Rosy outlook for BPOs expected in Central Visayas this year

CEBU, Philippines —  Central Visayas, particularly Cebu, will continue to see a vibrant IT/BPM (Information Technology/Business Process Management) industry this year, opening more opportunities for employment.

In a recent briefing by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-7) to members of the Regional Development Council (RDC-7), the agency reported an encouraging outlook of the region’s outsourcing sector, basing on the good performance it posted last year despite series of lockdowns.

The outlook represented by RDC-DAC secretary Maria Teresa Alambra, confirmed that a lot of outsourcing companies expanded last year because of high demand for outsourcing jobs among companies around the world. This is an indication of a dynamic growth this year.

However, despite sustain demand for outsourcing jobs, office requirement is seen to reduce further, as more companies opted to let some employees work from home.

Earlier, Cebu IT-BPM Organization (CIB.O) president Gregg Gabison said BPO companies in Cebu are opening pop-up sites in Danao City, Liloan, Consolacion, Naga, and even as far a Bogo City.

According to Gabison, the aggressive stance of Cebu-based BPO firms to expand operations in the countryside signals a promising industry outlook amid the lingering COVID-19 threat.

This means that Cebu stands to sustain the average P43.7 billion annual revenue contribution from the ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) industry going forward.

Bogo City for instance, Gabison added is continuously attracting BPO investments following the active more of its Local Government Unit (LGU) to invite investors.

The installation of fiber optic connection in the northern coastal city is a good come on, Gabison added.

Likewise, Naga City’s thrust to make the City an IT Hub, is a timely decision, and Naga residents could expect more BPOs setting up offices and pop-up sites in the next few months.

Other cities in Metro Cebu like Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City could also expect more BPO investments. In fact, some companies have already installed satellite offices in these areas.