Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said BPO employment is expected to reach 1 million by end of 2014. As of December 2013, there are 900,000 employed in the BPO sector.
Domingo isn't too worried about US President Barrack Obama's State of the Union address, where he urged US companies to bring back jobs from abroad.
In his address, Obama once again urged US Congress to pass amendments to the Tax Code that provide incentives to companies that outsource jobs overseas.
"Both Democrats and Republicans have argued that our tax code is riddled with wasteful, complicated loopholes that punish businesses investing here and reward companies that keep profits abroad. Let's flip that equation. Let's work together to close those loopholes, end those incentives to ship jobs overseas, and lower tax rates for businesses that create jobs right here at home," Obama said.
However, Domingo noted that outsourcing is still a cheaper and more attractive alternative for US companies.
The challenge for the Philippines now is to maintain its competitiveness in the BPO industry, by providing the right training for Filipino workers.
Manila and Cebu are among the top 10 outsourcing destinations in the world, according to services globalization and investment advisory firm Tholons. Metro Manila ranked second only to Bangalore, which remained the top outsourcing city.
Also, Domingo emphasized the need to encourage students to study sciences courses such as chemistry and physics, as well as engineering, as more manufacturers require these specializations for product research and development.
He said the DTI is coordinating with Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on this. - With report from Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN News
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
