IOS 2012 to highlight why ‘outsourcing is more fun in PH’

Potential investors consider PH as ‘credible’ IT-BPO hub

The Philippines remains competitively positioned in terms of talent, costs, and risks compared with established and emerging offshore destinations, according to the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP).

Benedict Hernandez, BPAP president and CEO, said the information technology and business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) industry is expected to maintain investor confidence because of the country’s large talent pool, public-private partnerships, low operational costs, new investment models, infrastructure, investment climate, and country brand.

“Companies in emerging markets are growing at a much faster rate than their counterparts in developed economies. And just like any other industry, the IT-BPO industry must determine when, where, and how to compete,” said Hernandez. “The world’s most respected IT-BPO firms are doing business in the Philippines today, and we expect more of them as our capabilities in various verticals expand.”

In this year’s International Outsourcing Summit (IOS), a premier gathering of IT-BPO executives, analysts, and domain experts from around the world on October 7 – 9 at the Makati Shangri-La, Manila, a session entitled “Outsourcing is More Fun in the Philippines: Aligning country and industry brand” will identify models and strategies in marketing the country for investors and strengthening foreign ties based on the goals set in the IT-BPO Road Map 2011-2016. A discussion on marketing and branding as a growth element for the industry will take the spotlight in this IOS session.

The session will feature key representatives from the public and private sector to exchange insights on leveraging the country brand for industry marketing. Speakers include Adrian Cristobal Jr., Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy at the Department of Trade and Industry; Tony Harris, chief executive of BBDO Guerrero-Philippines; Eduardo Oban Jr., chairman of Clark Development Corporation; and Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III, Assistant Secretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions at the Department of Tourism. Jomari Mercado, senior director for Business Development at Convergys, will serve as moderator.

In The Global Outsourcing 100’s list of Best Outsourcing Service Providers for 2012, the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals’ (IOAP) ranked Accenture, Infosys, HCL Technologies, CBRE, ISS, NCR, Wipro Technologies, Capgemini, CSC, and TeleTech as top service providers. These 10 premier IT-BPO companies operate facilities in the Philippines.

“The Philippines is a strategic location for competitive industry players from around the world,” said Hernandez. “We are continuously improving our specialty areas such as multi-service delivery in consulting, IT and engineering, finance, healthcare, facility management, and support services, among others.”

“Last year’s revenue of $11 billion and labor force of 640,000 employees contributed largely to the country’s overall rank as the world’s top choice for voice and number two for non-voice, complex services. With this growth, the demand for IT-BPO and global in-house center (GIC) services is expected to more than double by 2016 to approximately US$270 billion,” said Hernandez.

Next Wave Cities^TM, a report that provides demographic and other information on the top 10 emerging IT-BPO hubs in Philippines, also noted the significant demand for professionals in Davao, Laguna, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cavite, Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Malolos, Baguio, and Dumaguete.

In recent statements, BPAP also welcomed the recent signing into law of the Data Privacy Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Act, citing that these laws will further boost investor confidence and strengthen the country’s position in the global IT-BPO market.

For more information on the Summit, visit www.internationaloutsourcingsummit.com.

About BPAP
The Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) is the umbrella association for the IT-BPO and GIC (global in-house center) industry in the Philippines. BPAP serves as the one-stop information and advocacy gateway for the industry. With approximately 300 industry and support-industry members, including five associations, BPAP plays a pivotal role in sustaining rapid growth of the IT-BPO and GIC industry by working to ensure an enduring supply of high- quality labor, supporting service innovation, and providing country visibility.

BPAP assists investors in setting up operations easily and quickly in the Philippines. Relevant research, introductions to key government and industry officials, and a series of briefings at each step of the investment process ensure a seamless development process. On-going support is provided through a wide variety of initiatives, including programs for HR development, business development, and on-going knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.