Philippines’ BPO sector struggles amid English proficiency drop
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippines’ stronghold in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry is slipping as English proficiency among applicants wanes. This downturn surfaces as artificial intelligence also emerges as a contender for jobs in the sector.
In an interview with Bloomberg, IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) President Jack Madrid said that comprehension is the most common challenge for Filipino BPO applicants.
“I think they fail at a more basic level,” he stated.
This is a striking shift from the past, where Madrid noted Filipinos were previously “better English speakers.”
The IBPAP chief added that only one in ten Filipinos are landing a job in the BPO industry.
Historically, the Philippines has been a powerhouse in the global BPO market, second only to India. Its population’s strong English skills made the country an attractive option for companies worldwide seeking to outsource various business tasks.
Madrid identifies fundamental shortcomings in the nation’s education system as a key contributor to this decline.
“It’s an old problem, but it’s just become much more urgent now,” he concluded.
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