The Information Technology Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) said it is ready to accommodate workers that would be displaced by the closure of Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs).
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) for its part said the information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) industry can absorb displaced POGO workers for back office and software development.
“We stand ready to offer opportunities to all qualified Filipino talent. The IT-BPM industry is growing and continuously seeking skilled professionals. Should these displaced workers meet the qualifications and requirements of our sector, we will welcome them into our industry,” said Jack Madrid, IBPAP president, in a text message.
Tereso Panga, director-general of PEZA said there are complementary activities between POGOs and IT-BPM.
“Some of the workers are in software development and some are in backroom (support) operations.
They can easily migrate to the IT sector. POGOs in a way is IT, except for the betting portion,” Panga said.
Madrid and Panga said with its sustained growth, the IT-BPM industry can absorb these workers.
Madrid said IBPAP is committed to collaborating with PEZA, Department of Labor and Employment and other government entities to provide the necessary training and support to help these individuals transition smoothly and successfully into the IT-BPM workforce.
Panga said PEZA is conducting job fairs and is developing a job referral and placement system.
In partnership with the University of the Philippines, government is developing platform where all applicants, even returning overseas Filipino workers, can lodge credentials and they will be matched with industries for specific jobs.
In 2023, POGOs had 41,347 in 2023, with the workforce share easing to 66.6 percent.
IBPAP ended 2023 with 1.7 million workers and eyes to hit 1.84 million this year.
