IBPAP: Sustained investments needed to realize Roadmap 2028

CEBU, Philippines — As the industry continues to work towards realizing Roadmap 2028’s vision, the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) emphasizes the need for continued investments in various areas.

Based on the recommendations outlined in the Roadmap 2028, IBPAP suggests ongoing investments in real estate, infrastructure, reliable network connectivity, and stable baseload power supply.

The group emphasizes the importance of further developing and establishing real estate not only in Metro Manila but also nationwide, particularly in designated Centers of Excellence, Next Wave Cities, and Digital Cities, where the industry’s expansion is projected.

The Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) aims to achieve a revenue of $59 billion and a total of 2.5 million full-time employees by 2028. Additionally, it targets 54 percent of its growth to be driven by activities in rural areas.

The industry closed 2023 with a headcount of 1.7 million and total revenues of US$35 billion.

Jack Madrid, IBPAP’s president, was quoted in a report stating that they are on track on reaching two million jobs by 2025.

In addition to real estate, industry stakeholders also advocate for increased investments in road and rail connectivity, as well as more air connections, noting that these infrastructures are vital for facilitating seamless operations and logistics.

Given the increasing number of businesses adopting a hybrid working model, the roadmap emphasizes the significance of reliable and affordable network connectivity in residential areas.

A consistent and reliable power supply is also crucial for uninterrupted operations.

According to Madrid, IBPAP highlights that IT-BPM firms have comprehensive business continuity plans (BCP) in place, especially during power outages and other natural or man-made crises.

For instance, if there is a power outage in one area or province, alternate sites are ready to take on the operational load of the affected area. This strategy minimizes the impact on daily operations and ensures continuity of service, which is crucial in the IT-BPM industry.

In Cebu various business groups and even Gov Gwen Garcia are pushing for more self-sufficiency and reliability of power supply to avoid the massive blackouts that happened in Panay Island earlier this year from happening in Cebu. — (FREEMAN)