Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI), the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and public relations firm EON have teamed up in the creation of a website which aims to transform the Philippines into a hub for offshore services.
In a press conference, AFI executive vice president Guillermo M. Luz said the collaborative effort would highlight the fact that the country is more than a simple exporter of people.
“We want to be a service provider. This new website will pave the way for the importation of jobs,” Luz told reporters.
He said OneFilipino.Net is expected to attract a total of 50,000 new members by year end.
Luz said an initial five key areas in the country’s service sector will be promoted in the website. These are creative services and industries such as animation and design; offshoring and outsourcing services, which include IT-enabled and business process outsourcing services; medical and wellness services, including medical tourism; retirement; and education.
These are perceived to be growth sectors where the country holds vast potential and where Filipinos are beginning to create a worldwide reputation for excellence, he said.
“This (website) is a brain gain network,” Luz noted.
He explained that interested parties may log on to the site and ask questions on investing or setting up a business in the country.
The OneFilipino.Net is an Internet-based, private sector-driven and apolitical networking platform that integrates and unifies Filipinos and those interested in the Philippines into one online community.
The project was undertaken in cooperation with various industry associations and experts in key areas identified for the project. The Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPAP) and the Animation Council of the Philippines Inc. (ACPI) have extended its support to this project.
“OneFilipino.Net creates an environment that will enable Filipinos all over the world to share their talents and vast experiences for the development of the Philippines,” said Henry Schumacher, ECCP executive vice-president and project convenor.