Top Non-Voice Outsourcing Companies Merged for BPO Summit

Six major outsourcing trade groups from the back office processing, software development, transcription, digital animation, and game development sector merged for the BPO Summit Philippines 2008 held last December 2 to 3, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila in Ortigas Center, Quezon City.

Organized by the DL Media Focus International Inc, the trade groups who composed the Summit were Animation Council of the Philippines Inc. (ACPI), Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPA/P), Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), Game Development Association of the Philippines (GDAP), Medical Transcription Industry Association of the Philippines Inc. (MTIAPI), and Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA).

During the summit, break-out sessions on Back Office, Transcription, Digital Animation, and Game Development discussed sector-specific business and technology issues for industry players and offered mastery classes for practitioners and students. The expo served as a venue for industry players to discover the latest technologies and solutions for their sector. The job fair, gave job seekers, especially fresh graduates, the chance to be part of the BPO industry.

Highlights of the summit include the GDAP Rock Concert and Cosplay Competition, Transcription Skills Challenge, and film screening of the winners of the recently concluded 2^nd Animahenasyon Festival.

The BPO Summit Philippines 2008 was co-presented by Avaya, Diversified Technology Solutions International, Inc., (DTSI), Eastern Communications, Globe Telecom Inc., Hewlett-Packard Philippines, JP Morgan Chase & Co., and PLDT Business Solutions.

Sponsors include Bayan Business, Lexmark, Logica, Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, Medicard Philippines Inc., Teletech, Unison Computer Systems Inc., Jebsen & Jessen Communications, Jones Lang LaSalle Leechui, and Netopia Internet Café. Official SMS Solution Partner is InfoTxt. Media sponsors are ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), Business World, Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star, Jam 88.3, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, 103.5 MaxFM, and Wave 89.1.

HR Heads Gathered for National Convention

HR Philippines hosted the 2nd Human Resources (HR) National Convention held at the Brokenshire College Resort and Convention Center in Madapo Hills, Davao City last November 20 to 21, 2008

With the theme “Developing a Culture of Responsive Human Resources for a World Class Philippines”, the Convention aims to enhance its participants' knowledge on emerging trends and prioritize issues of immediate concern on Human Resources.

Mr. Doodz Policarpio, President of Prudential Life and Dale Carnegie Institute gave the Keynote Address about Employee Engagement.

During the event, guest speakers tackled new developments on HR strategies, quality management system framework, presentation skills, career exploration and planning, and social entrepreneurship. Notable guest speakers include Mr. Rey Misoles, CEO and Managing Director of Maximum Performance (MaP) Consulting Group; Mr. Richard Ursua of the Development Academy of the Philippines; and Mr. Harvey Keh, Director of the Youth Leadership & Social Entrepreneur in Ateneo De Manila University – School of Government.

The 2nd HR National Convention is in cooperation with Productivity Improvement Circle Association of Southern Mindanao (PICASOM) (PICASOM), an association of Quality and Productivity Practitioners in Southern Mindanao.

RP, Others Sailed Away for Manning and Training Conference

Manning and training experts from the Philippines and abroad met at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila from November 4 to 5 for the 9^th Asia-Pacific Manning and Training Conference.

Carrying the theme, “Applying New Strategies to Address the Crewing Crisis”, the conference focused on the current crisis experienced by the whole industry, specifically, the significant decrease of seafarers that has been affecting operations of several ships throughout the world.

During the event, manning and training experts discussed solutions and presented actions of manning agencies in the country to assure continuous supply of Filipino seafarers worldwide. International and local maritime experts talked about the analysis of current manpower supply and demand, appraisal of industry and training institute initiatives in retaining crews and enhancing standards, as well as a review of international regulations. Special focus were given on enhanced onboard and onshore training schemes and assessing pioneering technologies used to empower seafarers.

A pre-conference workshop on International Maritime Resource Management was held on November 3 at the same venue.

The 9th Asia-Pacific Manning and Training Conference was organized by Lloyd’s List Events and made possible with the support of Pandiman Philippines Inc., International Maritime Employers’ Committee, International Ship Managers' Association, Nautilus UK, International Shipping Federation, International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations, Global Maritime Education and Training Association, The Nautical Institute, Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment, Inc., and Joint Manning Group.

Official Publications are Lloyd’s List, Lloyd's Ship Manager, and Maritime Asia. Supporting publications are PortCalls, Global Process Managers Inc., Harborscope, The Marine Café, Transport Weekly, Seaway Shipping Digest, Tinig ng Marino at DWIZ, Sailor Today, Ahoy! Magazine, Maritime Review, Marino World, ShipTalkjobs, Buhay Marino Dyaryo, and The Maritime Observer.

Sponsors and exhibitors include Walport International, Transas, Seagull, International Marine Travel Group, Det Norske Veritas, Videotel, Kongsberg, Lloyd's Maritime Academy, Instone International, Ship Equip, IDESS Interactive Technologies (IDESS I.T.), Inc., Griffin Marine Travel, WhatIf, Concateno, Maritime and Corporate Administrator of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Wartsila, Smart Link, and Professional Gear Inc.,

Mechanical Engineers Celebrated 56-year History at SMX

In celebration of its 56^th year as the sole accredited organization for mechanical engineers in the country, the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) staged its Annual National Convention, together with its 5^th International Expo on Mechanical Engineering last November 4-7, 2008 at the Hall 1, SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

Carrying the theme: "Responding to Global Mechanical Safety, efficiency and Environmental Protection", this year’s convention aims to educate and promote the safety of mechanical engineers in their working environment. Furthermore, it seeks to aid the rest of the world in finding solutions and using new technology that would help save the environment.

PSME has arranged several activities during the event for all members and non-members of the organization which include seminars, workshops, product presentations, sports tournament, and technical paper presentation.

The event is in conjunction with the 33rd Annual National Convention and Expo of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines.

Established back in 1952, and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1955, the PSME aspires to become a group that would unify all mechanical engineers in the country in pursuance of professional growth, maintenance of integrity and fortification of the engineering profession. PSME was accredited by the Professional Regulations Commission on July 8, 1975 as the national professional organization for Mechanical Engineers. Currently, it now has 86 chapters nationwide and from the Middle East.

The 56^th Annual National Convention and 5^th International Expo on Mechanical Engineering is organized by the PSME and Cut Unlimited Inc. This is in cooperation with the Philippine Institute of Supply Management, Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Training Institute of Manila Engineers Foundation, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Federation of Professional Associations and Philippine Technological Council.

RP Reads Pinoy in 12th Book Development Month

For the whole month of November, the country, through the National Book Development Board (NBDB) celebrates the 12th Philippine Book Development Month through series of seminars, forums, and book fairs held in Manila and Cebu City.

Guided by this year’s theme, “Read Pinoy!”, the Board aims to uplift the competitiveness of the local book publishing industry through its creative sector, which could contribute to the economic growth of the country. Moreover, it encourages Filipinos to read Filipino-authored books and learn more about their own culture.

Event highlights include the Marathon Reading of Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere; Writers’ Night, which will assist local authors publish their works abroad; poems, essays, and novel reading workshop; and the 27th National Book Awards held on November 15 at the Yuchengco Museum, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

All activities in Manila were held at Filipinas Heritage Library Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle, Makati City. Lectures in Cebu, scheduled from November 28 - 30 will be held at San Carlos University.

Originally, the Philippine Book Development Month is celebrated every June but was moved to November by President Arroyo through Proclamation No. 1436. This is to include the National Book Week in the celebration, which is being held from November 24 – 30.

The 12th Philippine Book Development Month is in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Filipinas Heritage Library, Ayala Malls, Yuchengco Museum, Manila Bulletin, Cebu Daily News, Anvil Publishing, Fuji Xerox Philippines, University of San Carlos, Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc., Galerie Joaquin, and National Book Store.

First Philippine Caregiver Summit

Hundreds of caregivers and students attended the Conference and Expo of the First Philippine Caregiver Summit held simultaneously at the Mandarin Oriental Suites and at the Gateway Mall in Araneta Center, Quezon City last August 29 – 31, 2008.

Organized by Elite Consultancy Services, in partnership with Mandarin Oriental Suites and Gateway Mall, the event carried the theme, “Caring for the Filipino, Caring for the World”. The summit tackled the opportunities and challenges faced by the care giving industry today. It also gave valuable information needed by care givers when seeking for employment abroad.

During the conference held at the Sapphire Ballroom of the Mandarin Oriental Suites, experts from various fields gave lectures on English proficiency, job opportunities, employment tips, and contract assessment for those who wish to join the caregiving industry.

The event was sponsored by Community Health Education Emergency Rescue Services Foundation Inc., Philam Life, and 9.0 Niner IELTS Review and Tutorial and supported by Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippines News Digest, Amerika Atbp., JobMarket Online, Health and Lifestlye Magazine, Work Abroad, Job1 Global, and Virtual Route Distribution Philippines Corporation.

Coop Leaders Gather in Bicolandia Summit

Cooperatives throughout the archipelago met at the Convention Center in Pili, Camarines Sur from October 22 - 25 2008 for the 9th National Cooperative Summit (NCS).

Organized by the Philippine Cooperative Center (PCC), around 2,000 cooperative heads sought partnership from local and international cooperatives in order to introduce new products and establish trading relations with one another. The summit also discussed the challenges currently faced by cooperatives and searched for the most viable solutions.

According to Mr. Felix Borja, Secretary-General of the Cooperative Union of the Philippines, the theme, “Cooperatives: Breaking Through Barriers and Beyond” is a response to acknowledge and search for solutions regarding the issues cooperatives, both local and international, face today. This goal will become more feasible with the assistance and cooperation of policy makers.

NCS secretary Daniel Ang added that the Summit wishes to give recognition to the achievements made by cooperatives through their innovation in the realm of management, government, and enterprise.

The event was sponsored by Land Bank of the Philippines, Peace and Equity Foundation, Metro South Cooperative Bank, AMKOR Tech Phils Employees Cooperative, Ating Koop Party List, National Cooperative Movement, Cooperative Insurance System of the Philippines, National Confederation of Cooperatives, and Nationlink.

Trabaho.com. thanks its following sources:
Ang Budyong. (Vol. 2 Series 01) In .PDF Format entitled Official Publication of the 9th National Cooperative Summit - March – April 2008 Retrieved October 27, 2008
http://www.philcoopcenter.org/news.html

Manila Bulletin. Coop summit leaders seek policy, program reforms (p. B-11) Published October 21, 2008

Naga City Official Website. Coops to hold national summit in Naga Retrieved October 27, 2008
http://www.naga.gov.ph/journal2/?module=popup&page=2&id=1443

Naga City Official Website. Bicol to host 9th Nat’l Cooperative Summit Retrieved October 27, 2008
http://www.catanduanestribune.com/NewsArticle/Detail.aspx?newsID=4638

Philippine Star, The.Co-op leaders push 17-pt agenda for development Retrieved October 27, 2008
http://beta.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=409814

Two Luzon Provinces seen as next BPO sites

Two provinces in Luzon are seen as the next venue for outsourcing companies according to a joint ranking made by government and private sector.

This ranking was released by the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT); Philippine Board of Investments (BOI), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry; and Business Process Association of the Philippines.

Metro Laguna, which encompasses Sta.Rosa, Calamba, Los Banos, Cabuyao and San Pablo got the highest ranking while Metro Cavite, representing Dasmarinas, Bacoor, Imus and Cavite City ranked second. Other provinces included in the list are Iloilo, Davao, Bacolod, Angeles-Clark-Mabalacat, Baliuag-Marilao-Meycauayan, Cagayan De Oro, Malolos-Calumpit and Lipa.

Areas such as Baliuag-Marilao-Meycauayan were grouped together due to the proximity of these provinces to each other.

The top 10 provinces are said to have a large pool of talents, land for infrastructure, good business environment and low cost in doing business. These four elements were the basis of the three organizations in ranking the provinces of the country.

Ms. Celeste Ilagan, Executive Director of the Investment Promotion Group of BOI, stated in her interview with ABS-CBN News that the ranking aims to show investors that there are several choices for their business venues aside from Manila and Cebu.

Furthermore, CICT Secretary Ray Anthony Roxas-Chua III told the press that relocation of BPOs outside the two major cities will boost the economy of the “new wave cities” and provinces and give chance to jobseekers living in these areas to earn higher salaries.

Trabaho.com. thanks its following sources:
Casiraya, Lawrence. INQUIRER.net. Laguna, Cavite promising areas for BPO Retrieved November 4, 2008
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20081103-169982/Laguna-Cavite-promising-areas-for-BPO

CICT News. CICT, BPAP, DTI name Top Ten Next Wave Cities for Outsourcing Retrieved November 4, 2008
http://www.cict.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=194&Itemid=1

Montecillo, Paolo Luis G. Business World. ‘Next wave’ outsourcing centers cited Retrieved November 4, 2008
http://bworldonline.com/BW110408/ontent.php?id=054
Re posted on http://www.gmanews.tv/story/131146/Next-wave-outsourcing-centers-cited

Llanto, Jesus F. abs-cbnNEWS.com, Newsbreak Laguna, Cavite top next wave of locations for BPOs Retrieved November 4, 2008
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/11/03/08/laguna-cavite-top-next-wave-locations-bpos

Empowerment and Human Rights, Main Focus in Second Migration Forum

From October 27 to 30, 2008, delegates from all over the world convened for the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Metro Manila.

Guided by the theme, “Protecting and Empowering Migrants for Development”, the agenda of the 2nd Global Forum was based on the findings of the First Global Forum conducted at Brussels, Belgium in July 2007. The Brussels Forum concluded that special emphasis should be given to the protection and empowerment of migrant workers all over the world, placing high importance on the protection of human rights and promotion of regular migration.

The Forum was divided in to two general meetings, namely the Civil Society Days, scheduled from October 27 to 28 and Government Meeting from October 29 to 30.

The event’s roundtable discussions were divided into three topics: Migration, Development, and Human Rights, Secure, Regular Migration can Achieve Stronger Development Impact, and Policy and Institutional Coherence and Partnerships.

The Department of Foreign Affairs acted as lead agency for the Philippine Government for the 2nd GFMD. Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs, Esteban B. Conejos Jr., served as the Special Envoy for GFMD, and the Overall Chairman of the Philippine GFMD Preparatory Committee.

Members of the private sector, academe, and the civil society comprise the Philippine Organizing Committee for the Civil Society Days. These include the Ayala Foundation, Inc.. which was enlisted as the secretariat; SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co., Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, University of the Philippines, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, Economic Resource Center for Overseas Filipinos Philippines, Inc.(ERCOF), Migrant Forum in Asia, Manpower Resources of Asia, Inc., and Alliance of Progressive Labor.

The objective of the GFMD is to assemble government officials and experts from all over the world to enhance dialogue, cooperation, and partnership in the areas of migration and development. Moreover, it is intended to mutually identify and solve international migration issues that affect development of countries.

Pinoy Seafarers Preferred by Japanese Ship Operators

Japanese ship operators, managers and owners still prefer to hire Filipino seafarers for their ships. This was revealed by the Chairman of the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ)

Capt. Takao Manji, Chairman of IMMAJ shared during the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Metro Manila, that the reason Japanese companies hire Filipino seamen is because of their reliability, flexibility, diligence, and discipline.

The chairman expressed his appreciation to the Filipino seafarers who serves as the backbone to the expansion and domination of Japan in the shipping industry. According to the website of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), one of the oldest shipping companies in Japan, 60 percent of their seafarers are Filipinos. Second are Indians with nine percent. Only four percent of their crew members are Japanese.

In return, these companies give their Filipinos employees generous salaries, good accommodation in the ship and special privileges, such as free calls to their families and two months paid vacation when they are off board.

In addition, Japanese shipping companies have invested in training centers here in the Philippines. In 1993, MOL built a training center in Dasmariñas, Cavite. This training center is in partnership with Magsaysay Maritime Corporation. On the other hand, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. (“K”-Line) opened its "K" Line Maritime Academy in Pasay City last February of this year.

Trabaho.com thanks the following sources:

Japan Corporate News (JCN) Network. Opening Ceremony of "K" Line Maritime Academy – Philippines (Posted February 22, 2008) Retrieved October 29, 2008
http://www.japancorp.net/Article.Asp?Art_ID=17085

GMANews.tv Filipino seafarers remain a top choice of Japanese ship owners. (Posted October 28, 2008) Retrieved October 29, 2008
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/129907/Filipino-seafarers-remain-a-top-choice-of-Japanese-ship-owners

Manila Times Internet Edition. For Japanese, Filipino seafarers still top pick (Posted October 29, 2008) Retrieved October 29, 2008
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/29/yehey/top_stories/20081029top4.html

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. CSR and Environment Protection. Seagoing Employees - Seafarer Education and Training
http://www.mol.co.jp/csr-e/society/employee/sea/02.shtml

Philippine News Agency. RP seafarers still the top choice of Japanese ship owners and managers. (Posted October 28, 2008) Retrieved October 29, 2008
http://www.gov.ph/news/?i=22645

RP climbs in Asian IT competitive rankings

The Philippines moved one rank higher in a study on IT competitiveness conducted by the Economic Intelligence Unit, placing itself at 10th among 17 countries in the Asia Pacific.

However, the country remained 47th among 66 countries worldwide with a score of 28.7%.

The study was commissioned by Business Software Alliance (BSA) in order to measure the competitiveness of a country in terms of business environment, human capital, IT infrastructure, legal environment, research and development (R&D) environment, and support for the IT industry.

Results show that the Philippines have an encouraging business environment, having set government policies on foreign capital, investment protection, government regulations, and fair competition, to name a few.

Also, the country has a strong human capital, or workforce equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills related to IT, who can cope up with the needs of the industry. Aside from technical skills, college graduates here in the Philippines have good ‘soft’ skills or communication skills in English, in particular. They are able to express themselves and present ideas in a clear, concise manner.

Meanwhile, government should increase focus on R&D, particularly in harnessing new technology, stronger legal environment, building IT infrastructures and should support and pursue patent of locally made IT products.

IT infrastructure is measured by the percentage of personal computer (PC) ownership, high broadband penetration, good internet security, and level of spending in IT.

Patent is the exclusive right granted to an individual who has produced or created an invention or product which is intended for distribution or production. It protects the invention from being copied, reproduced, sold or promoted without consent of the patentee.

By pursuing patents, companies who are into IT development, whether in the form or software or hardware will be protected. BSA Vice-President and Regional Director for Asia Pacific Jeffrey J. Hardee told the press that companies and the government must focus and allocate funds dedicated to R&D, else, no patents will be made and the country will continue to lag in this field.

Furthermore, Hardee adds that strengthening the Intellectual property (IP) laws of the land should also be a priority to ensure maximum protection of IT-based patents.

As a form of assistance, BSA has appointed Atty. Bienvenido Marquez III as Consultant to the BSA Philippines Committee. Atty. Marquez has been working as an associate lawyer specializing in IP Laws. Marquez shall be working close at hand with BSA and the government to facilitate and promote better ways to protect and promote IP in the country.

Trabaho.com thanks the following sources:

Business Software Alliance. The means to compete - Benchmarking IT industry competitiveness (in .PDF format entitled EIU IT Competitiveness Index Whitepaper) Retrieved October 17, 2008
http://w3.bsa.org/philippines/policy/

Business Software Alliance. Business Software Alliance appoints RP Consultant Retrieved October 17, 2008
http://w3.bsa.org/philippines/press/newsreleases/071808RPconsultant.cfm

Montecillo, Paolo Luis G. BusinessWorld Online / IT Matters. Research tagged as IT’s biggest challenge. Retrieved October 17, 2008
http://www.itmatters.com.ph/news.php?id=101708a

Silva, Veronica C. GMANews.TV RP maintains global IT competitiveness ranking Retrieved October 17, 2008
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/127474/RP-maintains-global-IT-competitiveness-ranking

Amojelar, Darwin G. Manila Times Internet Edition RP fails to lift competitiveness in information technology Retrieved October 17, 2008
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/17/yehey/business/20081017bus5.html

Olchondra, Riza T. Philippine Daily Inquirer Philippines up in IT competitiveness Retrieved October 17, 2008
http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view/20081017-166883/Philippines-up-in-IT-competitiveness

Valmero, Anna INQUIRER.net Retrieved October 17, 2008 EIU study says RP ranks 10th in IT competitiveness. Retrieved October 17, 2008
http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view/20081016-166719/RP-ranks-10th-in-IT-competitiveness

Pinoy IT and BPO staff seeks higher wage

In a study conducted by XMG Global ICT Research and Advisory during the third quarter of 2008, results show that majority of those employed in the information technology (IT) and business process outsourcing (BPO) industry would like to have a wage increase and some are considering heading overseas for greener pasture. This is due to the rising cost of commodities and economic problems experienced by the country.

Although IT and BPO employees receive higher salary than other workers, which rounds to about Php12,000.00 to Php15,000.00 owing to their night differential, allowances and bonuses, still, others think about asking for a raise in their salaries.

For others, especially IT professionals who are equipped with the right knowledge and skills, foreign countries like Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, and others, are willing to offer them higher pays, better benefits and privileges. These offers now attract them to leave their current job and head offshore.

In a statement released by XMG through local newspapers, these companies should find ways to retain their workers so as not to suffer a drought of competent employees. To reassess their employees’ performance and consider increasing wages is perhaps a good option for the company. Also, they should make sure that their employees understand and take proactive participation in the growth and development of the company.

IT-related work started here in the Philippines in the late 1990 but gained popularity in 2000. Based on Philippine Information Agency data, the industry grew by 90 percent in 2005 with revenues reaching up to US$2.1 billion. And in 2007, employment stats reached up to 300,000 and companies located all over the country continue to hire employees for new accounts.

Trabaho.com thanks the following sources:

Silva, Veronica C. GMANews.TV. High living costs force IT workers to seek salary hikes, better-paying jobs Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/126289/High-living-costs-force-IT-workers-to-seek-salary-hikes-better-paying-jobs

Esteves, Patricia. The Philippine Star. Pinoy IT workers in Taiwan enjoy good pay, perks Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=407074

Ho, Abigail L., Olchondra, Riza T. Philippine Daily Inquirer, Study: IT, BPO workers want higher pay Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20081010-165685/BPO-workers-want-higher-pay-study-shows

Casiraya , Lawrence. INQUIRER.net BPO workers want higher pay, study shows Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20081011-165866/Study-IT-BPO-workers-want-higher-pay

Teeves, Oliver. CSB News. (December 9, 2003) Call Center Jobs Drifting Overseas Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/12/09/national/main587601.shtml

Greenlees, Donald, International Herald Tribune. (November 20, 2006) Philippine Call center business booms Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/11/20/business/call1.php

Philippine Information Agency. (November 11, 2007) CICT moves to ensure competitiveness of RP's off shoring and outsourcing industry Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&sec=reader&rp=1&fi=p071111.htm&no=2&date=11/11/2007

Philippine Information Agency. (October 31, 2007) PGMA inaugurates new call center in Cubao Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p071031.htm&no=67

Philippine Information Agency. (January 2004) Strong Republic: The Vision and the Performance Record of President Gloria
www.pia.gov.ph/pubs/srvision.pdf

Shemeen, Assif. Businessweek. (September 19, 2006) The Philippines’ Awesome Outsourcing Opportunity Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/sep2006/gb20060919_639997.htm?chan=search


Trabaho.com Updates

Events and Job Fairs

Job Fair @ St. Mary's Academy Pasay
by St. Mary's Academy Pasay Parent's Auxiliary
Oct. 25, 2008
St. Mary's Academy Pasay
School Quadrangle

OFW Summit 2008 Negosyo at Trabaho para sa OFW
by Eventworx
Nov. 7-8, 2008
Festival Supermall

Jobs Central 2008
by Eventworx
Nov. 7-8, 2008
Festival Supermall

Job World Job Fair Roadshow
by Neotrade Enterprises
Nov. 10-11, 2008
Victory Mall, Monumento

Job World Job Fair Roadshow
by Neotrade Enterprises
Nov. 13-14, 2008
Ever Gotesco, Commonwealth

Seminars and Trainings

Effective Purchasing and Procurement
by ARIVA Seminars & Convention Organizers
Date: Nov 19-20, 2008
Venue: Astoria Plaza Ortigas

5S's - Steps to Shaping Up
Records & Filling Management Workshop
by ARIVA Seminars & Convention Organizers
Date: Nov 19-20, 2008
Venue: Astoria Plaza Ortigas

Mini-MBA on Value-Based Marketing and Strategy
by ARIVA Seminars & Convention Organizers
Date: Nov 26-27, 2008
Venue: Astoria Plaza Ortigas

Pinoy med workers hire tops, DH stays afloat

With the stock market's recent descent and recession for some countries just around the corner, hiring of health workers is still on the rise.

Service-oriented jobs such as care givers and nurses are still on demand in Western countries particularly in US, Canada and United Kingdom.

According to Emmanuel Geslani, a recruitment consultant, in his interview with Business World, the health care sector is a ërecession-proofí industry and because of the continued advancement in medical technology, demand for health care providers will continue to rise. With the ageing population of these countries, health workers are outsourced to take care of the growing number of old citizens.

Meanwhile, DoLE Usec. Lourdes Trasmonte said during the Decent Work Agenda that domestic helpers (DHs) may still be able to keep their jobs despite the economic conditions. But such stability still depends upon the reaction of the country and its employers to possible recession.

Furthermore, Trasmonte advised OFWs to start saving and investing particularly in agriculture. Others who would be affected by the layoff may still apply at other countries like Australia and Canada.

Recently the POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia which offer Filipinos 160,000 jobs ranging from skilled work like mechanics and electrician to health workers and tourism-related personnel.

OFWs are the primary source of dollar reserves of the country. In the first semester of this year, migrant workers all over the globe remitted US$9.6 billion to their families based on the data gathered by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas from different banks and money transfer agencies. This is 18% higher than last yearís first semester remittance.

Trabaho.com thanks the following sources:

Antonio, Raymund F. Manila Bulletin Online. Hiring of more Filipino medical workers seen Retrieved October 13, 2008
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20081013137853.html

Antonio, Raymund F. Manila Bulletin Online. DoLE preparing contingency plan for Filipino workers abroad. Retrieved October 14, 2008
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20081014137926.html

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Overseas Filipino Remittances Retrieved October 13, 2008
http://www.bsp.gov.ph/Statistics/keystat/ofw.htm

Business World. Health care shielded from crisis Retrieved October 13, 2008
http://bworldonline.com/BW101308/content.php?id=074

DOLE News Detail RP launches decent work agenda to provide full, productive jobs for Pinoy workers Retrieved October 13, 2008
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002253

Esplanada, Jerry E. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Nursing now an Ailing Profession Retrieved October 13, 2008
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/features/features/view_article.php?article_id=165747

OíBrien, Sharon, About.com. American Communities not prepared for an Aging Population
http://seniorliving.about.com/od/babyboomers/a/aging_populatio.htm

Philippine Daily Inquirer. RP Maids fear layoffs Retrieved October 13, 2008
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view/20081013-166098/RP-maids-fear-layoffs

Uy, Veronica. Inquirer.net. DoLE: 160,000 jobs at British Columbia. Retrieved October 13, 2008
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=165303

Uy, Veronica, Inquirer.net. RP Maids abroad to keep jobs Retrieved October 13, 2008
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20081013-166174/RP-maids-abroad-to-keep-jobs