Sec. Abad: IT-BPM industry’s success fosters growth in allied industries

IT-BPM industry surpasses expectations

(Manila, Philippines, March 25, 2013) — In an exclusive CEO briefing organized by the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and Outsource2Philippines (O2P), Budget Secretary Florencio Abad acknowledged the significant contributions of the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry.

“The IT-BPM industry’s achievements put a face to our aspirations for the economy to gain the momentum it needs to move forward. In 2012, the industry generated US$13 billion in revenues, a notable 18 percent growth from its previous US$11 billion. The industry’s success continues to foster growth in allied industries as well—from telecommunication to real estate development and even to food and beverage services,” said Abad in his keynote for the briefing entitled, “Taking Care of Business: 2013 IT-BPM Industry Outlook”.

Gillian Virata, IBPAP senior executive director, presented the results of an industry-wide survey among 154 IT-BPM executives. According to the survey, IT-BPM executives consider the tight labor market, peso appreciation, and competition from emerging BPM centers as the biggest risk factors for doing business in the Philippines. Virata reported that the industry outlook remains positive overall and it is likely that the IT-BPM industry will achieve its 2013 revenue target of US$16 billion.

“The IT-BPM continues to surpass economic expectations for both domestic and international observers,” said Jomari Mercado, IBPAP president and CEO. “Year 2012 was a particularly exceptional year as IBPAP, through numerous partnerships with the government, has further heightened the competitiveness of the industry.”

Leaders of the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI), Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Association of the Philippines (HIMOAP); and Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA) presented their sector outlook and prospects for 2013.

Despite growing competitions in emerging markets, the contact center sector and the healthcare BPM sector continue to dominate their respective industries. Last year, HIMOAP posted its highest growth rate yet, with US$430 million in revenues. CCAP reported a growth rate of 21 percent in 2012.

The animation and game development industry hopes to establish greater visibility on what the Philippines can offer the global market in these creative industries. ACPI and GDAP will continue to focus on creating original and world-class animation and game development content. PSIA, meanwhile, is setting its sights on retaining and further developing its talent pool to sustain the sector’s momentum and increase its competitiveness.

“We (government) will help the industry as much as we can,” Abad said. “Through our now prosperous BPM market, our country has finally gained its momentum. We had taken great strides in making the Philippines a globally competitive country and we will continue to do so by supporting our stakeholders.”

About the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP)
The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) is the enabling association for the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) and global in-house center (GIC) industry in the Philippines. IBPAP serves as the one-stop information and advocacy gateway for the industry. With approximately 300 industry and support-industry members, including five associations—the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc., Contact Center Association of the Philippines, Game Developers Association of the Philippines, Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Association of the Philippines, and Philippine Software Industry Association—IBPAP plays a pivotal role in sustaining rapid growth of the IT-BPM and GIC industry by working to ensure an enduring supply of high-quality labor, supporting service innovation, and providing country visibility.

IBPAP 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. Ongoing support is provided through a wide variety of initiatives, including programs for HR development, business development, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities.

About Outsource2Philippines
Outsource2Philippines, Inc. (O2P) is a property of TeamAsia that specializes in providing advisory and research services on the IT-BPM and GIC industry in the Philippines. It works closely with industry associations, government agencies, and client firms to gather industry intelligence, develop best management practices, and implement industry projects. Together with the Everest Group, it played a role in the development of the Philippine IT-BPM and GIC Roa Map 2016.