Business Process Outsourcing: Philippines in the Scene

Gone are the days when only India and China are the top players in business process outsourcing. Philippines is becoming a major player and it has shown its reputation over its few years in the scene. This was a bit surprising because early on, the country was solely an agricultural nation, with much of its economy relying on agriculture and exportation.

However, it is not a country unaware of the latest technology. Largely influenced by other nations’ culture, it adapted the convenient way of living. When cellular phones were introduced elsewhere in the world, everyone in this archipelago wanted one. Recently, the country’s pool of IT-trained people increased as a result of much demand for IT workers abroad.

But the current trend, graduates of information technology and computer-related courses do not have to leave the country to acquire jobs. The most in-demand jobs in the country is related to IT process outsourcing. Philippines have been resilient all these times. Although it cannot compete with economic giants, being a developing country by itself. Nonetheless, it has worked hand in hand with developed nations to foster mutual economic partnership even before outsourcing became popular.

Philippines cannot be viewed as a rival of India or China. These countries have been in the scene before the former. However, the congestion of IT outsourcing services in the latter prompted some investors to look for different locations and one of the viable choices is Philippines. The spreading of BPO companies, as well as the expansion of the existing ones, is a proof that this sector is seeing undeniable growth. This further means that the demand for the Philippine work force is also increasing.

The reason most people in this country are attracted to such jobs because of higher than typical wage. Most BPO companies also offer competitive benefits that are not normally enjoyed by workers in other sectors.

The number of people joining the outsourcing world steadily increases. This is a good indication.

Most Philippines BPO firms serve countries like United States and UK. The latter countries are largely affected by recession and one might clumsily assume that due to the downturn, they would stop seeking offshore services. But recent activities show that the reverse is happening, as more are exploring the possible advantage of process outsourcing. Philippines is where skilled work force is at hand. Of course, the cost of living is much lower than in any other country; hence, wages are generally lower – much lower compared to those in developed nations.