For BPO workers: Osmeña open for firms giving minimal bus fare

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is willing to accommodate private firms that would offer bus rides for the business process outsourcing (BPO) workers for a minimal fee.

“Yes…You know, when you are going to get into business, you can make it easier for them by saying this is how big the market is and where they’re coming from, it’s like helping them instead them doing the guess work,” Osmeña said.

In fact, at least one private firm has already expressed its intent to ply at IT Park in Barangay Apas.

Osmeña said he is open to anything as long as the call center agents can go to their workplace and can go home safely.

Security of the BPO workers has been a concern to him following the incident involving call center agent Loraine Temple, 37, who was shot dead after fighting off robbers in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.

“Our number one priority is the safety, not for anything else.  And because of the incident that happened, we are applying it in Mabolo.  And, little by little, as we grow, we can expand it in other areas.  We just want to make our BPO agents feel safe.” Osmeña said.

In the meantime, the city government will observe the situation of offering free bus ride to BPO workers, then will do some adjustments later on for the improvement of the service.

He said the city is offering it for free, saying they will have to get a franchise from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) if it has a charge.  And getting a franchise would take time.

To recall, at least four buses were deployed since November 12 to ferry call center agents from IT Park in Barangay Apas, where most of BPO firms are situated.

These buses are available from midnight to 6 a.m.

Route 1 covers uptown areas with stops at J.Y. Square, Capitol, Fuente Osmeña, Harrison Park, and Abellana National School.

Route 2, on the other hand, will have designated stops at F. Cabahug Street, Hipodromo, T. Padilla, S. Osmeña Boulevard, corner Osmeña Blvd., and Metro Colon.

Nanette Garong, Call Center Program head, said the 50-seater bus will transport workers from Juan Luna Avenue corner MJ Cuenco Avenue to Cebu IT Park, and vice versa.

It is available from 8:15 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.

Due to the demand, another bus will be available to call center agents from F. Cabahug Street in Barangay Mabolo to IT Park and vice versa, starting this Monday.

This bus will also be available at 8:15 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.

“Ang gihimo nato is we accept suggestions, i-summarize nato. Og asa ang daghan og demand, didto ta magpadala og bus, mo-adjust rata,” Garong said. — GAN (FREEMAN)