Outsourcing industry may cut growth goals as global crisis' effects deepen

BPO to continue growing although beset by employee shortage

While Mr. Sañez remains optimistic for the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, he admitted there is a "shortage" of qualified candidates.

“[The BPO industry] still has bright prospects," he told reporters during the event. “The downside risk is if we cannot meet the supply requirements, if ever we cannot promote the country to the US or markets that outsource. There are a lot of competitors already; other markets are promoting outsourcing. We have to be aggressive in marketing the Philippines. We need to improve the quality of our graduates."

The CanCham and BPA/P organized the annual ICT Awards-Philippines to recognize outstanding performance and significant contributions of organizations and individuals in the ICT community. CanCham and BPA/P agreed to jointly organize the ICT awards in the next three years.

"The ICT Awards-Philippines aims to promote and reinforce the success of the Philippine BPO industry at an international platform to position further the country as the world's BPO destination of choice," CanCham President Richard Mills said.

The Multi-sourcing Company of the Year is a new award category that will be introduced this year to give credit to different lines of business spread across the BPO, IT outsourcing, and engineering services outsourcing.

Outstanding BPO companies are cited for the BPO Company of the Year Award based on company size, revenue growth and employees as well as quality and diversity of international clients.

Among those nominated include Accenture, Inc., Callbox Sales and Marketing Solutions, CCTP Cybercity Teleservices Philippines, Convergys Philippines, Siemens IT Solutions and Services, Sitel Philippines Corp., Sutherland Global Services, TeleTech Customer Care Management Philippines and Telus International Companies.

Fastest Growing BPO Company of the Year Award are those with significant growth in revenues and full-time employees.

Nominated to this category were Convergys, NCO Financial Systems Inc., Siemens IT Soultions and Services, Sitel, and Sutherland Global.

Other categories include Best Mid-sized BPO Company of the Year, Best New BPO Locator of the Year, BPO Employer of the Year Award, and ICT Individual Contributor of the Year. - GMANews.TV