CBM committee to launch programs for ICT industry

CEBU, Philippines — The promising post pandemic outlook of the outsourcing sector prompted the Business Process Outsourcing/Management (BPO/M) sector in Cebu to line up programs that will reinforce the province’s charm as premier investment hub.

According to Cebu Innovation Council former president and this year’s Cebu Business Month chairman Michael Cubos, the BPO/BPM CBM committee, which will be headed by Perth Cabataña will launch bolder year-round programs to help existing outsourcing and IT firms here navigate the new normal, as well as show to the world Cebu’s sustained attractiveness as outsourcing hub.

The IT/BPM events this year will focus more on transformation and introducing newer technologies that aid workers to continue their work-from-home arrangements, at the same time reach maximum productivity while working remotely.

While the post pandemic years will be a much exciting season for the IT/BPM sector, there are also hurdles and issues that need to be immediately addresses by both stakeholders and the government.

These will be given utmost attention by creating series of programs, like advocacies, to identify solutions.

According to National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-7), the region particularly Cebu will continue to see a vibrant IT/BPM industry in 2021, opening more opportunities for employment.

In a recent briefing, the agency reported an encouraging outlook of the region’s outsourcing sector, basing on the good performance it posted last year despite series of lockdowns.

NEDA-7 confirmed that a lot of outsourcing companies expanded last year because of high demand for outsourcing jobs among companies around the world. This is an indication of a dynamic growth this year.

However, despite sustain demand for outsourcing jobs, office requirement is seen to reduce further, as more companies opted to let some employees work from home.

Earlier, Cebu IT-BPM Organization (CIB.O) president Gregg Gabison BPO said companies in Cebu are opening pop-up sites in Danao City, Liloan, Consolacion, Naga, and even as far a Bogo City.

According to Gabison the aggressive stance of Cebu-based BPO firms to expand operations in the countryside signals a promising industry outlook amid the lingering COVID-19 threat.

This means, that Cebu stands to sustain the average P43.7 billion annual revenue contribution from the ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) industry going forward.

Bogo City for instance, Gabison added is continuously attracting BPO investments following the efforts of its Local Government Unit (LGU) to invite investors.

The installation of fiber optic connection in the northern coastal city is a good come on, Gabison added.

Likewise, City of Naga’s thrust to make the City an IT Hub, is a timely decision, and Naga residents could expect more BPOs setting up offices and pop-up sites in the next few months.

Other cities in Metro Cebu like Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City could also expect more BPO investments.

Cubos, who also owns a call center firm said, demand for outsourcing jobs continue to rise, as companies around the world prefer to outsource some of their operational works.

He believes that Cebu will benefit tremendously on this trend, but the industry has to identify issues and solutions to take advantage of these opportunities amid a pandemic.