Government Representatives Assure Continued Support of IT-BPM Industry

The country’s Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry is headed to continued growth with full government support.  This made evident during the CEO Forum of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in BG last week.  Industry leaders were on hand to hear newly appointed Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Charito Plaza and Department of Labor and Employment Assistant Secretary Amuerfina Reyes expound on the continued support of the current administration.  Senator Richard Gordon was also on hand to talk about the legislative branches support for the industry.

 Inclusive Growth

CCAP Chairman Benedict Hernandez highlighted the salient aspects of CCAP’s Roadmap 2022. “There are lots of high growth opportunities, one in providing complete global business service offerings – with Finance and Accounting, Human Resources, being the top – and improving on industry-specific services (e.g. banking and health sector services).”  Hernandez pointed out that in order to achieve this, “we need to focus on retooling around our human capital agenda. This includes partnering with government in pursuing inclusive growth in the form of programs for human development, building industry expertise, developing externally in academia, and setting up our country competitiveness and branding.”

“Inclusive growth is one of the primary thrusts of the current government,”Senator Gordon, as part of the panel, said that he believes area development is driven primarily by the private sector and that the government only serves to provide support. “We need to develop zones outside of Metro Manila. I know most of you have offices in the metro, but you know that the quality of life here is not too good. People live far from work, go home, and have no time left for their families. What we need is Inclusive growth, decongest manila, and all your problems with transportation will be solved.”

Director General Plaza talked about the agency’s slogan of ‘Revolutionizing PEZA’ and what it entails. “We want to build new economic zones throughout the country. There will be no more idle lands. We are seeking to dialogue and get advice on matters of great importance to your industry and to our country’s overall economic development.”

 PEZA Promises Same Incentives

Marking her first open meeting with CCAP, Director General Plaza assured the group that they will be providing the same incentives and benefits as they are currently enjoying, and that there are even talks to add to them. “PEZA is receptive to the idea of work-from-home arrangements. We are in talks to have this institutionalized. We will also have tripartite meetings with the different government institutions and PEZA registered enterprises in order to clarify issues or concerns that the industry may have”.

 Expanding Human Capital

On matters of human capital development, Assistant Secretary Reyes encouraged the industry to support ongoing DOLE programs. “We have existing programs that can be a solution to your human capital requirements. Partner with us in our training programs intended for the youth and also for OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) returnees.”

Director General Plaza spoke of future plans for PEZA. “We provide training for the manpower needs of the industries. We are planning to have Memorandums of Agreement with CHED and TESDA so that every university in every economic zone will have courses that will complement the needs of the sectors that will be located in every region.”