Citing the country’s cost effective edge in highly-skilled, English proficient human resources, the President said the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, of which Global could be a part of, is truly a ”sunshine industry.”

The President made the remarks at the launch of GPPCI’s global payment center in Asia located at the Robinsons Cybergate Plaza in Mandaluyong City.

The BPO industry Aquino said has been going “from strength to strength” from its beginnings in 2001 and earning for the country $ 7.3 billion, creating 550,000 jobs. It is expected to hit $ 9.4 billion by the end of 2010.

According to the President, the BPO sector has become a more preferred investment priority area of the Board of Investments in recent years.

He thanked the company’s top officials for considering locating their facility in the Philippines which would not just give employment to more Filipinos but would earn more business for their company and clients.

“By locating in the Philippines, you have shown your trust and confidence in the Filipino talent and your steadfast commitment to support the country’s economic development through its highly skilled, creative and hardworking, English- proficient agents,” the President stressed.

The facility will employ 700 agents, once fully operational by summer 2011 and will run on 24 hour shifts, seven days a week.

The President assured the company that the Philippines can provide world-class service to its clients and markets. “Our country meets all the requirements for foreign businesses setting up their businesses here,” he said.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), he said is collaborating with the private sector, principally BPO companies, to determine their required agent seats and skills proficiencies.

“My administration will prioritize job generation and I am grateful that your company chose to set up a facility that will hire 500 full time agents in the first quarter of 2011,” the President added.

Manila Bulletin