John Clements and Camarines Sur:
Partnering and Training for Excellence
By Mary Rose Solina

Fueled by the passion to erase Camarines Sur from the list of the poorest regions in the Philippines , Governor Villafuerte has already undertaken steps to revamp their town into the IT hub of the Bikol region. Among these measures include governor's brainchild: the EPP. With a total of 225 graduates every 5 weeks, the EPP near hire program of Camarines Sur serves as a launch pad for skilled and determined Bikolanos.

In line with the governor's plans, John Clements Consultants, Inc. was invited to conduct a 100-hour Train the English Trainers (TET) program for Camarines Sur's English proficiency Program (EPP), which lasted from July 17 to 21, 2006. This is the third TET project and the fourth program (including the Assessor's Training) that John Clements has handled for the provincial government. A total of 17 participants trained under John Clements trainer Agnes V. Celdran.

According to Suzette Satuito–Ubalde, EPP Unit Head and English Head Trainer, the top 10 students of the class will immediately be hired as full-time trainers in preparation for 15 upcoming “100-hour Finishing Course for Call Center Agents” classes of the EPP Department. The remaining participants will serve as backup.

A year ago, then-English Consultant Rocky Peltzmann handled the first TET program for the Provincial Government to equip them in teaching a 40-hour English Program. After a successful trainee turnout, Camarines Sur applied for an accreditation to carry out the 100-hour Finishing Course for Call Center Agents and was granted, and thus sought John Clements's aid to beef up their program.

So what or who initiated the EPP programs?

“Our governor has the foresight and the drive to make things happen,” said Ms. Satuito-Ubalde. “The rationale behind the free programs is the governor's desire for everyone to have a shot at a better life. Just imagine how happy he was when three of our trainees were sent by GENPACT to India for advanced training. This is indicative of the positive impact this programs have on individuals,” she continued.

And why partner with John Clements for this?

“We chose John Clements as they have the best technical know how with regards to English training, and as pioneers in the BPO-Contact Center training field, why should we get someone else?” concluded Ms. Satuito-Ubalde.