Philippines’ IBPAP, DOLE unite to protect IT-BPM workforce
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The IT and Business Process Association Philippines (IBPAP) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting worker welfare and maintaining industry integrity in the country’s information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) sector, following criticisms against business process outsourcing (BPO) companies during the recent Cebu earthquake.
According to a recent IBPAP statement shared to Outsource Accelerator, the dialogue, held on October 10, 2025, in Cebu, sought to clarify issues raised after reports surfaced that some firms had allegedly failed to prioritize employee safety during the quake.
Strengthening worker welfare and restoring confidence
The meeting, attended by Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Regional Director Roy Buenafe, and several IT-BPM companies, was described by IBPAP as a “positive and constructive” dialogue that underscored the unity between government and industry in ensuring worker protection. The discussion addressed the results of recent labor inspections and clarified misinformation surrounding company compliance.
While the inspections revealed “certain areas of improvement,” IBPAP emphasized that these findings were “unrelated to the quake and have already been addressed in compliance with DOLE’s observations.” The organization also welcomed DOLE’s clarification on the earlier release of company names, calling it “essential in restoring confidence and protecting the reputations of responsible employers.”
“Our industry and government are united in safeguarding the welfare of Filipino workers and the integrity of the IT-BPM sector,” IBPAP said in its statement.
A united vision for the future of digital work
The Philippines is home to nearly 1.9 million digital Flipino workers, powering a sector that contributes almost US$40 billion annually to the economy. In light of this, both DOLE and IBPAP stressed that the well-being of the workforce must never be compromised by misinformation or isolated incidents.
“Our workforce deserves nothing less than certainty, fairness, and respect,” the association said, reiterating its call for continued compliance and collaboration.
IBPAP President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jack Madrid further affirmed, “The IT-BPM industry thrives because of the trust of global partners and the dedication of 1.9 million Digital Filipino Workers. IBPAP will always safeguard both; protecting jobs, upholding integrity, and strengthening the Philippines’ position as the global IT-BPM destination.”
Rebuilding trust in a resilient outsourcing sector
This renewed partnership between IBPAP and DOLE comes at a crucial time for the Philippine outsourcing industry, which continues to face public scrutiny amid rapid growth. By taking a transparent and cooperative approach, both sides are reinforcing the message that worker safety and industry reputation are inseparable priorities.
The move not only helps rebuild trust after the Cebu quake incident but also strengthens the Philippines’ standing as a responsible and resilient global IT-BPM hub, where sustainable growth is driven by both human welfare and operational excellence.
