The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) conducted an inception forum for the ILS research project: “Study on Industry Practices, Business Landscapes and Strategies in Coping with Current Trends in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Sector held at the Marigold Room at The Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila last December 12.

The study’s principal researcher and current Acting Deputy Executive Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr. presented the research project to the participants composed of some research partners of ILS and representatives from the labor and employment groups, BPO industry associations, and government agencies, including DOLE bureaus, services, and attached agencies.

Generally, the study intends to illustrate the current business landscape and industry practices of the Philippines BPO sector and explore the effects of various policy concerns in the country in the sector brought about by rapid political and socio-economic changes.

The research framework of the study is anchored on Chapters 10 (Accelerating Human Capital Development) and 11 (Reducing Vulnerability of Individuals and Families) of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022; Agenda No. 2 (Address the persistent problems of unemployment and underemployment) and 3 (Ensure full respect of labor standards and the fundamental principles and rights at work) of the Department’s 8-Point Labor and Employment Agenda; and the Goal No. 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

During the open forum, Director Dominique Tutay of the Bureau of Labor and Employment recommended for the inclusion of the Accelerate PH among the list of references for the study as it present the Philippine roadmap on the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) until 2022.  She also suggested for the study to delve into the activities of small company players as compared to the big ones, with reference to the Decent Works Standards, and for the study to consider the effect/s of the 5G economy in the BPO sector. Acting Deputy Exec. Director Patriwirawan, Jr. took note of the said suggestions and asked Ms. Tutay’s permission to become involved as one of the study’s key informants, to which the latter agreed.

Based on the results of the forum, a meeting with LO/FTF and Employers Confederation of the Philippines ECOP will be set to discuss the implementation of the research project, and requirements for any amendments.

The Institute for Labor Studies is the policy and research arm of the Department of Labor and Employment. For more information about ILS products and services, please visit: http//ils.dole.gov.ph or call Advocacy and Publication Division at Tel. No. 527-3590