Lapu-Lapu targets to draw in high-value investments

CEBU, Philippines —  While Lapu-Lapu City’s economy is primarily driven by tourism and manufacturing, the local government is closely looking at attracting high-value outsourcing investments.

According to Lapu-Lapu City tourism and investment officer Edward Mendez, the city is now anchoring its future on enticing more Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) investors to offset the slower pace in manufacturing these days.

These type of investments, he said would not only provide added revenue stream for the city, but it will also perk up the employment opportunities for its residents, and Cebuanos in general.

KPO is the sub-sector of the outsourcing industry, which requires highly-skilled talents, advanced analytical and technical skills as well as a high degree of specialist expertise. These types of jobs pay much higher than the usual voice-related, or customer service outsourcing career.

According to Mendez, Lapu-Lapu will leverage on Cebu’s impressive reputation in creativity, and that the city’s position as an urban resort provides an edge to attract locators.

At present, Lapu-Lapu City has become the favorite location site among the online gaming investors or known as the POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators).

But, Mendez said attracting KPO companies would spur employment.

POGO companies are not hiring Filipinos, but they are bringing Chinese nationals to work for them here.

Meanwhile, the Cebu IT BPM.Organization (Cib.O) has been working on attracting higher value services or the KPO in the last couple of years.

“We are strengthening our capability in providing high skilled manpower as we are moving on attracting the non-voice services,” said Cib.O managing director Wilfredo Sa-a Jr.

According to Sa-a while the voice outsourcing services or the call center industry is expected to plateau, Cebu will expect a movement in high-paying job requirements.