Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) has recently announced an exciting partnership with tech giant Google to upskill Filipino employees in the IT-BPM sector. As the backbone of the Philippine economy, the IT-BPM industry has consistently delivered robust growth, contributing over $32 billion in revenue and employing approximately 1.5 million Filipinos as of 2024. This collaboration is set to elevate the Filipino workforce by providing them with cutting-edge tools, resources, and training programs to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
While this initiative is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, it raises a critical question: Is it enough to focus on the IT-BPM sector, particularly when a significant portion of jobs in this industry are repetitive, low-risk processes? Wouldn't prioritizing support for mainstream IT professionals—those driving innovation and technological breakthroughs—be a more impactful investment for the nation’s long-term progress?
The Promise of Upskilling in IT-BPM
The IBPAP-Google partnership aims to equip employees with the digital skills necessary to thrive in an era of automation and artificial intelligence (AI). The training programs are expected to cover key areas like data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity—fields that are increasingly integral to IT-BPM operations.
According to Jack Madrid, IBPAP’s President and CEO, the collaboration underscores the association's commitment to ensuring the Philippine IT-BPM sector remains a global leader in the face of technological disruptions. "This partnership is not just about upskilling; it’s about future-proofing the workforce," Madrid emphasized.
Google, on its part, is leveraging its expertise to empower Filipino talent. Through its "Grow with Google" initiative, the tech giant has already trained millions of individuals worldwide. This new partnership will bring similar resources to Filipino IT-BPM professionals, ensuring they stay ahead in a hyper-competitive global market.
The Elephant in the Room: Are We Missing the Bigger Picture?
However, this initiative highlights a longstanding issue in the IT-BPM industry: the nature of the jobs it offers. A large portion of business process outsourcing (BPO) roles in the Philippines involves repetitive and low-risk tasks such as customer support, data entry, and transcription services. These jobs, while providing stable employment, often fail to capitalize on the deeper potential of Filipino IT talent.
A more pressing need, perhaps, lies in addressing the gaps faced by mainstream IT professionals—software developers, data scientists, system architects, and other high-skill roles. These professionals are the engines of innovation, yet they often face limited support in terms of upskilling and access to global opportunities.
"Don’t get me wrong," shared a tech industry insider. "Upskilling BPO employees is important, but wouldn’t it be more impactful if Google prioritized empowering mainstream IT professionals rather than those in the sidelines of the tech ecosystem?"
The Need for a Broader Approach
The IT-BPM sector is undeniably vital to the Philippine economy, but its dominance has, at times, overshadowed the broader tech industry. The Philippines has a wealth of talented software engineers, programmers, and IT specialists who could drive the country toward becoming a hub for innovation, much like India. Unfortunately, many of these professionals find themselves underutilized or forced to seek opportunities abroad due to a lack of local support.
Government agencies like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and private sector players, including global companies like Google, should consider adopting a more comprehensive approach. Beyond IT-BPM, initiatives should focus on:
Enhancing Startup Ecosystems – Supporting homegrown tech startups to foster innovation.
Investing in Research and Development (R&D) – Encouraging universities and private institutions to collaborate on cutting-edge tech solutions.
Specialized Training for High-Skill Roles – Offering targeted programs for software development, AI, blockchain, and emerging technologies.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act for the Future
The IBPAP-Google partnership is a commendable step toward sustaining the Philippine IT-BPM sector's global competitiveness. However, it is crucial not to lose sight of the bigger picture. For the Philippines to solidify its position as a global tech leader, the focus must extend beyond repetitive processes and low-risk tasks to include empowering mainstream IT professionals who can drive innovation and economic growth.
As the country charts its course in a digital-first world, it’s time for stakeholders to think bigger and bolder. Upskilling BPO employees is a start, but the real game-changer lies in unlocking the full potential of the Filipino IT workforce—a challenge that Google and IBPAP, along with other industry leaders, must rise to meet.
What’s your take on this initiative? Should we celebrate this partnership as a win for the Filipino workforce, or should we push for a more inclusive approach to tech empowerment?
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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