PNoy reaffirms support for local IT-BPO industry

After incurring criticism for downgrading the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), Pres. Noynoy Aquino again voiced his support for the IT-BPO industry at a recent trip to an IT park in Dumaguete City. At the LinkSy IT Park, Aquino said he recognizes the efforts of those involved in the project and called on them to continue their hard work — from the administrative staff to the engineers, to the IT-BPO industry workers they will eventually hire. “In return, I assure you that, under my watch, the government will be doing the same," Aquino said. “We will continue working extra hours to foster a business environment in this country that will give companies such as the July Development Corporation more reasons to create jobs here," he said, referring to the company that is currently constructing the IT facility. The LinkSy IT park is being erected in a sprawling 11,164 square meter prime property in Bantayan, Dumaguete City. According to the project owner, the facility will have three phases. Phase one is the construction of a four-story building, which is expected to be completed in the next eight months. The second phase is the construction of a three-story building for commercial and IT purposes. The last phase is the development of a two-story building in 2013. The IT park, located along the national highway, will have elevators and high-powered generators, as well as a fiber optic communications. A drainage system and waste disposal facility will also be installed in the IT complex. Aquino said the soon-to-be-finished IT zone will allow residents in the area to gain employment without needing to go abroad. “This is the future that this IT Park promises the people; and more than that, the new jobs this facility will bring about will have a positive effect on the economy," Aquino said. “The citizens here will have more money to buy this region’s quality goods, to eat in the great restaurants around Dumaguete City, and to send their children to the region’s renowned educational institutions. This park will benefit more than the people behind it; it will benefit the entire region, and ultimately, the entire country," he said. The chief executive noted that the outsourcing industry generated a staggering $8.9 billion in revenue in 2010 alone, and produced full-time employment for more than half a million people. Aquino said that this year’s revenues might hit the $11-billion mark, and that the industry will be able to give 640,000 direct jobs. “I am confident that this IT Park will achieve success on the back of the pool of competent graduates from excellent nearby universities that they can choose to hire. Once completed, this park can surely become a significant contributor to our country’s reputation in the BPO industry," he said. — Newsbytes.ph