PLDT-SME Nation enables Zamboanga's first call center

MANILA, Philippines - Zamboanga is now making its mark in the global business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, thanks to PLDT-SME Nation.

PLDT-SME Nation will provide the connectivity and telecommunications infrastructure for e.AXS, the first BPO contact center in Zamboanga and Western Mindanao.

e.AXS just opened its doors recently after its inauguration led by PLDT officials, USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao, and Zamboanga executives.

PLDT-SME Nation will be providing the main technological infrastructure to e.AXS through its Fiber Optic Premium E1 connection and i-Gate facilities, enabling the company’s prime connectivity requirements for operations.

“With their premium E1 connection and i-Gate facilities coupled with wireless connection, back-up system and zero downtime guarantee, there is simply no doubt about PLDT’s capability to provide our technological needs,” says Eric Lavina, e.AXS chief information officer.

“We are extremely grateful to PLDT for making this project their priority here in Zamboanga City,” he added.

“PLDT is always dependable in providing and enabling IT solutions to make businesses globally competitive,” says PLDT-SME Nation VisMin business head Nilo Bantilan.

“It’s a good thing e.AXS is leading the potential contact center business here in Zamboanga, and we are sure this shall greatly benefit the Zambangueños,” he said.

e.AXS has already employed 56 staff manning their facility and is aiming to employ over 200 within the year as it moves to achieve full operational capacity.

“This endeavor will create an increase in employment opportunities for the community,” says Lavina. “This will also put Zamboanga on the call center/BPO map and showcase its potential to be a prime e-commerce investment destination.”

e.AXS already has four clients on its portfolio, two in the United States, one in the United Kingdom and another one in Canada for inbound and outbound services.

Its operations are initially starting on a 12-hour a day shift from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. — and will eventually go to 24/7 before the end of the year.

Joey Lorenzo, e.AXS CEO, said Zambangueños have an advantage in the BPO industry since they can speak English and Spanish. They are targeting to offer bilingual and multilingual services and are set to maximize their call center agents to more than 500 by the end of 2009.

For more info on what PLDT-SME Nation offers businesses, call 101-888 or visit www.pldtsme-nation.com.ph.