Carelon expands workforce, targets Iloilo as HIMS hub
ILOILO, PHILIPPINES — Carelon Global Solutions Philippines, a business process outsourcing (BPO) firm specializing in contact center and clinical nurse operations, recently announced a significant expansion of its workforce in Iloilo City.
This move will provide numerous job opportunities for Ilonggos, further cementing the company’s role as a major employer in the region.
Carelon’s workforce growth plans
During a media roundtable on Friday, Carelon’s Vice President and Chief Country Executive, Nicki Agcaoili, revealed the company’s ambitious plans.
“We have 40 percent of our population out of Iloilo, barely close to 4,000 employees. By the end of the year, with the expansion that we are looking at, we will be exceeding the 4,000-mile, making us the largest health care provider BPO in Western Visayas,” Agcaoili stated.
Currently, Carelon employs 3,800 Ilonggos across two of its four sites in Iloilo City. The company plans to hire an additional 500 employees in Iloilo, aiming to increase its total workforce to 10,000 by the end of the year from the current 9,000.
High employability and new recruitment hub
Agcaoili highlighted the high employability rate of new hires in Iloilo, which stands at an impressive 85% to 90%. Additionally, Carelon is exploring the possibility of opening a new recruitment hub, which would be their fifth location, though a suitable site is still being sought.
The expansion aligns with Western Visayas’ strategic vision to become the Healthcare Information and Management Services (HIMS) capital of the world by 2028. Industry stakeholders are actively developing a roadmap to achieve this objective.
Judy Murillo, Carelon’s regional head, emphasized the company’s focus on fresh graduates willing to undergo training. “Especially in Iloilo, we don’t have an issue with attrition,” Murillo noted.
Inclusive employment, focus on fresh graduates
Carelon is also committed to inclusive employment practices, providing opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWD). The company currently employs six hearing-impaired individuals, three each in Iloilo and Manila, in back-office roles.
Murillo mentioned expanding the number of PWD employees as part of their future plans. “We are very happy with the performance of the deaf. They have high productivity because they are focused on their work,” she said.
Economic impact and community support
The expansion is expected to have a positive economic impact on Western Visayas. Fulbert Woo, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) – Iloilo City chapter, praised Carelon’s contributions.
“With a dedicated team of 3,800 employees, Carelon not only enhances the livelihoods of Ilonggos but also positively impacts neighboring provinces and cities. PCCI-Iloilo fully supports Carelon’s developments and expansion, recognizing their vital role in the region’s growth,” Woo stated.
Carelon’s expansion in Iloilo underscores its commitment to enhancing healthcare services and providing substantial employment opportunities in the Philippines.
This strategic move not only supports the company’s growth but also contributes significantly to the local economy and the broader goal of establishing Western Visayas as a global leader in healthcare information and management services.
