Pres. Aquino Lauds Contact Center Industry for Helping Spur Economy

(PNA) — President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday lauded the contribution of the contact center industry to the country’s economy.

In his speech during the International Contact Center Conference at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, President Aquino praised the industry for its multiplier effect that has been felt by many sectors — from transport providers to owners of small businesses, to convenient stores and restaurants – resulting in more jobs.

“This economic growth is not solely restricted to the National Capital Region. You have also branched out to so many different areas in the country, thereby helping us accelerate the development of the countryside,” he said.

He noted that the industry’s revenues grew from $US 20 million in 2000 to US$ 11.7 billion in 2014, and its employees increased at an exponential rate from 2,400 to 686,000 over the same period.

“I am told that by 2016, the contact center sector alone is well on pace towards achieving your target of at least P15 billion in revenues and 900,000 employees,” the President said.

To help the contact center industry, he said, the government is improving such programs as the TESDA’s Training for Work Scholarship Program and has initiated the Service Management Program, a 21-unit specialization track that students can take to gain the skills necessary to enter the IT-BPM industry.

The President reported that the government has allocated P125 million to roll out the program in 17 pilot state universities and colleges in Metro Manila and in Next Wave Cities.

More than 600 teachers have been trained for this program, and 8,000 students have enrolled in eight implementing state universities and colleges, he said, adding that the first batch of graduates will be entering the workforce this March.

“As your industry treads the path towards continued growth and innovation, government will walk alongside you. It goes without saying that it is in our mutual interest to reinforce quality, efficiency, and boundless talent as the defining characteristics of the Philippine brand,” he said.

For his part, Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) president Louie Benedict Hernandez said the contact center industry-government partnership is most essential in bringing capital development in their business.

The CCAP, the umbrella organization of the Philippine contract center industry, is a non-profit organization that promotes awareness of the industry and the active exchange of ideas and new technologies needed for the business.

Also present during the event were Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Joel Villanueva. (PNA) LAP/PND/RSM