IF THE government of Davao City is keen on grabbing its fair share of the very lucrative information and communications technology (ICT) market, then it has to play an aggressive stance.

This was the statement of Lizabel Holganza, president of ICT Davao, during Wednesday's Club 888 business forum at the Marco Polo Davao.

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"Davao has to be more aggressive, or else other cities will be ahead of us. Mauunahan tayo," Holganza said, referring to the new market opening as locators from the Indian subcontinent are eyeing the transfer of their operations to the Philippines.

India's largest ICT company, the Tata Group of India, has confirmed its plans of operating in the Philippines. Reports showed that Mindanao is being eyed by the company as its destination.

"We have a huge pool of labor that they can tap, and the incentives being offered in India is ending soon," Holganza said.

The Tata Group of India, which is hailed as the largest ICT firm in Asia, is reported to open an initial of 300- to 350-seat-capacity business processing outsourcing (BPO) company in the Philippines.

In Davao City, there are already 4 BPO companies that are conducting operations with Indian partners, mostly in the medical transcription sector.

Holganza said the position of Davao City on the ICT map of the Philippines is only fourth, "a far fourth."

"With only four Peza (Philippine Economic Zone Authority)-accredited sites in the city, Iloilo City has more than what we have," Holganza said. "The LGU (local government unit) should help build spaces, information technology parks, and fiscal incentives."

Other ICT areas, like Dubai, are offering personal and corporate tax exemptions of up to 49 years. (CPM)