GMA cites contribution of ICT sector

President Arroyo cited yesterday the enormous contribution of the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, specifically the business process outsourcing (BPO) players, to her administration’s thrust to create at least six to 10 million jobs by 2010.

At the inauguration of the first Sykes Enterprises Inc. Center in Cebu, the President thanked Chuck Sykes, president and chief operating officer of the global company, for the direct jobs as well as the indirect employment opportunities created with the establishment of six Sykes centers in the Philippines.

"May you have more Sykes (centers) here in the Philippines. Thank you for the 10,000 jobs you have given the Filipinos and also for the jobs you have given for the businesses around your BPO centers," Mrs. Arroyo said.

"Even if they don’t have the call center English, they get jobs because of you," she told Sykes, referring to the thousands of indirect employment created around the BPO centers such as those benefiting janitors, waiters, jeepney drivers, among others.

The ICT sector, specifically the call centers and BPOs established in various parts of the country, has greatly contributed to the national economic growth with the service sector topping the list.

Sykes’ senior vice president and managing director for Asia-Pacific Rim Mike Henderson said the Philippines’ booming economy made Sykes decide to "expand our business" in the country.

"We continue to look for ways on creating jobs and contribute to the local economy," Henderson said, adding that with the government’s support, they "look forward to expanding our business even more."

Mrs. Arroyo led the ribbon-cutting and the unveiling of the marker at the main entrance of Sykes-Cebu located on F. Cabahug Street.

She then made a quick tour of the call center operations area and interacted with some of the Cebuano staff of Sykes.

Sykes is a global leader in providing outsourced customer contact management solutions and services in the BPO arena. It has some 17,000 staff members in 16 countries.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, Sykes now has six BPO centers in the Philippines, of which five are in Metro Manila.