Government, private sector must work together to
sustain growth of BPO sector, says President Aquino
The government and the private sector must
continue to work together to sustain the success of the business process
outsourcing (BPO) industry, President Benigno S. Aquino III has said.
The story of the BPO industry in the Philippines
is about hard work, ingenuity, sacrifices, and success, President Aquino said
in a speech delivered during the close of the International Information
Technology -- Business Process Management Summit in Makati City on Tuesday.
The President noted that the industry became a global
leader in just a few years, and as such, it will be emulated around the world.
"However, we must also realize that the
success of this industry has always been rooted in innovation, perseverance,
and an eye for opportunity," he told the summit participants.
“This is why we must continue working together,
public and private sector alike, to find new ways of maximizing the potential
of our people, and to consolidate our leadership position in this industry.”
On the part of the government, the President said
the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) continues to
enhance the capacities of people who want to join the business process
management industry.
The administration, he said, has so far invested
more than P1.3 billion in Training for Work Scholarship Program for the IT-BPM
sector, producing more than 65,000 graduates, 70.7 percent of whom are already
working in the industry.
At the same time, the government allocated P125
million for the roll out of the Service Management Program under the Commission
on Higher Education, being done in partnership with the industry, he added.
The program is a 21-unit course designed to equip
students with the skills needed for entry-level positions in the industry, he
said.
The Chief Executive reported that as of last June,
the government and the industry have trained 545 instructors to teach subjects
for the program, with more training sessions scheduled in the coming months.
He said that this kind of measure will be a
welcome boost in developing the country's Next Wave Cities, and in spurring the
continued growth of the BPO industry, not just in Metro Manila but also in the
provinces.
President Aquino further said that this year,
Manila leapfrogged over Mumbai to take the number two spot in the 2014 Tholons
Top 100 Outsourcing Destinations Report.
Six other Philippine cities also made it to the
list, namely Cebu, Davao, Sta. Rosa, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Baguio, he said.
As of last month, he said, employment in the
industry has reached the one million mark, well on its way to meet the
industry’s target of employing more than 1.3 million Filipinos by 2016.
He also said that during his recent trips to
Europe and the United States, he convinced companies to invest in the country's
BPO industry.
The summit, spearheaded by the Information
Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines, brought
together top resource speakers, domain experts, and prominent executives from
both private and public sectors.
The summit, held from October 13 to 14, explored
current issues and emerging trends in the IT-BPO industry. PND (as)
President Aquino expresses optimism for lasting
Mindanao peace during 'Eid’l Adha' celebration
Peace and progress in Mindanao will soon be
realized once the Bangsamoro Basic Law is passed by Congress and approved by
the people, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday.
In his speech during the celebration of Eid’l Adha
in Malacanang Wednesday night, the President said the essence of Islam is
expressed concretely through humility, selflessness, and sincere regard for
fellowmen.
"It is this kind of faith that guides us, as
we tread the straight path towards a shared future characterized by harmony,
justice, and inclusivity," he said in his message.
"This finds expression in the universal call
to compassion and charity, the imperative to uplift those in the margins, and
the determination to realize peace and progress, not just today, but for
generations to come."
The country has already begun to make great
strides towards this objective, he said, noting that early this year, the
Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed by the government and the
Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The agreement contains the collective vision of a
Mindanao that is free from conflict, injustice, and poverty, to achieve a
Mindanao that is truly the Land of Promises.
"Once passed, the Bangsamoro Basic Law will
represent another concrete step towards the realization of that vision,"
the President said.
The agreement was achieved when both sides
restored trust and mutual respect, with the people discovering their trust in
government, and a government that is determined to do what is right, he added.
At the same time, he said that he is optimistic
that the country will be able to overcome the challenges that lies ahead.
He also expects the nation to take even greater strides
along the straight and righteous path to peace, ushering in a brighter future
for the entire nation. PND (as)
