Philippines’ Iloilo city boosts skills training for global BPO growth
ILOILO CITY, PHILIPPINES — Iloilo City is intensifying efforts to upskill its workforce, aiming to cement its reputation as a competitive hub for business process outsourcing (BPO) firms.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas recently led discussions with industry stakeholders, highlighting the need to enhance workers’ critical thinking, comprehension, and English proficiency to meet evolving industry demands.
Velma Jane Lao, head of the city’s Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (LEDIP) Office, emphasized the importance of going beyond basic communication skills. “To build a future-ready workforce, we need to go beyond basic skills. The focus should be on improving their capacity to process information critically and effectively,” Lao stated.
To achieve this, the city is collaborating with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and TESDA-accredited training centers. These partnerships with various Philippine government agencies aim to introduce specialized finishing courses and bridge programs tailored to BPO requirements.
Infrastructure upgrades power BPO growth
In addition to workforce development, Iloilo City is tackling infrastructure issues that have long hindered BPO operations, such as rotational brownouts and unreliable internet connectivity. These challenges are particularly pressing as many firms adopt hybrid and work-from-home setups that require stable power and internet access.
Satrian Peñasales, LEDIP focal person for BPOs, shared plans to collect data on power interruptions’ frequency and impact. This data will be presented to utility providers like More Electric and Power Corp. and the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines to advocate for reliable solutions.
Future-proofing BPO operations with AI integration
The city government is also preparing for the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in automating basic tasks within the industry. While AI adoption is expected to transform certain roles, industry leaders assured stakeholders that human creativity remains irreplaceable in higher-value functions.
“The city government is committed to supporting BPOs as they adapt to these shifts, ensuring that Iloilo remains a viable and attractive destination for investors,” Lao added.
Building Iloilo’s competitive edge in global BPO market
With its dual focus on workforce upskilling and infrastructure improvements, Iloilo City is positioning itself as a resilient player in the competitive BPO landscape.
By addressing key challenges and preparing for future trends, Iloilo aims to create an environment where both businesses and workers can thrive.
