CEBU’S Covid-19 response and its efforts to sustain the operations of the information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) industry has cemented its stronghold as one of the ideal outsourcing hubs in the country.
Aseem Roy, Cebu IT BPM Organization (Cib.O) liaison officer for international relations and Wipro country head for Philippines and Malaysia, said the province’s initiatives to combat the virus while at the same time balance the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of BPM workers has been commendable.
“The handling of the coronavirus situation strengthened its credentials as a robust information and communications technology location. There was a seamless transition to the new normal from the early days of community quarantine,” he said.
For any multinational or global company, Roy said most of them choose Cebu compared to other IT hub destinations.
“If you’re planning your expansion, the greatest advantage that Wipro experienced in having its headquarters in the Philippines located in Cebu is that Cebu has a diverse talent pool of more than 44,000 graduates each year, second only to Manila,” he said during a virtual Cib.O town hall meeting.
Home to leading educational institutions in the Philippines, Cebu’s ideal location makes it a melting pot of talent from cities in the Visayas and Mindanao, like people looking for quality education or working opportunities, he said.
“I strongly believe a strong collaboration through organizations like Cib.O and between the academe and industry, ensures that this talent pool is easily available to global enterprises looking for expansion in setting up business in Cebu,” Roy added.
Cebu’s IT-BPM industry has about 400 IT-BPM firms employing 170,000 workers in the sector of contact centers, IT and engineering services, health services, banking and insurances and shared services.
“Cebu is a quality outsourcing hub that is a role model for sustainable growth and investments, especially with the support coming from the local government unit and the academe,” he said. (JOB)