Thursday 30 October 2014

PIA News Dispatch - Wednesday, October 15, 2014

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)