Malaybalay emerges as next key BPO hub

Malaybalay City in Bukidnon is fast shaping up to be the next destination for business process outsourcing (BPO) services outside Metro Manila. At least six call center firms are looking to locate to the city. Two of the call center firms are expected to start operations within the year said Robert Tinsay, vice chairman of the Malaybalay Information and Communications Technology Council. The operations will generate at least 1,000 jobs this year and another 2,000 jobs next year. Tinsay said the city’s efforts to attract ICT investors are now gaining traction and hopes the other four firms will open next year. He added that the city government and local ICT players want to give more focus to BPO because of its potential to create more jobs. The private sector is playing a key role in bringing in investments to Bukidnon, Tinsay added.