BPO remains hopeful amid Obama’s reelection

CEBU, Philippines - The Business Process Outsourcing industry in the Philippines is hoping that their sector would remain bullish in the country and maintain its growth even with United States President Barrack Obama’s winning another term in office.

During the reelection campaign of Obama, the BPO industry in the Philippines feared for their existence since Obama said that he would push for legislation to penalize American companies that have outsourced work.

Since 2006, BPO companies have constantly arrived and invested in the Philippines due to lower labor and operational costs and most importantly, the proficiency of workers in the English language.

In Cebu, more BPO companies have extended their intention to invest, adding up to a number of existing BPO companies already operating, thus the growth of the various business areas like Asiatown IT Park Lahug, where a number of BPO companies are located.

The Business Process Outsourcing Association of the Philippines earlier stated though that they welcome the victory of Obama and instead of worrying, will help uplift the US economy by continually boosting the companies’ performance and business.

San Juan representative Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito also said that they are currently working on how to safeguard the BPO sector, especially the workers.

Ejercito, who was in Cebu yesterday, said that he understands the sentiments of the BPO industry, especially in Cebu considering that the BPO sector here is growing rapidly and catching the attention of more investors.

He also said that he understands Obama’s stand on the anti-outsourcing legislation due to the dent in the economy the global financial crisis caused the country.

“They were trying to prioritize the Americans because of the shape of their economy.”

With this, Ejercito said that he had talked to some BPO organizations whom have raised their concerns about the possible legislation of Obama taking effect.

“We will be drafting a study so we can further go over the concern and help protect this industry.”

Further, Ejercito said that the “Save our industries act”, which is pending in the US congress, would provide more jobs for Filipinos and would boost another industry in the country.

The Save Our industries Act or SAVE, if approved, “would have apparel products manufactured in the Philippines using US made fabrics to enter the United States duty free,” as described by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Ejercito said that if approved, in effect would provide 250,000 new jobs for the Filipinos and provide $2billion for the country three years after enactment.

Ejercito, vice chairman of the House Committee on Labor, said that they are asking for support from Filipino-Americans in the US.— FPL (FREEMAN)