741478382_a5e1be126a.jpg?v=0
One Sanparq Building [Convergys] - Completed

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/2768012942_410f275c74.jpg?v=0
Sanparq Drive [Mix-Used] - Under-Construction

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii174/wowphp/sanparq_bacolod.jpg
Two Sanparq Tower - to be constructed after Sanparq Drive

Sleepwalker

August 26th, 2008, 02:56 AM

Sleepwalker

August 26th, 2008, 03:03 AM

I observe na sabay sabay na umaarangkada ang halos lahat na mga main cities sa Visayas.

Sleepwalker

August 26th, 2008, 03:07 AM

Way sapayan mga bai...Am just glad that most of the Visayan cities are growing in unison.. :)

SUV111

August 26th, 2008, 05:40 AM

Way sapayan mga bai...Am just glad that most of the Visayan cities are growing in unison.. :)

i totally agree with you :) At least now, theres more opportunities in the visayas and people need not to go to manila for work :)

ritche

August 26th, 2008, 10:43 AM

Callcenters
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/4784/convergysaz9.jpg
Convergys ((No. 1 callcenter company in the world, soon)

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/9730/logoteletechcomda6.gif
Teletech (No. 2 callcenter company in the world)

http://edge.cachefly.net/mergemedia.net/images/content/3377/1550x48_animated.gif
Student Universe (largest internet ticket reseller in the United States)

Entheos IT (Multifields)
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/4121/ambotcd6.jpg

www.entheosit.com (http://www.entheosit.com/index.php)

Animation (http://www.entheosit.com/animation)

Architecture (http://www.entheosit.com/architecturehttp://)

Web Development (http://www.entheosit.com/web-development)

Animation - Entheos IT is an award winning animation outfit (grand prize in the 1st Philippine animation contest held at the SMX convention Center early this year.
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/483/bg2cj2.jpg

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/9935/chiracwf5.jpg

http://www.entheosit.com/wp-content/uploads/image/animation/segolne.jpg

Animation

Entheos IT, Inc., Animation is a visual communications division dedicated to creating dynamic representations.

By combining creativity and animation expertise with the skills of various disciplines, the result is a solution that is unique, well defined, and innovative.

Who We Are

Our blend of prodigy animators with skills, design experience and technical knowledge allows us to give our clients the edge they need to compete in an industry where television, film and the Internet are rapidly converging.

Entheos It., Animation can do any and all of the following - 2D Character Animation to which we have produced the Bukaw Cartoon - an original Philippine concept by our local animators. Motion Graphics/Typography, Flash Animation, Illustration, Commercials, Pop Promos, Series Design/Development and Web Content.

Our Designs

With in-depth duty to education, we dedicate most of our projects towards inculcating knowledge and disseminating the importance of learning new things in the form of art and creativity, as well as being involved thru this medium.

Architecture
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/7664/pic1mp6.jpg

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3128/pic2jw1.jpg

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/283/pic4or1.jpg

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/397/pic5oc3.jpghttp://

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/2941/pic6eb9.jpg

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/2029/pic8gj3.jpg

Architecture

We believe in the exploration of form through program; utilizing research into the specifics of every project, in-depth interaction with clients, and a keen sense of curiosity to transform functional requirements into new and unexpected spaces, shapes and material combinations. Our name, Entheos It, represents the rigorous analysis and relentless testing of concepts and options to find the specific solution. This process continues through the life cycle of a project, ensuring the highest quality from the overall design intention to the smallest detail and preserving ideas from their concept formulation to their realization.

We design to suit our clients tastes, requirements and lifestyle and create living spaces that are both pragmatic, beautiful and most importantly economical.

Our secret? We listen to our clients.

We ask questions, take notes and shape our plans accordingly. Once our understanding of the client is in focus, we proceed with confidence. Our design process is based on the idea that seeing is believing. From conceptual sketches, to renderings, construction documentations, drawings, models, etc. we create visuals that make our design accessible.

Who We Are

Composed of young, skilled and dynamic professionals. Our Design Principal is a registered architect in Hawaii (AIA) who has more than 20 years of experience in design and construction.

The team in itself is adept to design conceptualization, code interpretation and construction documentation.

Our Designs

We are specializing on variety of projects ranging from residential, commercial and institutional. We bring our projects from inception to completion with the clients satisfaction in mind. Most of our projects are constructed in Hawaii but fully documented here locally.

ritche

August 26th, 2008, 10:59 AM

I just learned today that the SPi Leadership is planning to transfer the SPi Philippine headquarters to Dumaguete with the transfer of the SPi Learning Academy here. SPi Executives will be in Dumaguete tomorrow to assess the site for transfer of some of their Manila and Vietnam operations here. They will soon be constructing another huge building at the SPi Technology Park 7 kms from downtown Dumaguete.

Some of the reasons cited why the SPi leadership is planning to transfer its Philippine HQ in Dumaguete are the absence of typhoon (thus less disruption in production), central location, low operating cost, better environment (than Manila), and the presence of high quality educational institutions

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3320/spi1oo9.jpg
SPi Dumaguete, one of the first non-voice outsourcing outfits (and probably the largest) outside Manila,
is a Publishing outsourcing business catering to well known journals and publications around the world,
especially in Europe and North America.

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/7248/27052478cw8.jpg
SPi, a multi-awarded BPO corporation, is one of the leading BPO corporations in the world.

icarusrising

August 26th, 2008, 01:31 PM

Infotech companies seen to spur growth (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/08262008/companies04.html)

By Alma Anonas-Carpio
Correspondent

AS unemployment is expected to rise as a result of the weakening economy, more and more local government units (LGUs) are asked to turn to information and communications technology (ICT) as a source of steady employment and as a source of economic stimulus, preliminary data gathered by Canada-based research firm XMG shows.

In its mid-year review of the Philippine ICT industry for 2008, XMG found that total ICT industry employment is at around 340,000 to 360,000 and more than 70 percent of employment opportunities in this sector are located in Metro Manila.

XMG also estimated that an additional 310,000 to 340,000 will be needed up to 2010 “to meet ramped-up demand as expansion plan and global pipeline deals close.”

The research firm also projects that LGUs now “have the opportunity to attract large ICT operators by providing tax breaks, infrastructure and telecommunications development and customized incentives.”

Based on the Employment Lifestyle Index conducted in the second quarter of 2008, XMG found that an “average agent working in the ICT industry would have a basic salary ranging from P13,000 to P21,000, depending on experience, type of skill, account and site location.”

Using a typical medium operator that employs between 1,000 to 3,999 full-time workers as an indicator, XMG estimates “an infusion of P42 million into the local economy per month from basic salaries alone.”

The index also shows that 42 percent of workers’ incomes are spent on food, 14 percent on housing, 12 percent on education, 11 percent on clothing, six percent on miscellaneous expenses like gifts and contributions, 8 percent on various recreation activities, 2 percent on transportation and communications, and 5 percent on other unspecified items.

XMG also found that IT industry agents have a relatively higher disposable income compared with those holding a regular day job in the country.

Industry analyst Benedict Ferrer said “LGUs should begin to realize the potential economic impact of IT, call center and business process outsourcing companies in their city as a prime mover of development and progress or risk losing opportunity such as sustainable livelihood provided by the industry.” Ferrer also adds that “LGUs must first understand the nature of the industry and various underlying variables imperative to attract and market their respective city.”

As the industry grows rapidly, more and more ICT Tier-2 cities like Cebu, Baguio, Clark, Subic and Davao are ramping up marketing campaigns geared towards attracting locators, the XMG researchers found.

Most LGUs are taking hold of this opportunity to create a viable source of constant employment in their localities as more companies relocate or expand outside Metro Manila, where costs are manageable and talent competition is less intense.

XMG recommends that LGUs learn to “understand from the outset the needs of the industry and align their strengths and incentives toward consummating a strategic partnership with the industry to maximize the growing opportunity the

ICT industry have to offer.”

caloy76

August 26th, 2008, 03:27 PM

Robinsons Land has started the construction of its Cebu Cybergate Building. This well house BPO companies as well at the heart of the City. Near Chong Hua nad Fuente Osmena.

bartstrife99

August 26th, 2008, 03:58 PM

its good to know that more foreign call canter companies choose RP over other countries. If only our government could help create a better education for us..... definitely these firms would definitely invest here.

Make our education system world class would help reduce unemployment for sure. Make our infrastructure great would eventually pour more and more investments here

and yet they will definitely stay here in our country....

ritche

August 26th, 2008, 04:03 PM

^Cebu and Dumaguete have the most mature BPO industries in the Visayas...

Sleepwalker

August 26th, 2008, 04:13 PM

Entheos? Mao ba ni nagbuhat atong naa bakunawa (dragon) nga nikaon sa buwan?

ritche

August 26th, 2008, 04:16 PM

Entheos? Mao ba ni nagbuhat atong naa bakunawa (dragon) nga nikaon sa buwan?

Yes,and it won the grand prize in the 1st Philippine animation contest.

Sleepwalker

August 26th, 2008, 04:30 PM

Wow...Do they have any plans to make some local anime series, Bai?

in_a_rush

August 26th, 2008, 05:35 PM

sana magshift na yung mga nag-nunursing to IT dahil sa tutoo lanG, hindi na ganun ka-in demand ngayon ang nursing. over supply na talaga dito sa pinas tapos may retrogression pa sa US. kahit kalahati lang ng mga kumukuha ng nursing course yung magshishift sa IT, madaling maabot yung demand.

bacolodchamp

August 27th, 2008, 02:40 AM

I observe na sabay sabay na umaarangkada ang halos lahat na mga main cities sa Visayas.

yeah i observe that too. the visayan cities are relatively peaceful. i think this is a factor why business thrive in these cities, especially the bpo's where majority of the players are multi national companies. if this atmosphere is replicated in all cities and provinces in the country, i'm sure this country can nowhere to go but move forward.:)

Sleepwalker

August 27th, 2008, 02:49 AM

yeah i observe that too. the visayan cities are relatively peaceful. i think this is a factor why business thrive in these cities, especially the bpo's where majority of the players are multi national companies. if this atmosphere is replicated in all cities and provinces in the country, i'm sure this country can nowhere to go but move forward.:)

Yes, I agree...And cities in the Visayas are not only for BPO...they also go for tourism and education.

barukdok

August 27th, 2008, 03:55 AM

^^ yes, but other first world countries have strong demand for health care practitioners, especially those with huge ageing populations. the US isn't the only rich country on earth.

if those in the medical field shift to IT, don't you think the IT industry will have an oversupply of labor as well?

SUV111

August 27th, 2008, 04:25 AM

Yes, I agree...And cities in the Visayas are not only for BPO...they also go for tourism and education.

thats true.... we are sooooo blessed.

Ic3

August 27th, 2008, 05:29 AM

Davao City’s IT industry not dampened by Mindanao conflict
August 27, 2008

Davao City’s information communication technology (ICT) industry players are confident the armed conflict in some parts of Mindanao will not affect the industry as potential investors continue to keep eyeing the city as a destination.

ICT Davao president Lizabel Holganza said there is an emerging “change of mindset” among local and international ICT investors, who now believe Davao City, in spite of being part of Mindanao, is where they should be.

She said on average, ICT Davao receives five inquiries every month from local and international investors on the city’s ICT, particularly its business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.

“There is some kind of change of mindset among ICT locators. They’re looking also at the quality of life, where they can go for leisure after doing business. They are looking at the fringe benefits they can possibly get aside from doing ICT business in Davao City,” Holganza said.

“Looking at the bookings and inquiries, I think the IT industry in Davao City is not dampened by the Mindanao conflict,” she added.

For his part, ICT Davao executive vice president Eriberto Barriga Davao City’s ICT industry is experiencing a big shift compared with the last two years.

He said another international BPO operator, ADMEREX based in Australia, is eyeing to open a contact center in the city within the year.

If it pushes through, the company will be the third big international BPO operator to locate to Davao City. The other two are Sutherland and Western Wats.

Holganza said Davao City continues to attract ICT investors because it is consistently included in the top five potential IT destinations as cited by the Business Process Outsourcing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), Commission of Information and Communications Technology (CICT), and Industry Analysis.

She said an ICT player from India also expressed interest in locating to Davao City during the recent Call Centers Expo.

To pump prime the IT industry, ICT Davao is working on the conduct of a survey or inventory of Davao City’s IT investors.

The survey will be done in three phases, with the initial phase costing about P3 million. Holganza said they are looking for donors to fund the survey.

Barriga said the survey is important to give potential investors the right perspective to do IT business in the city. Judy Quiros

http://dailymirror.ph/August/business08272008&02.html

sandman.ink

August 27th, 2008, 06:14 AM

yes!!! go ICT Industry...go silicon gulf!!!

PINOYmeat

August 27th, 2008, 06:20 AM

^^ at walang nag aaway, my goodness, yung iba mall nga lang katakot takot na argument ang nangyayari, insecurity and ignorance (and arrogance) tsk tsk tsk... :ohno:

SUV111

August 27th, 2008, 06:31 AM

^^ at walang nag aaway, my goodness, yung iba mall nga lang katakot takot na argument ang nangyayari, insecurity and ignorance (and arrogance) tsk tsk tsk... :ohno:

hahahaha!!! parang alam ko kung saan yan :) napaka peaceful ng Visayas talaga :) kung may away man solve agad :):lol::lol::lol:

bacolodchamp

August 27th, 2008, 08:24 AM

Sleepwalker

August 27th, 2008, 08:37 AM

^^most of all, its the resilient character of the visayans to rise above adversities that make these things happen. and it shows in national surveys of trust ratings. visayans are least complaining and easy to please.:)

Migs or Bai, can you give me a link to this?

Talking about adversities, i have my all confidence that Iloilo will stand up from the devastation of Frank, in short time.

rau

August 27th, 2008, 11:16 AM

OT: create kaya tayo ng thread na ONE VISAYAS..hehe

SUV111

August 27th, 2008, 11:20 AM

i love that suggestion RAU...

lets take one step closer to our dreams in uniting our islands :) sana sa iba ganun din...haaaaaaaaay!!!!!!!!

Sleepwalker

August 27th, 2008, 11:21 AM

OT: create kaya tayo ng thread na ONE VISAYAS..hehe

Am ok with that Bai...Pero, naa naman gud existing Eastern, Western and Central Visayas thread....Di kaha ni redundant?

Western Visayas = Ilongo
Central Visayas = Cebuano/Boholano
Eastern Visayas = Waray

Then, we could make a proposed flag for ONE VISAYAS... :)

Sleepwalker

August 27th, 2008, 11:23 AM

With this, at least we are aligned with our LGU's effort to have Visayas united.

SUV111

August 27th, 2008, 11:24 AM

Am ok with that Bai...Pero, naa naman gud existing Eastern, Western and Central Visayas thread....Di kaha ni redundant?

Western Visayas = Ilongo
Central Visayas = Cebuano/Boholano
Eastern Visayas = Waray

Then, we could make a proposed flag for ONE VISAYAS... :)

you add western, eastern and central into ONE para One Visayas na lang :) hehehehe :)

ano kaya flag natin bai? unsay imong suggestion? kung naa kay drawing paki post na lang :):lol::lol::lol:

PINOYmeat

August 27th, 2008, 11:26 AM

hay naku, basta kita diri sa visayas peace gyud. o di ba walay gubot? walay giyera or insecurities sa usag usa? kay ikalipay man sa ubang lugar ang paglambo sa usa pud ka place. di ta mag pinareho sa uban.

lemonsito

August 27th, 2008, 11:32 AM

Sleepwalker

August 27th, 2008, 11:35 AM

you add western, eastern and central into ONE para One Visayas na lang :) hehehehe :)

ano kaya flag natin bai? unsay imong suggestion? kung naa kay drawing paki post na lang :):lol::lol::lol:

I think, for the flag, we need to have a consensus from the majority of the Visayan forumers.

As for me, this newly formed One Visayas, i would prefer not to have a center or capital.

lemonsito

August 27th, 2008, 11:36 AM

bacolodchamp

August 27th, 2008, 01:01 PM

i've found this one from another thread...even our governors are amenable to the idea of "one Visayas"

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Officials of Regional Development Council VI, VII and VIII will gather to establish the “One Visayas,” an initiative aimed at strengthening the cultural bond among islands in the Visayas.

Antique Governor Salvador Perez, chairman of the RDC in Region 6, and Calbayog City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, chairman of the RDC in Region 8, and their tourism council officers will meet at the Cebu Provincial Capitol to discuss the One Visayas projects, including the Visayas Arts Festival in February and a summit for climate change.

Both events will be held in Cebu, being the center among the major island groupings in the Philippines.

“Let us make the Visayas a shining star in the entire archipelago,” said Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, head of the RDC in the entire Visayas.

Garcia said unity among residents in the Visayas can be achieved if the people themselves are aware of their heritage and appreciate their culture.

“When we are united and instill a sense of pride among our people that could turn to passion, it will make us aim for greater heights and development,” Garcia said.

Perez, meanwhile, said culture and the arts could very well serve as a good basis for One Visayas.

“All the big guns of Visayas are here. We follow One Cebu, and now we are proud to be One Visayas,” Perez said.

Lyn Gamboa, head of the Region 6 Task Force for Culture and the Arts, said they would be very happy to help organize the First One Visayas Arts Festival in Cebu.

“Cebu is the center of the Visayas, it has many assets, one of which is its Cebu International Convention Center (CICC). Where else could you find a global, world-class center outside of Manila?” said Gamboa.

Sarmiento, for his part, said cultural tourism is an asset of the Visayas that should be enhanced. He used to head the arts and culture office of his town.

“I think Visayas should strengthen this, because we are fed up with always having to go to Manila. It’s very expensive, and people from Luzon have the tendency to be bias for Manila,” he said.

Sarmiento added that projects of One Visayas are expected to attract tourists.

As regards to the summit to address climate change, the officials are one in saying that the wrath of Typhoon Frank “woke them up.”

“We were not conscious of climate change until the typhoon struck and devastated us,” Perez said. — Garry B. Lao/JMO

habagatcentral1

August 27th, 2008, 01:15 PM

^^ The revival of the Federal Republic of the Visayas I guess. Hehe!! :D

bacolodchamp

August 27th, 2008, 01:18 PM

^^was there a proposal before migo?

habagatcentral1

August 27th, 2008, 01:23 PM

Sleepwalker

August 27th, 2008, 01:34 PM

habagatcentral1

August 27th, 2008, 02:15 PM

^^

Sorry for the OT.

I'm not quite knowledgeable about Visayan politics of early 20th Century though. Manila has always been the capital of the Spanish Colony of the Philippines since Legaspi transferred their bases from Cebu.

In the span of June 1898 to December 1898:
Spaniards were at Manila until August 1898 (mock battle against the Yankees) and transferred their administrative powers to Iloilo. The constitution was made in Manila. I don't have the exact answers about this issue. Sorry.

Taas kaayo if I have to explain it pud.

Sleepwalker

August 27th, 2008, 02:38 PM

Oppsss, i am very sorry for this OT and for throwing so many questions to you Sir Berns...Na-carried away lang sa One Visayas...Hehehehe

Thanks a lot for your answer... :)

habagatcentral1

August 27th, 2008, 02:40 PM

^^ Ngek! Don't call me Sir Berns. Morag tiguwang na ko inana, unya dili pa man ko respectable sa field nako...daghan pa kaayo kan-on akong kaunon. Hehe!! :D

Sleepwalker

August 27th, 2008, 02:44 PM

Una-una lang ning akoa, kay inig-sikat nimo unya, aws, dali ra kaayo magpa-autograph kung naa na kay i-publish nga libro.

Bitaw, back to BPO business na pud ta.

habagatcentral1

August 27th, 2008, 03:38 PM

^^ Hehe!! Bitaw. :D

Anyway, some would say that BPO is the new "sugar industry" of the Philippines.

SUV111

August 27th, 2008, 04:24 PM

^^ Hehe!! Bitaw. :D

Anyway, some would say that BPO is the new "sugar industry" of the Philippines.

oh yeah....they actually sound sweet :)

habagatcentral1

August 27th, 2008, 05:06 PM

^^ There's an economic historical basis, hehe!! :D

SUV111

August 27th, 2008, 05:16 PM

^^ There's an economic historical basis, hehe!! :D

care to share it :)

overdtop

August 28th, 2008, 02:07 AM

yeah right!

bacolodchamp

August 28th, 2008, 03:02 AM

^^ Its not just a proposal, it was even drafted and made public for a short period of time. That was 1898 in Iloilo, encompassing all of Visayas as a Federal State. Although due to the fast series of events and the upcoming Fil-Am War, it never took of prosperously. Eventually, the leaders then also recognized the Malolos Republic.

i think there was a vacuum in the leadership during this time because of the outbreak of the 1898 revolt and this is the reason why revolutionary leaders in the provinces especailly in the visayas were able to declare their own separate states. the whole negros island for example became the cantonal republic of negros, albeit short-lived, by virtue of its liberation from the spanish forces led by its illustrious leaders, gen. juan araneta and gen. aniceto lacson. but these stories of wit and gallantry by our local leaders never had appeared in our history books. again, history is too concentrated in MM and luzon provinces and its happening uintil today.

this is OT already. this is suposed to be for BPO/IT issues. hehehe

habagatcentral1

August 28th, 2008, 03:12 AM

care to share it :)

Hehe!! Just observe this:
Philippines' top export during the American Colonial Era was sugar.
Philippines' next top advantage today is BPO.

Bound by the American economy IMO. :D

i think there was vacuum in the leadership during this time because of the outbreak of the 1898 revolt and this is the reason why revolutionary leaders in the provinces were able to declare their own separate states. the whole negros island for example became the cantonal republic of negros, albeit short-lived, by virtue of its liberation from the spanish forces led by its illustrious leaders, gen. araneta and gen. lacson.

Iloilo's Federal Republic of the Visayas didn't prosper. It was just in November 8, 1898 that Santa Barbara proclaimed independence...December 24/25 the surrender of the Spaniards in Iloilo City. A few days later the Americans came and waited for 40 days before bombarding the city into rubble. While the Ilonggos were devastated, the hacienderos of Negros fearing that property loss would be inevitable, raised the flag of the United States which disgusted the revolucionarios/hacienderos in Iloilo and the peasant farmers of Negros lead by Papa Isio. The Cantonal Republic did served the Negrense for a longer period but was unrecognized by the American colonists, being part of the $20,000,000 prize of the Spaniards to the Americans in the Treaty of Paris.

In other words, much of the Visayan Islands were under chaos during those times.

Anyway, back to the topic na ta guys. This is way too OT na para sa thread na ni. Back to BPOs. :D

dinabaw

August 28th, 2008, 03:49 AM

Thursday, August 28, 2008
BPO human resource, recruitment forum set
By Joy Romares-Sevilla

TWENTY-seven schools and training institutions and 18 ICT companies in Davao City have already signified to join the BPO Human Resource and Recruitment Forum on Friday at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Nanette del Monte, liaison officer of the BPO Association of Davao Inc., said this during Wednesday's edition of the Club 888 press forum at the Marco Polo Davao.

Get updates and join Dabawenyos Kadayawan 2008 celebration

The forum is an off-shot of the successful BPO Property Forum held on February 28, 2008, which was also organized by the ICT Davao Inc.

The forum aims to solidify Davao as the premier source of quality BPO human resource and set the future for the sustainable development of the labor industry.

Del Monte said the BPO Association of Davao Inc., which was just recently formed, is now formulating ideas on how to increase the hiring ability of the industry.

"The hiring rate in Davao City is 10 percent, pretty better than Manila's five percent. The group is working on that to further increase the hiring ability. How do we do it, that matter is still being discussed," del Monte said.

If she is to rate the competitiveness of graduates in Southern Mindanao in a scale of 10, del Monte claimed graduates' skills competitiveness could be placed to eight.

"If we conduct jobs fair here, at least 40 percent of the participating companies are from Metro Manila. This only means that they also prefer to employ people from Davao," she said.

Davao City was tagged as one of the five next BPO destinations in the country today.

"The city was identified as one of the top five next BPO destinations in the country. It was consistently placed to be the number one and number two in three different surveys conducted recently," del Monte said.

She added that BPO locators outside Mindanao are already realizing the potential of Davao City. The standpoint of several locators now is that, they will be where the skills and workers are located, said Del Monte.

According to her, the BPO Human Resource and Recruitment Forum is another opportunity for the academe and the industry to identify the needs of the industry that are to be developed.

"One of the highlights of the forum is, teachers and professors of the schools are allowed to listen during the interview of their students. With this, they will know on where they can further improve and what are needed for the development of their students," del Monte concluded

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2008/08/28/bus/bpo.human.resource.recruitment.forum.set.html

Ic3

August 28th, 2008, 05:09 AM

the schedule of activities for the BPO HR Recruitment Forum is posted here:

http://bpohr.dabawegnu.org

dinabaw

August 28th, 2008, 11:04 AM

News Article
Databank for local ICT human resources mulled
By Rizalene P. Acac

LOCAL INFORMATION, communications and technology players will create a databank on the current pool of the human resources in order to determine the city’s capacity in providing manpower to incoming locators.
Bert P. Barriga, Jr., vice president internal affairs of ICT Davao, said the study is estimated to cost them
P2.5-3 million which will be sourced from potential donors and maybe the city government. The study will map out the present number of potential call center agents, medical transcriptionists, auto-cad operators, animators, software developers and other skills related to the sector in the city.
He said this is essential for the city which is becoming the next target of business process outsourcing locators who are expanding operations either from Manila or Cebu. He said locators are particular about meeting several requirements, including manpower and infrastructure.
Barriga cited a Dutch company which asked for data on the number of computer programmers in the city as it is considering to put up a center here.
Lizabel Holganza, school administrator of MTC Academy and founding president of Transcription Alliance of Davao Incorporated, said the market research analysis will be divided into three parts in order to meet budgetary requirements.
She said the first part would determine the size and depth human resources as a baseline data.
Holganza said this is the reason they decided to hold the BPO Human Resource and Recruitment Forum on August 29 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel paired with the BPO Jobs Fair at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Building on August 30-31.
She said the forum wants to identify the points of cooperation that should happen between local schools and training institutions so that there will be a “sustainable labor pool and industry.”
Barriga said as a proof that the growth of ICT sector is inevitable, one call center company visited the city last week.
Ad merex, an Australian company, inspected the new Metro Lifestyle building along Jacinto Street as a possible site of a 250-seat cal center.
“They are 80-percent convinced that Davao is the best place for them. In fact, their CEO will be here on September 15-19 to make the decision,” he said.
He said another company from India that has started operation in Manila will also come here on Friday to look at another possible cite.
Holganza said they estimate that there are at least four inquiries per month from new locators.
She said it can be noted that locators as of the moment are limited to the call center companies as it is the easiest to tap due to minimal skill requirements.
She said as soon as the study is done, the city would have a basis to call on other locators to come here.
At present, there are 18 call center companies of which six are among the biggest in the country.

Mindanao Times (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/newreply.php?do=postreply&t=483370)

dinabaw

August 29th, 2008, 03:42 AM

Australian BPO may set up branch in Davao
08/29/2008 | 01:13 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Australia-based business process outsourcing (BPO) operator Admerex is eyeing Davao City as the possible location of its second contact center in the Philippines, an umbrella group for outsourcing services said Thursday.

Eriberto P. Barriga, Jr., vice-president for external affairs of ICT Davao, Inc., said in a statement the Admerex group had inspected the area as it plans to expand within the year.

Ces A. Sembrano of Admerex Philippines confirmed that the company was considering Davao for its second site. It has one contact center in Makati City with 500 agents. The expansion will require 500 more agents.

There are 18 call centers in Davao City operated by companies like Cyber City, Call Box, Sutherland and Western Wats.

"Their interest [in Davao] now is higher [than] two years ago," Mr. Barriga said. He said the increasing willingness of property owners to adjust to requirements of the information and communications technology sector has attracted investor interest.

At present, 12 sites are available for locators, and most property owners are willing to retrofit buildings to accommodate investors’ needs.

The Business Processing Association of the Philippines earlier said the country must develop three-quarters of talent living outside the National Capital Region. The BPO sector, IT and engineering sectors can grow by as much as 40% annually through 2010 if this talent is tapped, the group said.

Davao’s BPO work force is estimated to be twice that of Cebu, seven times that of Clark, Pampanga, and six times that of Baguio, according to a study by research firm XMG, Inc.

ICT Davao plans to prepare for the influx of investors by improving the city’s labor pool. The group is hosting a business process outsourcing job fair on Saturday and Sunday.

Meanwhile, recruitment of qualified agents for contact centers and medical transcription work has remained a major problem in Davao City notwithstanding training provided by the government.

Lizabel G. Holganza, president of the Transcription Alliance of Davao, Inc., said her school had signed a deal with a Cebu City-based company for 200 workers until November.

"The company has already offered signing bonuses to qualified recruits. But I worry that I cannot fill the slots," she said in an interview.

Cyber City Teleservices Phils., Inc., a call center company based here, is also experiencing the same problem. The company is recruiting talent in nearby provinces three months ahead because of the dearth of qualified applicants here.

Nanette O. del Monte, human resources head of Cyber City, noted that while it wanted to add 1,000 agents for its Davao operations, there are not too many qualified personnel.

The company had to cut its expansion to just 200 agents as a result. "To address the problem, we have to be proactive. So we decided to recruit outside the city and in other key areas of Mindanao. You can hardly find workers if you limit your recruitment to the city," Ms. del Monte said.

Ms. Holganza traced the problem to misplaced priorities on the part of trained workers. She said most workers who had been trained by the government were holders of degrees not related to the call center industry.

Some are nurses who are just waiting to be deployed abroad, many of them thinking that it would be better to work while waiting for deployment.

Ms. del Monte also admitted that a few of those who had applied with local call centers had been lured to work in Manila or Cebu where salaries are higher.

But they have failed to realize that the cost of living here is lower and the working environment is significantly better, she pointed out.

ICT Davao’s Mr. Barriga said problems confronting the industry would be discussed at the job fair over the weekend.

"We must address the gaps, especially now that the industry has considered Davao as among their top destinations," he said.

In a related development, a council for the ICT industry has been created in Cagayan, the Trade department said in a statement Thursday.

The Cagayan Development Foundation for Information Technology will bring together stakeholders from the academe, government agencies and nongovernment organizations to create a business environment in Cagayan conducive to ICT investors, it said. — Jessica Anne D. Hermosa and Carmelito Q. Francisco, BusinessWorld

GMA News (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/116798/Australian-BPO-may-set-up-branch-in-Davao)

habagatcentral1

August 29th, 2008, 05:04 AM

Let me ask.

If the Democrats win in the November elections, would their policies against outsourcing or BPO firms affect the Philippine booming BPO market?

RonnieR

August 29th, 2008, 05:15 AM

Let me ask.

If the Democrats win in the November elections, would their policies against outsourcing or BPO firms affect the Philippine booming BPO market?

I think their policy towards outsourcing wouldn't have drastic changes. Economic realities would support the trend. Besides, Obama has affinity towards Asia since he spent his childhood in Jakarta, enrolled in a public school there, came from a humble family....so, opportunies would open not only in Asia but in Africa as well....

crappypants

August 29th, 2008, 05:22 AM

yehey well become the operator of the world. :cheer:

sandman.ink

August 29th, 2008, 06:01 AM

guys, i'd like to confess something. i have something to do with this. hehe jowk.
actually, i'm one of those people who went out of my way to have my HP laptop sent to manila for repair. terrible akong experience sa ilang service center sa davao (which was digital interface at that time) and them at manila very well knew this. i think gikapoy na sila receive ug complaints from davao hehehe

well, if the problem was hardware HP should've provided parts for their local service provider here...kung software, I can't imagine how Digital Interface could not have solved an issue like that hehehe. Anyways, mukhang nung nalaman nila that many our using HP Hardware here, they decided to put up shop. Blessing in disguise.

ritche

August 29th, 2008, 10:40 AM

Hehe!! Just observe this:
Philippines' top export during the American Colonial Era was sugar.
Philippines' next top advantage today is BPO.

Bound by the American economy IMO. :D

Bound by the economy of the English-speaking nations because they found out that they could reduce operating costs by outsourcing. The same principle applies to the medical tourism industry, and even the retirement industry. The bottomline is: Individuals and companies want to reduce cost of living/operating.

One of the strengths of the Visayan region is the absence of religious and other ideological struggles in the recent years.

habagatcentral1

August 29th, 2008, 02:10 PM

Bound by the economy of the English-speaking nations because they found out that they could reduce operating costs by outsourcing. The same principle applies to the medical tourism industry, and even the retirement industry. The bottomline is: Individuals and companies want to reduce cost of living/operating.

And yes, BPO is quite bound to American politics IMO. :D

lemonsito

August 29th, 2008, 02:16 PM

well, if the problem was hardware HP should've provided parts for their local service provider here...kung software, I can't imagine how Digital Interface could not have solved an issue like that hehehe. Anyways, mukhang nung nalaman nila that many our using HP Hardware here, they decided to put up shop. Blessing in disguise.

it was hardware. and i told them sa attitude sa mga service people sa digital interface, mga kaloko man. their service here in manila is way opposite, very accomodating and when they heard na ingon-ana ang service sa davao, naglagot sila hehe. that was last year.

glenntoy15

August 29th, 2008, 04:26 PM

yes!!! go ICT Industry...go silicon gulf!!!

diba yan ang tawag sa davao in ite industry!!

bacolodchamp

August 29th, 2008, 05:27 PM

^^was it really true that obama particularly mentioned the philippines in one of his speeches and cautioned that the bpo industry is going to suffer a major setback once he is elected president? if he really does, then its going to be a major government policy and that's bad...:ohno:

kevinb

August 29th, 2008, 08:29 PM

Let me ask.

If the Democrats win in the November elections, would their policies against outsourcing or BPO firms affect the Philippine booming BPO market?

I hope not. If ever the Democrats would create grave sanctions to BPO companies, then I would say it would drastically affect our O&O (new term for BPO, meaning Outsourcing & Offshoring) sector. :(

habagatcentral1

August 30th, 2008, 02:58 AM

^^ He didn't mentioned Philippines per se but he did mentioned about American companies outsourcing.

bacolodchamp

August 30th, 2008, 04:32 AM

^^to hell with the asses. go elephants, stomp them off.:lol:

dinabaw

August 30th, 2008, 07:57 AM

Saturday, August 30, 2008
Investors unfazed by skirmishes
By Joy Romares-Sevilla

DESPITE the negative perception of some investors in Davao City, not to mention the skirmishes in some parts of Mindanao, the director of the Cyberservices Group of the Commission on ICT (CICT) said there are still a lot of investors who show interest to come to Mindanao, particularly to Davao City to put up or expand BPO related businesses.

Patricia Abejo, Cyberservices Group director of the CICT, said that being included in the top 10 Asian Cities of the Future in terms of human resources in the Finance Direct Investment (FDI) magazine, and also named as one of the world's best investment sites for BPO industry and global offshore ICT hubs in an ICT research, Davao City has a lot more opportunity to offer.

In her presentation, entitled "Davao, The Leader City Gearing the Mindanao Cyberservice," Abejo said Davao has been a key player in the BPO industry and is the only city in Mindanao that earned an award and distinction.

"Negative perception about Mindanao can be felt and was really a concern especially last year, but I understand that this has been changed. The perception might be there, but there have been moves to address that challenge," Abejo said.

Abejo said the BPO industry in the Philippines has an average growth of 53 percent for the last three years. She said CICT hopes that the growth will continue on a steady pace.

"As of the end of 2007, 300,000 jobs were generated in the BPO industry," Abejo said, adding that the industry is targeting to generate 1 million jobs by 2010 and about US$13 billion revenue.

Abejo is one of the speakers during the BPO Human Resource and Recruitment Forum held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel Friday.

The forum was initiated by the ICT of Davao Inc. to address the issues and concerns in the industry and to further develop strong partnership between the BPO companies and the education and training institutions.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2008/08/30/bus/investors.unfazed.by.skirmishes.html

Fly2Bacolod

August 30th, 2008, 08:05 AM

henji

August 30th, 2008, 04:19 PM

Its better if beat or overcome the "Mindanao Perception" so that we can attract More BPO firms. Kudos for the brave companies and settled here in Mindanao and Davao for that matter.

Il Tenore

August 30th, 2008, 04:22 PM

lagi.. perception man ang nakadaot but I salute those businessmen who believe in Davao as a safe city despite the advisories and warnings sa "whole" Mindanao..

henji

August 30th, 2008, 04:35 PM

Lets hope the situation improves for Mindanao-Davao IT... Since these industry translate employment for our pips here.

dinabaw

August 31st, 2008, 05:35 AM

24 August 2008 [Sunday]
Davao Jobs

Philippine Global Outsourcing

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/4559/logopgoml5.png (http://imageshack.us)

8/F Unit 80 Landco Building
J.P. Laurel Avenue
Davao City
Tel. (920)473-2026

Link Builders
Positions open: 2
Job Description:
Be part of the elite in the graphic design industry. Join our team and be part of our fast expansion. Philippine Global Outsourcing (formerly ids-media) has been established since 1995 and we need more talented people for our team.
Send résumé to
Christopher John Cubos
President
Philippine Global Outsourcing
Email: chriscubos [at] yahoo.com
Web: http://www.philippineglobaloutsourcing.com
Portfolio: http://www.flickr.com/philippineoutsourcing
Position Level: Junior
Starting Salary: Php 270-500 per day
Requirements:
Education: College Level

* Must be an avid surfer
* Active in forums
* Has an existing blog
* Google search wizard
* Willing to be Trained
* Self-Motivated and Inspired
* Fast Thinker, Fast Learner
* Understands Color, Layout, & Shapes
* Layout Experience is a Must

Successful candidates will enjoy above industry salary and benefits.
Salary commensurate to experience, quality of work and speed.
Deadline for Application: 8 September 2008

Davao Tech Jobs (http://www.davaotechjobs.com/2008/08/link-builders/#more-90)

icarusrising

September 1st, 2008, 08:56 AM

BPO sector on track to meet growth target (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=49&type=2&sec=27&aid=200808314)

By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
Monday, September 1, 2008

The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry is on track to meet its year end growth target as it employed 345,000 workers during the first half of the year.

“The industry employed 345,000 workers for the first six months of the year and we are hoping that we will meet our yearend target of 420,000,” Business Process Outsourcing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) president Oscar Sanez said in an interview.

The offshoring and outsourcing (O&O) industry earned $5.8 billion for the first half of this year. “We are on track to meet our full year revenue target of $6.8 billion,” Sanez said.

According to Sanez, O&O revenue for the first six months of the year is up 1.8 percent when compared to the same period the previous year.

Sanez said the slowdown in the world economy had no adverse effects on the industry. “The first half results are encouraging. I think we will meet our target stated in the 2010 roadmap.”

Sanez noted that the Philippines ranked third in the O&O industry. India is still number one followed by Canada.

The Philippines is a good location for outsourcing because of the time zone.

However, Sanez said the problem of skilled workers may pose as a threat. “We are really doing our best to address this issue.”

Foreign businessmen have said that the problem of education has had a negative impact on the number of qualified workers available.

In fact, the education problem in the country will have an adverse effect on the investment behavior of businesses, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) executive Henry Schumacher said.

“We (businesses) can’t wait (for the government to implement reforms). The jobs will have gone somewhere else,” Schumacher warned.

He said if the private sector will wait for the government to solve the education problem then it will be too late. The country’s ASEAN neighbors, specifically Vietnam, are actively attracting foreign investors and are giving attractive packages for businesses in order to set up shop in their respective countries.

“Intervention coming from the private sector is needed,” Schumacher said.

Under the private-public partnership in education, Schumacher said the employers would have to intervene in the production of people. For instance, he said businesses must have an input on the curriculum development of various colleges and universities.

barukdok

September 1st, 2008, 02:35 PM

^^ He didn't mentioned Philippines per se but he did mentioned about American companies outsourcing.

outsourcing doesn't look like their main priority. one tv news segment showed that americans can find JOBS in the US, what they have problems finding are CAREERS. i don't think americans consider answering calls as a "career." or gardening. or teaching children. or caring for their elderly or the sick. i mean, if there aren't jobs in the US, how come many of our fellow Filipinos hold two, even three, jobs there?

bacolodchamp

September 1st, 2008, 02:50 PM

^^there's just too much media hype about issues like unemployment, the war on iraq, etc. because its campaign time in the US of A. these are issues close to human interest and that's where politicians are good at; playing with peoples mind and emotions.:)

SUV111

September 1st, 2008, 05:27 PM

outsourcing doesn't look like their main priority. one tv news segment showed that americans can find JOBS in the US, what they have problems finding are CAREERS. i don't think americans consider answering calls as a "career." or gardening. or teaching children. or caring for their elderly or the sick. i mean, if there aren't jobs in the US, how come many of our fellow Filipinos hold two, even three, jobs there?

this one is soooooo true...americans arent determined to work as much as filipinos. A friend of mine told me that Opportunities are there in the states but they are just too lazy to look for one or...to picky to choose a job or a career.

dinabaw

September 3rd, 2008, 03:36 AM

Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Neda, ICT-Davao ink partnership

TO PUSH for the development of the ICT industry in Davao City, the regional office of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) in Southern Mindanao has inked partnership with the ICT Davao Inc. during last week's conduct of the BPO Human Resource and Recruitment Forum at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Neda-Southern Mindanao Regional Director Nicasio Angelo Agustin and ICT Davao Inc. president Lizabel "Wit" Holganza signed a cooperation agreement to formalize their partnership for the city's ICT development during the forum.

Get updates and join Dabawenyos Kadayawan 2008 celebration

Neda and the ICT Davao Inc., the umbrella organization of all ICT enabled associations, committed to explore ways and means to promote trade, technical and industrial cooperation, joint venture agreements, market networking and linkages, and similar agreements between Davao City's ICT industry and global outsourcing and offshore markets.

Both agencies also vowed to undertake advocacy work to expand appreciation and understanding of ICT-enabled business practices and policies.

Aside from these commitments, the two entities vowed to aggressively address issues and concerns facing the ICT industry, particularly those that affect IT-enabled businesses and the academe and other ICT training institutions, and to jointly formulate corresponding policy recommendations.

During the signing of the agreement, Agustin, who also sits in the ICT Davao Inc.'s board of advisers, expressed appreciation to ICT Davao for formalizing the partnership.

Agustin, who is also vice-chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC), said that Neda has always been supportive of the efforts and initiatives of the ICT Davao Inc. and the ICT industry not only in Davao City but the entire region as well.

"The updated Davao Regional Development Plan 2008-2010 continues to adopt the industry clustering strategy which identifies Davao City as the anchor for the ICT industry cluster of the region," Agustin said.

He added that the cooperation agreement also puts in more concrete terms the partnership of both parties and is a manifestation of the continuing strong government-private sector collaboration.

He added that this agreement further acknowledges one of Neda's mandates, which is to provide technical assistance to stakeholders of local and regional development. (JGRS/With PR)

Sun-Star (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2008/09/03/bus/neda.ict.davao.ink.partnership.html)

lemonsito

September 3rd, 2008, 02:08 PM

Its better if beat or overcome the "Mindanao Perception" so that we can attract More BPO firms. Kudos for the brave companies and settled here in Mindanao and Davao for that matter.

I don't think they are being brave. They just did their homework and knew for a fact that Davao is far from what the news says about Mindanao. I don't think a decent investor would just watch TV Patrol to look for places to invest in :D

henji

September 3rd, 2008, 02:44 PM

^^somehow yes they did their tedious research about here in Davao.

henji

September 3rd, 2008, 02:58 PM

PIA Press Release
2008/09/02

Davao's accolades attract offshoring biz
by Prix D Banzon

Davao City (2 September) -- Davao City being named in the Top 10 Asian Cities of the Future survey of Financial Direct Investment magazine of the Financial Times in 2007 has made it an attractive location for investors on offshoring and outsourcing.

Patricia M. Abejo, Commission on Information and Communication director of Cyberservices group said that Davao City also being in the top 5 for Human Resource in Asia and the Pacific has positioned itself for BPO investments.

Abejo spoke on Davao, The Leader City Gearing the Mindanao Cyberservice on Business Process Outsourcing Human Resource and Recruitment Forum on August 29 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City participated in IT stakeholders and the academe.

She said with Davao City in the top 5 for human resources are the cities of Melbourne, Australia and Singapore.

With the aggressiveness of the city on ICT it was able to organize the Davao City IT Council where industry leaders both private and government has set the direction even as it focuses on what and how to go about the industry,according to Abejo.

She said the IT Council did a lot as the city is already an active player within the cyber corridor.

She noted that about 3,000 are already employed in BPO companies operating in Davao City and potential workers are readily available with 15,000 graduates on a yearly for all disciplines in different universities.

Abejo said even with the economic slowdown the Philippines in three years it still got 53 percent of the market share even and hopes it will continue on a steady pace compared to other countries like the US getting only 30 to 40 percent share.

Jamea Garcia, director for Talent Development of Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) urged the academe to come up with responsive curriculum change and improvement in training program.

She said the industry needs qualified and competent workers and the only way to do it is make a responsive educational system.

Based on the 2010 roadmap of the industry she said the target is to capture 10 percent of the global outsourcing market of about $13 billion or an additional 1.5 million of indirect job created by the industry.

She said the one million employees would translate to $6.7 billion annual salaries and benefits of workers of which spending among others would include 10 percent for housing and 20 percent for tax payment, an additional revenue for the government.

The BPO is supply driven and currently only 15 percent of global outsourceable market is being captured.

The value of the whole outsourcing market is $450 billion but what is only being outsourced is $130 billion and a lot of companies are looking at the industry, she said.

In terms of competition in the supply side, India is leading but it is facing a lot of issues while other countries are far behind the Philippines in terms locating their investment.

"The Philippines is ready to capture that market but we need to work together because the supply and quality of talent will determine our growth," she stressed.

She said the need to produce qualified workers and managers is a must do thing to capture the market. (PIA) [top]

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p080902.htm&no=11

boy muscovado

September 4th, 2008, 11:17 AM

The following are the official operating call centers in Bacolod City as of August 2008 as presented by the Mr.Roger Balo, PhD this afternoon during the tourism tour-guiding seminar (which I attended, he hehehe :lol::lol:).

Teleperformance
TeleTech
Focus Pacific
Isolutions
BizTalk
Alliance
Asia Offshore
Convergy's

:banana::banana::banana::banana:

SUV111

September 4th, 2008, 01:30 PM

^^ what about lone star?

bacolodchamp

September 4th, 2008, 02:08 PM

^^maybe their list is not updated as we are...hehehe or is it operating already?

jaywalker

September 4th, 2008, 02:15 PM

^^soon Migs!It's on process.:cheers:

SUV111

September 4th, 2008, 02:36 PM

^^maybe their list is not updated as we are...hehehe or is it operating already?

they are accepting applicants now :)

SUV111

September 4th, 2008, 04:19 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2827935936_43400ce710.jpg?v=0

red_jasper

September 6th, 2008, 02:24 AM

From an article in the Irish Times (http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0906/1220629536307.html): interesting...

Conduit outsources directory inquiry jobs to Philippines

NIGHT calls to one of the State’s main directory inquiry services are being answered from the Philippines after the company that operates the service, Conduit, outsourced the night shift to a call centre in Manila.

The move involves the loss of 10 jobs in Conduit’s Dublin headquarters and has prompted fears among the 120 staff working on the day shift of the 11850 directory inquiry service that their jobs could also be transferred to southeast Asia. The night-shift workers, some of whom have up to 10 years’ service, are being laid off later this month. Staff say that they have been offered a redundancy package of two weeks per year of service plus the statutory minimum.

Conduit switched the answering of directory inquiry calls between 10pm and 7am to Manila last June on a trial basis, and recently decided to make the new arrangement permanent.

KGB, a large US call centre operation that owns Conduit, runs a call centre in the Philippine capital employing 3,000 people. Wages in such call centres are typically about $2-$3 an hour, much less than the rates paid to Irish call centre employees.

At its height, Conduit employed over 1,000 staff in its Dublin call centre, but numbers have since fallen to about 350. Some of the workers at the directory inquiry service are union members, but the company does not recognise or negotiate with unions.

In a statement, the company confirmed the job losses and the transfer of the service to Manila, which will take effect formally from September 22nd. It said: “All employees have been offered alternative shifts and whilst two employees have taken up this offer, the remaining employees have opted for voluntary redundancy.”

Conduit includes Tourism Ireland, Vodafone and Ulster Bank among its clients, but the recent loss of a contract with Bord Gáis led to redundancies in the company. However, it says it continues to recruit.

The company was founded 12 years ago to take advantage of the deregulation of European directory inquiries markets. It gained a foothold in the Irish market when it opened and later, entered the market in Switzerland, Spain and Austria. In 2006, it was sold to a Bahreini investment firm and a US call centre operator, InfoNXX, for €90 million. InfoNXX, later renamed as KGB, later assumed full control of the business.

Competition has increased recently between 11850, Eircom’s 11811 service and a newer rival Call 11890, with some providers offering free information for calls made from landlines.

icarusrising

September 9th, 2008, 08:58 AM

Convergys to hire 600 more agents at new Manila City office (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/118988/Convergys-to-hire-600-more-agents-at-new-Manila-City-office#)

Article posted September 09, 2008 - 02:20 AM
MANILA, Philippines - The local unit of multinational outsourcing firm Convergys Corp. will hire 600 more agents as its starts operating its 14th site in the country — its first in the city of Manila — in the first quarter of next year.

The new office in the Sampaloc district will increase Convergys Philippines’ seats by a tenth to 6,000, Jomari Mercado, business development director of Convergys Philippines, said in an interview.

"Most of our [employees] live in dorms near the university belt. Manila is a good location," he said.

Mr. Mercado said Convergys had done a study on the viability of the area, and they are confident of successfully running the business from the capital.

"The good thing is the city government is doing something about [the lack of infrastructure], and Ayala is assuring us that we will have a good location," he added.

While the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry is being encouraged to expand to so-called next-wave cities in the provinces, Convergys has chosen to set up its office in Manila, which has yet to attract outsourcing companies that prefer either Makati or Pasig.

Convergys will become the first tenant of Ayala Corp.’s P5-billion mixed-use development project Celadon Manila in Sampaloc, where it will be occupying two of the nine floors of Vertex One.

The outsourcing firm will rent 4,300 square meters of the 18,804 square meters of the building’s leasable area.

Ayala earlier said the BPO project would have two towers, each at least 14 storeys high, and is expected to be turned over in the last quarter. Operations are expected to start in the first quarter of next year.

Danilo Sebastian L. Reyes, president of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines, said Manila is a strategic location for the industry because it is home to a number of universities.

"The city has access to human resources and it is just practical for some of the BPOs to [expand there]," he said in a separate interview. Another factor that will make Manila attractive to the industry is the availability of space, Mr. Reyes said.

BPO companies like Sitel Corp. and eTelecare Global Solutions, Inc. have not considered Manila as a potential site, however.

"The company has no plan to expand in the capital city as of the moment, but we are on the lookout for new expansions. Sitel is geared more to the next-wave cities," said Mr. Reyes, who is also the president of Sitel.

The government is grooming a number of cities as investment destinations for BPO companies. These so-called next-wave cities include Tuguegarao, Baguio, Dagupan, Urdaneta, Cabanatuan, Clark and San Fernando in Pampanga. Also on the list are Subic, Cainta, Bacoor, Sta. Rosa, Lipa, Batangas City, Camarines Sur, Legazpi, Iloilo, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Cebu, Leyte, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and General Santos.

eTelecare Country General Manager Benedict Hernandez said they have yet to decide where they will expand next, but are looking at areas outside Metro Manila.

"Manila is a great location. It has a high population and high density, [but] we already have a good presence in Cebu City and in Clark. We already have a lot of sites in Metro Manila," he said.

"It is only now that property developers are considering building infrastructure for BPO companies in Manila," he added.

The BPO industry expects to hit its target revenue of $7 billion this year, up by 40% from a year earlier. The sector is expected to hire half a million workers by yearend from 300,000 last year. — Kristine Jane R. Liu, BusinessWorld

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All Rights Reserved. 2006 © GMA Network Inc.

Sleepwalker

September 10th, 2008, 06:07 AM

Another good news for Visayas.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008
New BPO firm in Cebu (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/09/10/bus/new.bpo.firm.in.cebu..html)

CEBU City’s business process outsourcing industry continues to grow as another contact center is set to start operations by November.

ICT Philippines, a member of the American firm ICT Group, met with representatives of the Cebu City Government and the academe last Monday to present an overview of the company and what it can offer the city.

John Langford, executive vice president for Philippine operations, said the company will start with 500 seats with an option to expand to 750, depending on the performance of its Cebu team.

“We will begin training the agents by the end of October,” he said.

With this, ICT will hold a job convention on Sept. 20 and invite 20 graduating students from each school to participate in the activity.

Job convention

The job convention, which will be held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, will allow ICT to present what the company offers its employees. A mock interview will also be conducted during the activity.

Langford said the meeting with local school representatives is an initial step for the company to establish its partnership with the Cebu academe.

Representatives from the University of San Carlos, Southwestern University, University of the Philippines Cebu College, Velez College, Asian College of Technology, University of Cebu, University of San Jose-Recoletos and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation joined the meeting hosted by ICT last Monday.

In Manila, the company implements a training program that enhances the English communication skills of students in partner schools. Langford said the same module will be made available to Cebu schools.

Proficiency in English communication is now the number one challenge facing the BPO industry, Langford said.

Five centers

The Nasdaq-listed company began operations in 1987 at its headquarters in Newtown, Pennsylvannia. It opened its first center in Makati, Philippines last April 2003 with 200 seats.

After five years of operation, ICT now has five centers in Luzon. Its operations at the Cebu IT Tower located within the Cebu Business Park will be its first site in the Visayas.

Out of a total workforce of 22,000 worldwide, ICT employs 7,500 in the Philippines.

Langford admitted that it took a while for the company to open a center in Cebu because he thought that the city is already a saturated market.

But two of the company’s clients insisted that ICT set up operations in Cebu.

Langford said the proximity of business and recreational features—like beaches—make Cebu an attractive destination.

As part of its expansion efforts in the country, ICT is now looking at “second tier cities” where it can set up additional operations. Second tier cities include Bacolod (Negros Occidental), Iloilo and Dumaguete (Oriental Negros) in the Visayas. (DME)

SUV111

September 10th, 2008, 01:59 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/2844712083_2ec36a3f9b.jpg?v=0

bacolodchamp

September 10th, 2008, 02:04 PM

bacolodchamp

September 10th, 2008, 02:05 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/2844712083_2ec36a3f9b.jpg?v=0

ka very nice gid ya migs a...:banana::banana::banana:

boynegro$

September 10th, 2008, 02:19 PM

^^ coudn't agree more.

bacolodchamp

September 10th, 2008, 02:28 PM

^^tahum pa gid migs kon night shot. ang sanparq migs daw lapit-lapit na gid nga mangin northgate sa alabang.

SUV111

September 10th, 2008, 04:28 PM

sige ah :) ma nght shot ta sa sunod :) hehehehe then e photoshop pa gid para magnami man :) hahahaha!!! ayawan pa ko na pang clone da sang mga wires :)

SUV111

September 10th, 2008, 04:33 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/2844712083_2ec36a3f9b.jpg?v=0

rau

September 10th, 2008, 06:10 PM

^^ its a good thing they are eyeing visayan cities for expansion.. Go One Visayas! :cheers:

betro

September 11th, 2008, 03:02 AM

BPO/Call Center in Cebu as of July 2008

1.) 724Care (Cebu) Address:
724Care Inc. Cebu City, Philippines

2.) Access Direct Teksolutions Cebu
Access Direct Teksolutions, Inc. (ADTI)
Bayantel Telecommunications Bldg.
Jakosalem Street, Cebu City,
Philipines

3.) ADD Force Cebu
ADD Group of Companies
Door B-Binamira Bldg.,
Gorordo Avanue, Cebu City
Philippines

032.412.6322
032.231.3550

4.) Bigfoot Global Solutions, Inc. Cebu
Bigfoot Global Solutions, Inc.
F. Ramos Street Cebu City 6000
Philippines

5.) Blue Sky Trading Co., Inc. Cebu
Blue Sky Trading Co., Inc.
58-60 Plaridel St
Cebu City Philippines
ZIP Code (6000)
P.O. BOX 217

6.) Brightpoint Philippines, Inc. Cebu
Brightpoint Philippines, Inc.
Service Centre
2nd Floor BF Building, N. Escario St.,
Cebu City, Philippines 6000

7.) Calltek Center Int'l Inc Cebu
Calltek Center Int'l Inc
JY Square IT Center
Cebu City
Philippines

8.) Cebu Global Teleservices Cebu
Cebu Global Teleservices
2/F Mango Square Complex
Gen. Maxilom Avenue
Cebu City
Philippines

Phone: (032) 412 6375
(032) 412 6366
(032) 412 6376

9.) Convergys Corporation Cebu
Convergys Corporation
R. Arcenas Street
Arcenas Estates
Banawa Hills
Cebu City 6000
Philippines

10.) Data Center Design Corporation (DCDC) Cebu
Data Center Design Corporation (DCDC)
1329 corner Guadalupe Heights & V. Rama Avenue
Guadalupe, Cebu City
Philippines

11.) Enabling Solutions, Inc. Cebu
Enabling Solutions, Inc.
Rm. 205 2nd Flr. Oftana Bldg. Capitol
Cebu City 6000 Philippines

12.) eTelecare Global Solutions Cebu
eTelecare Global Solutions
5th & 6th Floor PIPC Engineering Sciences Building
Asiatown IT Park, Brgy. Apas, Lahug
Cebu City 6000
Cebu, Philippines
Tel: 63 (32) 411-9030

13.) ExcelAsia Cebu
ExcelAsia
424 Wee Building
Gorordo Avenue
Lahug, Cebu City
Philippines
Tel.: (032) 231-4917
Fax: (032) 231-4917

14.) Foxgate Solutions (Cebu)
Piazza Elesia Center
Talamban, Cebu City
Philippines 6000
Phone: (6332) 3448244
Fax: (6332) 3458140
15.) Giedo LLC Cebu
Giedo LLC
Cebu, Philippines
16.) Goldtelecomm Specialist, Inc. Cebu
Goldtelecomm Specialist, Inc.
2nd Floor Suite 203-204
The QC Pavilion Gorordo Avenue
Lahug Cebu City
Philippines
17.) ICapital, Inc. Cebu
ICapital Inc
Suite 1201
12th Floor Ayala Life FGU CENTER
Cebu Business Park
Cebu City Philippines 6000
18.) iCatchIT, Inc. Cebu
iCatchIT, Inc.
Suite 5, Park Terrace Bldg.
Nasipit Talamban
Cebu City, 6000 Philippines
Tel Nos:
Phone : (6332) 345-0567
Fax : (6332) 346-9038
19.) iComm International Cebu
iComm International
Unit 906 Keppel Center
Samar Loop Cardinal Rosales Ave.
Cebu Business Park, 6000 Cebu City
Philippines
20.) iNTOUCH Cebu
316-C Gen. Maxilom Ave.,Cebu 6000
Philippines
Phone: +63 322 544 025
Fax: +63 322 540 128
21.) Lexysoft Cebu
Lexysoft Corp.
Lexysoft Technology Center
Humabon Avenue, North Rec. Area
Cebu City, Philippines
Phone: +630322336350
22.) Live Service Cebu
Live Service
The Call Center of the Philippines
Basak, LapuLapu City,
Cebu, Philippines
23.) Live2Sell (Cebu)
5th Flr, Hyundai Bldg
A.S. Fortuna St
Mandaue City 6014
Cebu, Philippines
Phone: +63 32 345 1734
Fax: +63 32 345 1735
24.) MT LINK Asia, Inc. Cebu
MT Link Asia
Northgate Center, Banilad,
Cebu City, Philippines
U.S. Toll Free number 1-888-780-0278
Philippine Number: +6332 4162754
25.) Northern Transcriptionworks, Inc. Cebu
Northern Transcriptionworks, Inc.
Osmena Boulevard cor. J. Llorente St.
Cebu City, Philippines
26.) Oracy Concepts Cebu
Oracy Concepts
Cebu City
Philippines
27.) Pacific Global Outsource Solutions, Inc. Cebu
Pacific Global Outsource Solutions, Inc.
Unit 601 PDI Condominium
Archbishop Reyes Avenue
Banilad, Cebu City
Philippines 6000
28.) PeopleSupport Cebu
PeopleSupport
eOffice 1, AsiaTown IT Park,
Apas, Cebu City, Philippines
29.) Qualfone Cebu
Qualfon Philippines Inc.

6th Floor Skyrise Bldg Asiatown IT Park Lahug, Cebu City 6000
Philippines
30.) Shem Data Cebu
Shem Data Corp.

Beside Cebu Coliseum
Sanciangco St.
Cebu 6000, Philippines

Mobile: +63917 4688107
Fax: +6332 – 2619784
31.) Sykes Asia, Inc. Cebu
Sykes Asia, Inc.
KRC Commerical Building 1
National Highway, Subangdaku
Mandaue City, Cebu
Philippines
32.) Touch Asia Contact Solutions, Inc. Cebu
Touch Asia Contact Solutions, Inc.
Unit A 15th floor, Metrobank Plaza Bldg.,
Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City Philippines
33.) Trends & Technologies Cebu
Trends & Technologies Inc.

3/F Ongtiak Business Center
65 General Maxilom Avenue
6000 Cebu City
Philippines

Tel: +63 32 412.4653, 253.7175
Fax: +63 32 253.4789
34.) Tricom Systems Cagayan De Oro
Tricom Systems

Moreno Building, Gusa Highway,
Cagayan de Oro City
Philippines

Tel: (8822) 733-158, (8822) 733-273
Fax: (88) 855-5388
35.) Tricom Systems Cebu
Tricom Systems

Machay Building, 30 Gorordo Avenue,
Cebu City
Philippines

Phone: (32) 231-5117
(32) 233-7785,
(32) 232-6391

Fax: (32) 231-0681
36.) Virtual Telecare (Cebu)
Telecom Appointments
R Duterte Street - Floor 3
Cebu City, Cebu 6000
Philippines

37.) Voiceville Communications (Cebu)
Voiceville Bldg,
119 T. Padilla St.
Cebu City
Philippines 6000
Phone: +63 32 253 0946
38.) WebFocus Solutions Inc. Cebu
WebFocus Solutions Inc.
M & E Bldg.
46 J. Alcantara St. Unit R-05
Cebu City, Philippines
39.) Western Wats Cebu
Western Wats Phils
Mactan Economic Zone II
Cebu City Philippines
40.) Xsolus Cebu
Xsolus
2/F 90 General Maxilom Avenue
Cebu City 6000
Philippines
Phone: +63-32-253-0337
Fax: +63-32-253-0337
41.) Zzubo Systems, Inc. Cebu
Zzubo Systems, Inc.
10/F CIFC Tower
Juan Luna Ave., cor. Jose L. Briones St.
North Reclamation Area
Cebu City, Philippines 6000
42.) Wipro, Cebu
Cebu Commercial Tower
Cebu Business Park
Cebu City, Philippines 6000

habagatcentral1

September 11th, 2008, 03:29 AM

After months (or years) being in the dark, finally Iloilo City would be facing the challenges and goals to be one of the Philippines' IT hub.

Iloilo bullish on IT investments
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

ILOILO is actively crafting a niche in the booming Information Technology (IT) industry, said Antonio Jon, vice-chair of Iloilo Economic Development Foundation (Iled) during the first IT Investment Forum at Amigo Terrace Hotel here yesterday.

The business conference gathered experts, key players and investors to promote and assess development plans of “building our future in IT” as highlight of the 3rd Iloilo IT Week which runs until September 12.

“Iled organized a very successful investment forum November last year and the IT is one sector we hope Iloilo will figure prominently in terms of attracting investments,” said Jon.

He said this year’s theme “Building Our Future in IT” very well describes the resolve that the academe, government and private sectors want Iloilo to be in this industry.

For three years now, Jon stressed the IT Week has progressed from being just an advocacy event – it has become a serious campaign for investors to take a look at what Iloilo can offer for their investments.

Jon said the IT Investment Forum “is our attempt to put together everything that investors need to know about Iloilo and everyone who can help us get to where we want to be.”

“It also helped that we have been getting very positive reviews on our potential from credible authorities in the industry. We have joined IT conferences, exhibitions and discussions to make known our stake in meeting the demands of the global community,” the top business executive explained.

Citing IT developments, Jon said Iloilo has come a long way since its first call center in 2005 and “we are indeed looking forward to a future with more IT companies operating here.”

“The real challenge for Iloilo now is to harness inherent strengths and translate it to positive action in order to maximize the borderless opportunities of IT industry. I am confident that we have what it takes to make our vision to happen,” Jon pointed out.

“We want the IT celebration to get the message across that Iloilo will work hard to ensure we have the best business climate for investments to grow,” he affirmed.

Iled president Rex Drilon II urged businesses to invest in Iloilo while Iloilo Federation for IT, Inc. (IFIT) chair and UPV chancellor Dr. Glenn Aguilar laid down the “ICT Roadmap of Iloilo” for prospective investors to consider.

IFIT which is composed of the city and provincial governments, academe, business sector, industry players and government agencies, is aggressively pursuing potential IT investments.

IT investors and key players including Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT), Innove, Bayan Communications, Panay Electric Co. (Peco), Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC), Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association (Creba), Megaworld, Diversified Technology Solutions International (DTSI), Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) and Hewlett-Packard also highlighted the IT prospects in Iloilo.

source: The Daily Guardian ILOILO (http://thedailyguardian.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9400&Itemid=2)[/URL]

ILOILO CITY: NEXT CYBER CORRIDOR

ILOILO City – This capital city has what it takes to become the Philippines’ next “cyber corridor,” said Rex Drilon, president of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation Inc., citing vast opportunities in the field of communication and information technology (IT).

“This is a fantastic time to invest in Iloilo,” said Drilon in yesterday's opening of the Information Technology Week.

He said the cities of Cebu, Bacolod, Davao and the National Capital Region are getting overcrowded with information and communication technology (ICT) investments.

There are already 12 call centers and business process outsourcing companies operating here.

In terms of human resources, the province and city of Iloilo is producing over 17,000 college graduates annually in seven universities, six colleges and 14 IT-related training providers, Drilon said.

With the theme “Building Our Future in IT,” the Iloilo Federation for Information Technology (IFIT) spearheads the week-long event in a bid to make Iloilo an IT destination.

The IT industry is one of the fast growing industries in the country. It directly employs 3,000 people in the city and province of Iloilo, bring in some P30 million a month in salaries alone.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Dominic Abad said the industry has caused some P100-million worth of income circulating in Iloilo every month if rentals and other payments are included.

This year, around seven call center companies have visited the office of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, Gov. Niel Tupas, DTI and even learning institutions, signifying their interest to relocate in Iloilo.

“We have already seen the economic impact of the ICT. I do hope that we all appreciate this because it is very important that we have this in mind when we prepare and make Iloilo ready for these companies to come in,” Abad said.

He emphasized the need for readiness of human resources and support services for possible investors.

“Seriously, we should look at this because this is our future and we are building our future in IT. I do hope that we would see our individual roles in making ourselves and our place ready for these companies,” he stressed.

This year’s Information Technology Week kicked off yesterday with a motorcade, opening program and launching of exhibits at the Gaisano City mall.

An Investment Forum was held by the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation yesterday as part of the celebration.

Other slated activities are: jobs fair, IT advocacy seminars and lectures, and IT quiz bee for high school and college students.

IFIT chairman and University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV) chancellor Glen Aguilar said IT Week is part of IFIT’s “aggressive campaign to make Iloilo a major IT hub.”

He said through the conduct of IT Week, IFIT aims to raise the awareness of Ilonggos on the latest trends and development in the IT industry – its products, services and businesses in the global market.

IFIT is a multi-sector organization formed in March 2006 composed of members from the academe and training institutions, industry and business, and the government.

They search for investors in the field of ICT and promote Iloilo as ICT destination. (With a report from the Philippine Information Agency/PN-Iloilo)

source: [URL="http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/headline.htm"] Panay News (http://thedailyguardian.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9400&Itemid=2)

^^ The business sector has been bullish about this because of the approval of the ECC to Global Business Power Corporation just last September 1, the one who will make a new power plant in the city. It guaranteed cheaper and more affordable electricity to Iloilo City by 2010. Finally, the major stumbling block has been resolved, and Iloilo is ready to take the chances.

And not only that of Iloilo but of Visayas as well. With the construction of new power plants, it will help augment the said power crisis that may cripple the Visayan Islands by 2010 if immediate solutions would have not been presented.

lightsaber46

September 11th, 2008, 03:39 AM

India’s tax ruling favors local BPO firms
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business4_sept10_2008
By Eileen A. Mencias

British banking giant Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. said changes in India’s tax regime bodes well for the Philippines’ business process outsourcing industry.

“The tax regime in India is changing which may negatively impact its competitive position,” HSBC Philippines chief executive officer Mark Watkinson told reporters.

India and the Philippines are the main players in the global business process outsourcing industry. India has an advantage over the British and some European markets while the Philippines is the choice location for BPOs servicing the US market.

HSBC has three BPO offices in the country—Muntinlupa, Taguig and Quezon City—that employ some 8,000.

While BPO companies were not likely to transfer their staff from India to the Philippines, Watkinson said the changing environment “positively impacts on competitors such as the Philippines.”

India’s Income Tax Appellate Tribunal this week ruled that call centers there must deduct the tax at source on payments made to foreign companies for support services abroad.

The decision was triggered by cases filed by Frontline Software and Call World Technologies based in Hyderabad.

RonnieR

September 11th, 2008, 09:38 AM

By Erwin Oliva
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 14:07:00 09/11/2008

MANILA, Philippines – Global consulting and IT services firm Headstrong is set to acquire two to three companies in the next three years, as they prepare to expand into the high-growth business process outsourcing (BPO) market, executives here said.

Arjun Malhotra, chief executive officer and chairman of the board, said Headstrong, which has been mainly in the business of “systems development lifecycle,” said the company expects to hit $500 million in revenues in 2011.

About $100 million of these revenues will be earmarked for acquisitions, Malhotra said, as he disclosed that the company has already $50 million ready this year.

Malhotra said Headstrong is in a “growth phase” and shareholders are expecting the company to go into the next stage of buying these companies to take advantage of the BPO opportunities.

The executive said Headstrong is currently in talks with BPO firms that will complement its business. The company aims to have about a 10,000-strong workforce in 2011.

Meanwhile, Nora Terrado, Headstrong Philippines country manager, said the Philippine operation has been the “highest [in terms of] revenues, profits and customer satisfaction,” as it bagged more work from the financial, banking, and insurance sector.

She said that the Philippine operation, which is expecting to hit $15 million in revenues in 2008, will “conservatively” hire about 2,000 professionals in the next 18 months.

“The Philippines is a jewel in our portfolio,” said Malhotra, adding that the Philippine operations will likely hire up to 4,000 employees by 2011.

Headstrong Philippines reported $10 million in revenues in 2007, according to Terrado.

Headstrong Philippines is mainly based in Metro Manila, employing about 650 professionals, mostly software engineers, Terrado.

Headstrong Philippines is currently studying plans to expand outside of Metro Manila, she said.

Malhotra, however, said plans to put up facilities outside of Metro Manila will not happen this year unless they acquire companies with operations located outside of Metro Manila.

The Philippine operation, dubbed Manila Global Delivery Center, is seen to provide 15 percent of the global revenues for Headstrong, the company said in a statement.

Headstrong Philippines aims to expand service offerings in the banking, financial services and insurance sectors.

The BPO industry in the Philippines has grown by 50 percent since 2004.

icarusrising

September 11th, 2008, 09:50 AM

2 IT firms to invest $40 M in Subic (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=49&type=2&sec=27&aid=200809104)
By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
Thursday, September 11, 2008

Two international firms are looking at investing $40 million for two information technology (IT) parks in Subic Bay, a move that is expected to catapult the freeport zone into an Information Communication Technology (ICT) hub.

“We are negotiating with Century Development Corp. and Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) to develop two IT parks,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Armand C. Arreza said in an interview.

“The big investments will come when firms start locating within the IT parks,” he explained.

Taiwan-based Century Development Corp. was the developer of Taipei ‘s own industrial park, the Nanking Software Park while Jafza is a subsidiary of Dubai World.

Arreza said the infrastructure for the IT parks is expected to be completed in two years. The parks will be built in a 19-hectare land. For the construction of the building alone, he said the investment could be as much as $1 million per hectare.

Upon completion, Arreza said the two IT parks will provide 12,000 to 15,000 new jobs in Subic.

In terms of revenue, the new IT parks can bring in as much as $30,000 per call center seat annually.

The administrator said they are currently courting two US-based call centers to set up shop in Subic. He said the two firms are expected to set up between 6,000 to 10,000 seats.

Arreza refused to name which call center firms they are negotiating with but said these call centers are already present in the country.

Arreza said he expects to sign the agreement with Century Development next month while they are still negotiating with Jafza.

Arreza said Jafza is likewise looking at investing in logistics.

The construction of the software park is expected to spur the information technology industry in the country. According to him, the software park will house companies that provide research and development and programming services.

Initially, he said the park will host call centers but eventually, Arreza said business process outsourcing (BPO) companies will also locate in the area.

“We will get the high tech industries from Taiwan to use our IT (information technology) talents,” Arreza said.

“This development is similar to Eastwood in Quezon City ,” Arreza explained. The administrator said the development in Subic will be an integrated development wherein commercial spaces and education and training facilities will be built.

This forms part of the phase two of Subic Bay ‘s Industrial Park.

“The focus has shifted from low cost manufacturing to the production of high technology supplies with high value added,” Arreza said.

The government official said it is too difficult to go head to head with China in the manufacturing sector because the other country has economies of scale. Meanwhile, he said the IT park can take advantage of the numerous qualified graduates the Philippines is producing.

timoga_lover

September 11th, 2008, 09:53 AM

There should be call centers in Iligan City. Iligan has a huge collegiate student population of approximately 25 thousand and a sizable numbers of young professionals who are willing and ready to join the BPO industry.

Iligan has a population of nearly 400,000. On top of that, it’s a haven of scholars from all parts of Mindanao due the existence of an MSU campus. There are also about 6 colleges in the city, namely: St. Michael's College, Iligan Capitol College, Lyceum of Iligan, St. Peter's College, Mindanao Sanitarium College and Iligan Medical Center College, all of whom produce quality graduates. And, of course, Iligan has a La Salle high school. Like we know, it's the school for the economic and intellectual elite.

ritche

September 11th, 2008, 02:36 PM

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/9814/jobsnh3.jpg
StudentUniverse continues to hire agents for its Dumaguete site. Salary starts at 14K.

lightsaber46

September 12th, 2008, 02:41 AM

Indian BPO firm to hire over 3,000 Filipinos
09/12/2008 | 07:53 AM
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/119833/Indian-BPO-firm-to-hire-over-3000-Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines - The local unit of multinational information technology (IT) consultancy and outsourcing firm Headstrong is planning to hire more than 3,000 Filipinos as it expands globally.

Officials of Headstrong Philippines, Inc., which has around 650 employees now, told a briefing Thursday the company would beef up its workforce to about 4,000 people, most of whom work as IT professionals for companies abroad.

"We believe that the Philippine center has significant expansion potential, and [the company plans] to continue investing in [the Philippines’] development," said Arjun Maholtra, chief executive officer of parent Headstrong Inc.

The local expansion is part of the India-based parent company’s plans to more than double its revenues to $500 million by 2011. The company also plans to employ about 10,000 employees worldwide by that time.

The Philippine unit, with its expected 4,000 employees by 2011, is expected to contribute 15% to its parent’s target revenues.

Mr. Maholtra said the company, which has around 2,700 workers in different countries that include India, Japan and the US, has invested around $18 million in the Philippines, mainly on infrastructure and people.

In a statement, Headstrong Philippine Country Manager Nora K. Terrado said the Philippines "can fill the global capability gaps for customers in areas such as quality assurance and testing, as well as more traditional IT and BPO (business process outsourcing) services."

Ms. Terrado said the company plans to hire 60 to 100 more workers by the end of the year.

Headstrong said it would expand its workforce through a combination of more aggressive hiring campaigns and through acquisitions of new companies that can supplement its present services.

But Ms. Terrado cited the need for the government, academe and private sectors to work together to address the skills gap that may arise as a result of the industry’s rapid growth.

She said universities need to line up curricula to fit the industry’s needs.

"You have the people and the capability to become the leader in some parts of the BPO industry," Mr. Maholtra said.

Headstrong said it was planning to expand its service offerings to tap opportunities in banking and financial services and insurance, where its client base has grown in recent years.

Mr. Maholtra said the company may spend up to $50 million for new acquisitions of companies around the world, but the company has not officially earmarked any amount yet. — Paolo Luis G. Montecillo, BusinessWorld

barukdok

September 12th, 2008, 03:05 AM

go bacolod, iloilo, dumaguete and cebu!

SUV111

September 12th, 2008, 05:23 AM

^^ lets include Tacloban....humahataw na rin yan...baka sa susunod bigla na lang dumami BPOs dyan :)

boy muscovado

September 13th, 2008, 05:48 PM

Despite the fact the People Support said that they are not yet expanding this time but their "people" along with SYKES visited Bacolod and stated that our city would be one of their future expansion sites....isn't that great?:banana::banana::banana:

boynegro$

September 13th, 2008, 06:15 PM

^^ nadula tuyo ko ba.:lol::lol: panu ka kablo @boy? I know damu ka source pero la ko kabati pati gali ang former company ko Sykes ga tamud tamud man....:lol::lol:

boy muscovado

September 13th, 2008, 06:18 PM

^^ nadula tuyo ko ba.:lol::lol: panu ka kablo @boy? I know damu ka source pero la ko kabati pati gali ang former company ko Sykes ga tamud tamud man....:lol::lol:

amu na hambal sang mga friends ko working there in makati and Cebu...utoyu utoy sila gani kadlaw kay ngaa daw indi gid sila mapakali nga indi mag expand sa Bacolod despite nga naga plateau sila subng

boynegro$

September 13th, 2008, 06:24 PM

amu na hambal sang mga friends ko working there in makati and Cebu...utoyu utoy sila gani kadlaw kay ngaa daw indi gid sila mapakali nga indi mag expand sa Bacolod despite nga naga plateau sila subng

Ka kahang sa ng Bacolod ah basta BPO ang paga hambalan. ma hipos na lng ko anay @boy a, actually damu man iban na gusto pa gd mag expand dri ahmbal ka TL ko, galing hulaton ko lng ang press release before ko mag saot labamba:lol::lol: Thanks sa news @boy

bacolodchamp

September 14th, 2008, 03:29 AM

^^wow, the big players in the industry...unahan ta lang ka saut migs. hehehe:banana::banana::banana:

Fly2Bacolod

September 14th, 2008, 04:23 AM

Bacolod better than Iloilo
in terms of IT infra: exec

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has acknowledged that Bacolod City is ahead of his city in terms of infrastructure support for Information Technology locators.

“The problem here (in Iloilo) is that there are no existing buildings that are readily available for investors but we have good quality manpower. Our business sector here is not a risk taker, unlike in Bacolod City,” he said Wednesday.

The Iloilo Federation for Information Technology is holding its IT Week September 9 to 12.

Treñas said Iloilo City should be like Bacolod that has converted vacant commercial buildings into special economic zones for IT locators.

Bacolod City, which hosts three major call centers, with almost 4,000 workers, has five special economic zones proclaimed as IT parks and buildings.

In Iloilo City, Amigo Mall was the first to be proclaimed as IT center in 2006, followed by Robinsons Place in 2007.

Treñas urged owners of buildings used by call center companies to apply for accreditation with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

At present, the city and province of Iloilo, that host 12 call centers and other business process outsourcing firms, earns about P100 million in monthly revenues from its local Information Technology industry.

Regional Director Dominic Abad of the Department of Trade and Industry said the figure consists of about P30 million in salaries alone, while the rest from rentals and other payments.

Call centers and BPO companies employ about 3,000 workers in Iloilo.

“Now that we have seen the economic impact of the IT industry, I hope that we all appreciate this because we have to prepare and make Iloilo ready for other companies,” Abad told Iloilo IT stakeholders.

For 2008 alone, at least seven more BPO companies have expressed interest to relocate in Iloilo.

Abad said Iloilo must address the need for both human resources and support services for possible investors.*NLG