Cebu needs to bridge the gap between industry and academe

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu needs to immediately address the gap between the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry and the academe if it wants to maximize its potential to attract high-value outsourcing business specifically Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO).

This is the number one problem revealed by the recently completed study done by global outsourcing and investment advisory firm, Tholons, together with Cebu Investments and Promotions Center (CIPC) in its effort to make a scientifically-based roadmap for the Cebu BPO sector.

Tholons managing director for South East Asia Jonathan Defensor De Luzuriaga said based on the study, Cebu has good supply of analytical ability that is comparable to that of India.

However, the result of the study and the formal implementation of the roadmap will depend on the go signal from the Cebu City local government to appoint or make a group or committee to manage the implementation.

“We are still discussing with CIPC and the Cebu City government. The problem now is who’s going to drive the ship, and who is going to fund the operation,” said Luzuriaga, who was in Cebu Thursday to conduct BPO/IT Industry Briefing, organized by Apple One Properties Inc.

Luzuriaga, who is also now the executive vice president for CIBI Information Inc., said that the result of the study will help Cebu maximize its potential specifically that it has already achieved its goal to become an emerged BPO investment destination in the world.

He said Cebu has a promising outlook to capture the KPO market, provided that it does the right thing especially in terms of promotion.

Globally, competition now in attracting the huge BPO market is no longer per country, but City-centric rivalry. Cebu will be competing with Bangalore, for instance and not India.

Locally, Cebu also has to race with other aggressive cities in the country, as potential for KPO destination is also seen in Mindanao, like Davao, and Cagayan de Oro.

In a separate interview with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, he said that he has to see and read the results of the study first.

The Mayor said the implementation of the study won’t be a problem, as he already instructed CIPC to focus on promoting Cebu in the BPO and tourism aspects.

The study was conducted by Tholons last year, as it saw the need for Cebu to find out its real niche in the BPO industry. Aside from CIPC, the funding of the study got support from other private sector stakeholders.

Providing Cebu with the BPO Roadmap will help the province maximize its potential being the emerged BPO destination in the world.

According to Luzuriaga, Cebu’s potential should be complemented with scientific and study-based results on Cebu’s capability to attract BPO investors.

“The study will act as a funnel to provide real information on the industry’s potential,” Luzuriaga said.

“We need to have tangible numbers behind us. We have to see where Cebu is going. There are mixed of data available, but most are speculations. Cebu has the entire requisite. The question is how?” he earlier said.

Today, Cebu has clearer direction—where to go, what to do, the question is “who is going to implement the roadmap,” while CIPC has its hands full to promote Cebu, not only as BPO destination, but also in other promotional activities, Luzuriaga said. (FREEMAN)