IBPAP and Google Partner to Upskill Filipino IT-BPM Employees: A Leap Forward or a Missed Opportunity?

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? 

Filipino Sexual Education: A Critical Examination Amidst Recent Developments

Wazzup Pilipinas

In recent discussions surrounding sexual education in the Philippines, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has raised pertinent questions about the nation's approach to teaching sex and sexuality. Her concerns highlight a significant cultural and educational gap that warrants thorough examination.

The Cultural Paradox

Filipino society often maintains a conservative stance on discussions about sex and sexuality. Terms like "tti" and "pke" are considered inappropriate, and open conversations about sexual health are frequently avoided. Yet, paradoxically, the Philippines ranks among the highest consumers of adult content globally, indicating a disconnect between public prudishness and private consumption habits. This dichotomy underscores the need for a more open and informed dialogue about sexuality.

Sereno's Critique of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)

Sereno has expressed skepticism regarding the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in Philippine schools. She argues that such programs may not align with the country's cultural context and could inadvertently promote early sexual activity among adolescents. Sereno's concerns are echoed by other critics who believe that CSE might not be the panacea for rising teenage pregnancies. 

Government and Legislative Responses

The Department of Education (DepEd) has come under scrutiny for its proposed CSE curriculum, with some lawmakers questioning its appropriateness and implementation. House Basic Education and Culture Panel Chairperson Roman Romulo has expressed doubts about the effectiveness of CSE in addressing teenage pregnancies, suggesting that it may not be the key solution. 

Additionally, the Commission on Family and Life of the Archdiocese of Manila has voiced opposition to the CSE, citing concerns over its compatibility with Filipino values and the potential for promoting early sexual activity.

Advocacy and Support for CSE

Conversely, child rights advocates and organizations like the Child Rights Network (CRN) support the implementation of CSE, emphasizing its role in providing accurate information and empowering young people to make informed decisions. They argue that comprehensive education can help prevent teenage pregnancies and protect children from sexual abuse. 

The Need for a Balanced Approach

The ongoing debate highlights the necessity for a balanced approach to sexual education in the Philippines. While respecting cultural values, it is crucial to equip young people with accurate information about sexual health, consent, and relationships. This approach can help bridge the gap between societal taboos and the realities of sexual behavior among adolescents.

Conclusion

The discourse on Filipino sexual education is multifaceted, involving cultural considerations, educational policies, and societal norms. As the nation continues to grapple with these issues, it is imperative to foster open, respectful, and informed conversations about sexuality to promote the well-being and empowerment of all Filipinos.

Student Chaos and Negligence Exposed: The Scandal Behind Bestlink College's Failed Anniversary Event!

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The recent controversy surrounding Bestlink College of the Philippines (BCP) has sparked an intense debate over student safety, event management, and accountability. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III announced on January 27, 2025, that the commission en banc would issue a show cause order against the college following its failure to submit necessary documents for an off-campus activity. This incident, involving BCP's annual founding anniversary celebration at a resort in Bataan, raised alarms over the welfare of students, leading to multiple reports of mismanagement and negligence.

The Event: A Perfect Storm of Issues

Bestlink College’s recent off-campus event, held in Bataan, was supposed to be a moment of celebration, but it quickly devolved into a chaotic and, at times, unsafe experience for students. The event’s logistical flaws included a confusing and dangerous transportation system, overcrowded venues, and inadequate medical assistance. According to a detailed account from a student, the bus transportation system was a complete disaster. The "first-come, first-serve" approach led to confusion and overcrowding, as students scrambled to board buses, with some even left behind due to lack of available seats. The situation only worsened when the bus they were able to board was overcrowded, causing discomfort during the journey.

Transportation Woes and the Lack of Preparation

The transportation issues were just the beginning. Once students arrived at the resort, it became apparent that the venue was grossly inadequate to accommodate the large crowd, with students struggling to find seating or shade under the hot sun. The event’s planning appeared to overlook basic logistics, including crowd control, designated seating, and even the number of buses required to transport over 30,000 participants.

Worse still, the students faced further indignities as the event spiraled into a medical emergency. One student with asthma and another with bone arthritis experienced severe health complications, but they were left waiting for help. Reports from students revealed a lack of professional medical attention and an absence of faculty support during these emergencies. The advisory teacher’s response—dismissive at best—left students feeling neglected and disrespected. One student recounted how the faculty seemed indifferent, only heightening the sense of abandonment during the crisis.

Faculty’s Disheartening Response

The student’s personal account was a poignant reflection of the event's deeper issues: poor planning, lack of concern for student welfare, and, most disturbingly, a failure of accountability from both the school administration and the faculty. While students faced medical emergencies, the faculty’s response was far from reassuring. A teacher’s offhand comment comparing the situation to a game of “Squid Game” only added insult to injury. Many students expressed their frustration, noting that even though their classmates were in distress, no one from the faculty or administration provided meaningful assistance.

The Show Cause Order and Call for Accountability

The CHED’s decision to issue a show cause order is a direct response to this series of failures. The agency has stated that Bestlink College’s mishandling of the event compromised the students' safety and well-being. The show cause order requires the college to explain why it should not face penalties or be held accountable for its actions. Given the severity of the situation, many are now calling for a deeper investigation into the administration’s oversight, with some arguing that the mishandling of the event is part of a larger pattern of neglect within the institution.

The Bigger Picture: Poor Planning and Institutional Negligence

A closer look at the event reveals a troubling lack of foresight in the event's planning. The venue, a resort in Bataan, was clearly ill-equipped to handle such a large crowd. The lack of crowd control measures, an inadequate transportation system, and the absence of proper safety protocols made it clear that student welfare was not a priority. The disorganization mirrored previous issues at Bestlink College, sparking questions about the institution’s overall management and its ability to prioritize student safety in large-scale events.

Student Perspectives: A Divide Between Pride and Disappointment

While many current students and alumni have expressed disappointment with the event’s handling, there is also a significant level of pride in the school’s ability to provide affordable education for students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend university. One alumna shared her experience as a BCP graduate, emphasizing that the school had provided her with a valuable education and the opportunity for personal growth despite financial limitations. However, she also acknowledged the serious issues surrounding the recent event and called for accountability from the school, urging fellow students to remain patient and respectful as investigations unfold.

Calls for a Thorough Investigation

The controversy has sparked calls for a thorough investigation into Bestlink College’s practices, not just regarding this event but the overall safety and management of its operations. Students, parents, and concerned citizens are demanding answers, with some questioning the integrity of the school’s administration. Given the gravity of the situation, many are calling for the school to be held accountable and, if necessary, shut down to protect future students from similar mismanagement.

Conclusion: A Crucial Moment for Accountability

The situation at Bestlink College serves as a stark reminder of the importance of effective planning, transparency, and responsibility in educational institutions. The well-being of students must always be the top priority, and any failure to uphold this responsibility should be met with serious consequences. As CHED prepares to issue its show cause order and investigate further, it is clear that this event will have long-lasting implications for Bestlink College, its administration, and the broader educational community. Students and parents alike are watching closely, hoping that the lessons learned from this debacle will lead to safer, more organized events in the future and prevent further harm to students.