IT-BPO companies reach out to communities after flooding incident

The heavy flooding in early August had little, if any, lasting effect on operations in the IT-BPO industry, but the communities where they are located—and where employees live—often weren’t as fortunate. These IT-BPOs worked to ensure the safety of their employees, and extended a helping hand to communities in need.

“Aside from prioritizing the welfare of our employees and our obligations to our clients, IT-BPO companies also responded to the needs of the communities they operate from,” said Benedict Hernandez, president and CEO of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP).

Inspire@HP, the CSR arm of Hewlett-Packard Philippines Corporation, assisted in relief operations led by the company’s crisis management team. Relief packages were deployed to families of employees impacted by the flood. Employee-led relief drives generated over 70 large boxes of clothes, food, medicines, and other supplies that were turned over to the Philippine Red Cross-Makati Chapter. As well, Ryan Guadalquiver, HP Philippines managing director, shared that the HP Company Foundation released a grant of USD$25,000 to the Philippine office of Save the Children.

Sitel Philippines Corporation launched the Mean More Manila Donation Drive to facilitate donations of goods, extending financial assistance and rendering rehabilitation volunteer work among clients, partners, and associates. In the early stages of the campaign, Sitel received a total of US$10,600 from two of their clients.

Cambridge University Press head of Software Development Ronnie Mañalac said employees formed a group that provided food and blankets to affected communities in Valenzuela.

Companies also made donations to organizations involved in relief operations. Shell companies in the Philippines, including Shell Shared Services, sent donations to the Red Cross, GMA Kapuso Foundation and ABS-CBN Foundation. After providing for employees of Aegis PeopleSupport, donations were given to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for proper disbursement, said senior manager for Corporate Relations Avantika Desai.

MediCall also mobilized its talent pool of healthcare professionals to organize medical missions in affected areas of the metropolis. According to president Jeff Williams, MediCall nurses and doctors partnered with USAID in reaching out to more than 300 families in Navotas and Sta. Cruz, Laguna by providing medical assistance to those in need. The medical mission was also something that MediCall did in the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy in 2009.

In 2011, the Philippines’ IT-BPO industry generated more than US$11 billion in revenue and employed almost 640,000 Filipinos. By 2016, it is expected to grow to US$25 billion in annual revenue and employ 1.3 million, according to an industry road map.

About BPAP
The Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) is the umbrella association for the IT-BPO and GIC (Global In-House Center) industry in the Philippines. BPAP serves as the one-stop information and advocacy gateway for the industry. With approximately 300 industry and support-industry members, including five associations, BPAP plays a pivotal role in sustaining rapid growth of the IT-BPO and GIC industry by working to ensure an enduring supply of high quality labor, supporting service innovation, and providing country visibility.

BPAP assists investors in setting up operations easily and quickly in the Philippines. Relevant research, introductions to key government and industry officials, and a series of briefings at each step of the investment process ensure a seamless development process. On-going support is provided through a wide variety of initiatives, including programs for HR development, business development, and on-going knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.