In this BPO Corner:
DOLE Praises RP BPO Industry

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) acknowledged the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry for making the Philippines one of the most viable outsourcing destinations in the world. The Philippines’ BPO industry is now one of the country’s largest employer sectors.

“Let us showcase to the world that the kind of services we offer does not compete on costs and compromises labor standards, but on a productive workforce with high-value skills and competencies honed through decent employment opportunities,” DOLE Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas said.

During the first half of 2005 alone, DOLE records stated that the BPO industry employed some 132,00 workers, including 69,000 in customer care services, 25,000 in legal transcription, 5,000 in medical transcription, another 5,000 in animation, and 28,000 in software development.

“On these trends, employment in the industry is projected to grow five years ahead to approximately 800,000 by the year 2010,” Sto. Tomas said.

The labor chief said DOLE is implementing policies aimed to ensure optimum, safe, healthy and non-discriminatory working conditions in the vital industry.

House Bills 3792 and 3851, amending Article 131 of the country’s Labor Code, and seeking to broaden the legitimate exemptions from the night work prohibition of women.

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Originally published in the on October 2, 2005, in the Sun Star Davao.