PEZA, DICT and DTI support the Philippine IT-BPM industry through Roadmap 2022

PEZA, DICT and DTI representatives reinstate their support of the Philippine IT-BPM industry as they attended The Contact Center Association of the Philippines’ (CCAP) Town Hall Meeting last November 23.

The representatives formed a panel to answer queries regarding their role in the fulfillment of CCAP’s Road Map 2022 – a product of the joint efforts and contributions of a team of CCAP members, outlining the forecasts and growth opportunities in the industry within the country.

The IT-BPM industry growth forecasts hinge on upgrading the talent ecosystem, maintaining competitive incentives and regulations, developing infrastructure in Next-wave cities, sustaining high business confidence, pivoting to higher value services, and strengthening industry association. “We need to focus intervention on developing talent and expanding outside of Metro Manila,” said Philippine Software Industry Association President Jonathan De Luzuriaga.

Role of the Government

PEZA will continue to support the industry throughtax incentives, according to its Deputy Director General Harriet Abordo. On top of this, PEZA will also coordinate with local government units particularly in their future plans of regional development in alignment with the Roadmap need to expand outside of Metro Manila. “Inclusive growth is the mandate of the [country’s] president and also of the director general,” she said. “Regional development will be a priority in order to enable those in the fringes of our country.” she added.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) promotes the industry to prospective investors through promotion programs, particularly on outbound missions, attendance to international conferences, and exhibitions. “The IT-BPM industry has limited resources for marketing and promotions,” DTI International Investment Promotion Service Director Angelica Cayas said. “So, the department initiates strategies to expand the country’s pitch in the global outsourcing market.”

On the state of Human Capital in the Philippines, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)’s Executive Consultant Monchito Ibrahim said that “more work has to be done in promoting different career paths to graduating high school students. Adjustments have to be made to the Next-Wave Cities to conform with the Road map. We’ve identified cities that are ready.”

Next-Wave Cities are new areas outside the major metropolitan cities that have been deemed suitable sites for the expansion of the BPO industry. Typically, the hallmarks of these locations are an untapped potential in human resources, and a developing infrastructure to accommodate new facilities.

The town hall ended with speeches from various candidates for CCAP’s upcoming Board elections to take place at Revel at The Palace in Bonifacio Global City on December 7.