Improve information technology facilities, Loren urges government

Senator Loren Legarda today called on the government to promote the growth of so-called "next wave cities" in the information technology-business processing outsourcing (IT-BPO) industry to create more jobs.

"This is something the government must take into consideration, especially so with the job-generating potentials of the business processing outsourcing in the country," Loren said.

Already, the BPO industry has been thriving in at least ten provinces and cities. The expected 25 percent growth in the industry this year is expected to trigger increased demands for infrastructure, and improved peace and order situation in areas where prospective BPO locators would start their operations, she said.

Loren added that the government should also give much emphasis to improving the country's information facilities, and at the same time assure security on these facilities. "Our information technology facilities should be at par with the first and foremost in this industry," Loren said.

Loren also urged the government to make a careful study of areas of concern raised by Commission on Information and Communication Technology (CICT).

These include the need for policy changes in the industry in terms of legislative laws on data privacy and against cyber crime. It also means retooling the school curricula to make it well attuned to the age of information technology, Loren declared.

The salaries these BPOs offer range from P12,000 to P15,000, and Loren said these could at least help displaced workers who would find their way in this sector to tide them up in the face of deepening global recession.