IBPAP names first female president

MANILA, Philippines —The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) has named Celeste Ilagan as its new president and CEO, the first woman to lead the industry association.

In a statement, IBPAP said that Ilagan would succeed Jack Madrid effective Oct. 11.

Ilagan brings nearly three decades of experience in the information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) industry.

Before joining IBPAP, Ilagan was engaged in investment promotion at the Board of Investments and played a role in attracting many IT-BPM and shared services investments in the country.

She later served two terms on the IBPAP Board of Trustees from 2019 to 2022.

In 2022, she became IBPAP’s first chief policy and regulatory affairs officer.

She currently serves as IBPAP’s chief operating officer.

In her work at IBPAP, Ilagan has actively pushed for the group’s policy and legislative agenda and other initiatives to support the IT-BPM industry, including the CREATE MORE Act, resolution of tax issues and improved ease of doing business.

She has also been working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education and Department of Education to advance talent and workforce development.

Under Ilagan’s leadership, the IBPAP is expected to build on milestones achieved during Madrid’s term by continuing to strengthen the industry’s voice and deepen engagement with government and international stakeholders.