The IT/Business Process Management Industry Association of Cebu

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2023 General membership meeting

October 6, 2023 

Cebu Parklane Hotel was abuzz with energy on October 6, 2023, as CIB.O gathered its members for a memorable General Membership Meeting. The event was marked by an array of significant moments and activities that celebrated leadership transitions, welcomed new members, sealed partnerships, and expressed heartfelt gratitude.

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 |  We had the honor of hosting Mr. Ramon Evan T. Ruiz, the Regional Director of TESDA Region 7, as our distinguished keynote speaker. Mr. Ruiz delivered an insightful message, emphasizing the pivotal role of the IT-BPM industry. He also presided over the induction ceremony for our incoming CIB.O Board of Trustees.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐬 | Our event introduced the dynamic incoming CIB.O Board of Trustees, representing diverse affiliations and adding strength to our organization:

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐬 |  We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our outgoing trustees for their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to CIB.O. These remarkable individuals have been instrumental in shaping our mission and vision. We express our deepest gratitude to:

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 |  Under the visionary leadership of President Aseem Roy, CIB.O proudly welcomed four new members into our esteemed organization:

COMPTROLLA TECHNOLOGIES INC
SANSAN GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC
SEEMECV PTE. LTD
GOUDIE CEBU CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 |  CIB.O signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with P&A Grant Thornton, fortifying our commitment to fostering activity partnerships that will undoubtedly benefit our members.

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 |  Our heartfelt appreciation goes to NgKhai Development Corporation for their generous donation, which will enhance our Training Room equipment and contribute to our continued development.

𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 | Special thanks are extended to SeeMeCV Pte Ltd, led by Mr. David Padgett, Managing Director. Mr. Padgett shared an invaluable presentation on "Accelerating Talent Supply Within the IT-BPM Industry," enriching our event with insightful knowledge.

𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐞 | The Troubadours added a delightful touch to the evening by serenading our attendees during dinner, creating a charming and enjoyable atmosphere.

In conclusion, we express our gratitude to all our members for their active participation and valuable contributions to this event. We eagerly anticipate our next gathering with renewed enthusiasm and shared purpose.

2023 Transformation Summit Explores Digital Future and Celebrates Industry Excellence

May 26, 2023 

Cebu City, May 26, 2023 – The Cebu IT BPM Organization (CIB.O), the leading industry board representing the IT BPM sector in Cebu and the region, successfully concluded its annual Transformation Summit on May 26, 2023. The event, marking a significant return to physical gatherings post-pandemic, brought together renowned experts and decision-makers to delve into vital topics such as fintech, workplace innovation, artificial intelligence, and global shared services in the era of digital transformation. 

Held at the prestigious Sinulog Grand Ballroom in the City Sports Club, Cebu Business Park, the 2023 Transformation Summit: Beyond the Next Level Play drew a remarkable crowd of over 350 participants. 

“The summit serves as a platform for thought leaders, industry experts, decision-makers, and visionaries to converge and discuss the trends, strategies, and advancements that will shape the future of the industry,” said Summit Chair and CIB.O Trustee, Darwin John Moises, in his opening message. The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) President, Jack Madrid, delved into the key updates of the national IT BPM industry. Madrid tackled questions and inquiries surrounding the emerging hot topic of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI). He said that Gen AI poses a dual nature—both a formidable challenge and an exhilarating opportunity for the industry, capable of enhancing its processes rather than becoming a competitive force. A key highlight of the event was the revival of the renowned 6th IT BPM Industry Award Gala Night, the largest local award-giving body in the industry. This annual recognition honors and celebrates the remarkable contributions of prominent companies in the region, acknowledging their role in employment creation and economic progress. The 2023 edition featured twenty-three (23) nominees from various industry players, culminating in the recognition of ten (10) outstanding winners of the coveted Top IT BPM Company of the Year award. 

CIB.O President and WIPRO Philippines’ Country Manager cited a significant development and updates of the national IT BPM industry. “We cannot overstate the power and impact of the Cebu IT BPM and its players in the industry’s development. We are not just celebrating the companies who will be receiving an award, but the collective contribution and support of each and every company in making Cebu the premier IT BPM choice IT/BPM location for higher value services”, the newly elected IBPAP Board of Trustees added. 

The esteemed awardees, listed below in no particular order, exemplify excellence and innovation in the IT BPM sector: 

• Accenture, Inc.
• Cognizant Technology Solutions, Inc.
• Conduent Business Services Philippines, Inc.
• Foundever™
• JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. – Philippine Global Service Center
• OfficePartners360 Inc.
• Qualfon Philippines, Inc.
• Tech Mahindra LTD
• Teleperformance Philippines
• WIPRO Philippines Inc. 

During the awarding ceremony, Cebu City Mayor Hon. Mayor Michael L. Rama spoke about his dreams of a Singapore-like Cebu City, thanking the industry members for their important role in driving the city’s economic growth for the past years, despite the pandemic and typhoon Odette that disrupted the city’s ecosystem during the past two years. 

Dr. Melanie de Ocampo, a member of the CIB.O Board of Trustees and Dean of the School of Business and Economics at the University of San Carlos, closed the event stating that Cebu's IT BPM industry will endure any tempest and emerge fortified. She further said, “As Cebuanos, whether by birth or at heart, we stand united, forging a path towards a resplendent future." 

Describing the event as a resounding success, CIB.O's Executive Director, Buddy Villasis, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the attendees and all contributors who made the summit possible. He stated, "Throughout the summit, we witnessed a remarkable exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences, all aimed at driving transformation and progress in our respective fields. The passion and enthusiasm displayed by each delegate were truly inspiring and served as a catalyst for meaningful discussions and collaborations. As we move forward, let us carry the knowledge and inspiration gained from this summit and continue to drive positive change in our organizations and communities. Together, we have the power to shape the future and make a difference in the world." 

2023 Town Hall Meeting and Fellowship

March 1, 2023 

On March 1, 2023, the Cebu IT BPM Organization (CIB.O) held its annual Town Hall Meeting and Fellowship Night at the Victoria Hall, Cebu Parklane International Hotel. The event was attended by around 150 participants, including members from the industry and academe members, support groups, government agencies, and guests from outside the organization. With the theme “Building Resilience: Developing Talent and Ensuring Business Continuity”, the event focused on the importance of resilience and talent development in ensuring the sustainability of businesses.

One of the highlights of the event was the induction of 11 new members from the IT BPM industry and support groups. In addition, CIB.O and AON Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on human resource and talent development initiatives. During the event, Darren Oliver, the CEO of AON Philippines, delivered an inspiring speech on the role of business continuity and resiliency in achieving organizational success.

CIB.O expresses its gratitude to all members and guests who joined and celebrated with the organization. The event was a success, and it served as a platform for members to network and exchange ideas on the latest trends and best practices in the industry.

WIPRO PHILS COUNTRY HEAD TAKES THE HELM AT CIB.O

May 26, 2022 

The CIB.O Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the assumption of MR. ASEEM ROY as President of Cebu’s most prominent IT/BPM industry association, the Cebu IT-BPM Organization (CIB.O).   He took over the presidency from Mr. Pert Cabataña who retired earlier this month.  Aseem enthusiastically accepted the role with all of his heart and wisdom, and promised to direct the organization to fulfill its organizational vision. 

Aseem previously served as the organization's Vice President, simultaneously handling its International Relations portfolio.  He has a rich and diversified experience managing businesses in three international locations that cover multiple customers and people in complex technology landscapes.  

Congratulations President Aseem!

ASEEM ROY’S PROFILE:
He counts over ten years of work experience in the APJ region in his 20+ years stint with Wipro Ltd. He has managed different portfolios of service delivery, transition, process excellence, green field setup, and now leads the geo delivery for Wipro Ltd in ASEAN.

He is a Six Sigma professional, a commerce graduate with MBA in information systems, and is avidly involved in driving Wipro’s digital offerings and business strategy at the regional level. He has been the fundamental driving force in making Wipro amongst the major India-headquartered company in the Philippines and the largest private employer in Cebu City.

WIPRO PHILIPPINES, INC. PROFILE: 

The company is a regional subsidiary of Wipro Limited, a leading global information technology, consulting and business process-services company. Wipro harnesses the power of cognitive computing, hyper-automation, robotics, cloud, analytics and emerging technologies to help their clients adapt to the digital world and make them successful. A company recognized globally for its comprehensive portfolio of services, strong commitment to sustainability and good corporate citizenship.   Wipro currently has over 200,000 dedicated employees serving clients across six continents.

Wipro Philippines, a Hall of Famer in International ICT Awards, boasts of five sites in the Philippines, all of them are ISO 27001:2013 certified. All sites undergo SSAE16 audit on an annual basis to ascertain ITGC controls standardization across the organization.

Wipro Philippines received unqualified audit report in the last 2 years from SSAE16 standpoint, signifying that the governance and control mechanism implemented across Wipro Philippines are benchmarked globally and are best in class.

CIB.O INDUCTS 19 NEW MEMBERS; AWARDS RESILIENT COMPANIES

October 18, 2021 

The Cebu IT-BPM Organization held its second Virtual General Membership Meeting (GMM) and Induction of new members on Friday, October 8, 2021. The event was highlighted with a Corporate Excellence Awards program launched by the organization this year to recognize members who have proven their resilience, excelled in their operations and were still able to extend corporate social responsibility programs despite the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This gathering was nothing short of a celebration as last year the organization was unable to have a full GMM because of the uncertainties of the pandemic.  Back then, everybody was just beginning to appreciate the dreadful extent and horror of the pandemic, and there was no end in sight.  This year is different, the organization and its members are all working together with vaccine shots in the arm, preparing to resume work in full force. The industry is finally moving beyond the crisis. 

It is highly notable that the organization has accepted and inducted 19 new member companies in the middle of the pandemic. Not too many business support organizations (BSO’s) were able to do that, especially in Cebu.

The First Corporate Excellence Awards were presented by CIB.O to member companies who have excelled in the following specific areas and by hurdling uncertainties given the advent of the pandemic.

A. HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT (HSEP)

In this category, we have recognized the organizations' successful implementation of policies to prevent workplace accidents and injuries, increase safety awareness, and meet the requirements of environmental and occupational health and safety laws and requirements.

B. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) in recognition of the organizations' contributions and impact to society.

These recognitions were carefully assessed and were given by CIB.O based on external and self-nominations. To deserve consideration for these Awards, a nominee must have performed continuing service/s, outreach activities from January 2020 in any form relative to the category that they applied for, and were not awarded solely in recognition of one’s performance and financial contributions to CIB.O.

These awards were intended to recognize especially those who have actively helped their recipients or beneficiaries independently or through the Cebu IT-BPM Organization.

In recognition of their notable programs on HEALTH, SAFETY AND THE ENVIRONMENT, HSEP Excellence Awards were given to the following companies:

In recognition of their notable programs on CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR), recognizing the organizations' contributions and impact to society, the CSR Excellence Awards were given to the following companies:

CIB.O APPOINTS NEW
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

May 18, 2021 


The Board of Trustees of Cebu IT/BPM Organization (CIB.O) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Salvador “Buddy” Villasis as Executive Director.  Mr. Villasis, stepped into the organization, replacing Mr. Wilfredo “Jun” Sa-a who retired last year.  

Mr. Villasis packs with him a strong background in commerce and development communication; international trainings in trade facilitation and customs operations during his brief stint with the United Nations Trade Point program. He previously served as Executive Director of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).  His trainings in “intellectual property” with IPOPhils and the World Intellectual Property Organization contributed to the realization of CCCI’s appointment as one of the Innovation and Technology Support Offices (ITSO) in Cebu.  He has over 20 years of progressive experience in international trade consulting, business franchising, distribution, logistics, shipping, intellectual property, investments, portfolio management, and trade facilitation in general. He currently serves as business development consultant and independent director of private companies.  

As CIB.O Executive Director, Mr. Villasis will be responsible for the daily operations of the organization ensuring that policies, programs and projects are implemented according to the directions set by the organization. 

He will oversee budgeting, personnel and strategic planning among other tasks ensuring that the interests of the organization’s members are served effectively in line with CIB.O’s vision that Cebu will be the international choice IT/BPM location for higher value services and to develop and promote the strengths of Cebu and sustain the growth of its IT/BPM industry.

IT/BPM Industry:
Economic Driver of Cebu

A decade and a half ago, during the largest annual event outside Manila, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (CCCI) Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2005, with the theme ‘Cebu Gearing Up for Global Play’, the IT/BPM industry got strategically recognized as one of the twin-win economic drivers of Cebu. The other economic driver was the Tourism industry with the flagship countryside tourism promotion program, ”SuroySuroy Sugbo’ launched during the same CBM event.

The accompanying aggressive marketing and promotional campaigns, which included road shows in Bangalore and Hyderabad in India, Beijing and Shanghai in China, Hong Kong and Singapore, culminated in the holding of the country’s first IT/BPM international conference in June 2005 in Cebu.

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was guest of honor and keynote speaker, and the signature event attracted international speakers, delegates, and more importantly, industry investors who would later invest in the first IT economic zone outside Luzon, Asiatown IT Park which was later renamed Cebu IT Park (CITP), as well as in other areas of Cebu City.

So strong was the industry growth that after finishing a one-storey, 11,000 sq. meter building in 2005, high rise IT buildings started to sprout, resulting in a vibrant and dynamic IT Economic Zone.

The old Cebu Domestic Airport in 1989 (Photo by Mr. Fred Umabong) 
Now transformed to Cebu IT Park(Photo by Mr. Art Balaga of Style Assembly Multimedia) 

THE CONTACT CENTER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD SINCE 2010-PHILIPPINES: CEBU NEXT TO MANILA

The phenomenal growth of the IT/BPM industry in Cebu reached its tipping point in 2010. That year saw the conversion of a 50-hectare Cebu Business Park (CBP) into a much larger economic zone. This happened during the final years of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) who, after seeing the Cebu IT Park as a great success formula, challenged the former president of Cebu Holdings, Inc. (CHI), Francis Monera, to produce another economic zone in Cebu. 

It transpired that CHI’s Monera had already worked with PEZA’s Director General Lilia de Lima on an Economic Zone Certificate for CBP that only lacked a Presidential Proclamation. On the spot, GMA announced CBP as a much bigger economic zone. The Presidential Proclamation was followed by an all-time high construction boom in the following years, particularly in Cebu Business Park (see Photo 3 showing the transformation of the former Club Filipino de Cebu golf course into a full blown business and financial district).


The Former Club Filipino Golf Course 
Now transformed to Cebu Business Park (Photo by Mr. Art Balagaof Style Assembly Multimedia) 

A GRAPH REFLECTING THE BOOM IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AFTER 2010


Direct employment which was estimated at 1,200 in 2001 has exponentially grown to around 170,000 in the current year. The diversity of expertise offered by the outsourcing industry such as call center operations, IT outsourcing, shared services operations, research and development, engineering services, to banking/insurance services, and the health information management services has since widened and deepened in terms of complexity. Due to this the Philippines, particularly the cities of Manila and Cebu, were recognized as the “Contact Center Capital of the World”. As the country strengthened its position in the industry, it became imperative for major contact center companies to establish a location in the country with Cebu being a top choice due to the city’s considerable amount of English-speaking talent, as well as a neutral accent within the province.

In 2008 Cebu City was catapulted to No. 1 in the listing of the Top 50 Emerging Global Outsourcing Cities, and peaked at the No. 7 spot on the Global Outsourcing Destinations listing of 2016, with both recognitions granted by Tholons Digital Marketing Index - a full-service strategic advisory firm for global outsourcing advisory and investments.

On the 2017 list of Super Cities of the World, Cebu City’s position dipped to No. 12 after Tholon’s changed the criteria to incorporate the Innovation Ecosystem and Digital Transformation in their new list. On the 2019 list, Cebu City inched up to No.11.

Looking back, the Cebu Educational Development Foundation for IT (CEDFIT) was formed during the First Cebu IT Summit in March 2001. CEDFIT is a consortium of IT industry players and universities/colleges responsible for Cebu’s human resource development. It was transformed on May 22, 2017 into what is now popularly known as Cebu IT/BPM Organization (CIB.O) during the Transformation Summit, which is now a full-time industry association dedicated to sustain Cebu’s IT/BPM industry as it shifts towards providing higher value IT and IT-enabled services.

CIB.O BOARD OF TRUSTEES TOASTS CEDFIT’S TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS, CIB.O’S PROSPECTS, AND CEBU’S IT/BPM INDUSTRY’S GROWTH AND PROSPERITY. 


Based on a recent list by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Cebu City is home to more than 400 IT/BPM locators with an industry estimate of around 170,000 directly-employed individuals as of December 2019. The income generated through direct employment is estimated at Php33.2 B annually, with an added Php53.0B[1] from indirectly employed individuals. This brings the income contributed by the outsourcing industry to about Php86.2B per year in the local economy. The industry advantage of providing its members a pay grade above the minimum wage allows for more disposable income coming from the new middle class of Cebu. This means that not only is the industry funneling money through industry expenditures, it also allows for more disposable income to be spent within the province.

(L-R: CIB.O President Gregg Gabison, CIB.O Vice President Elena Palacios, CIB.O Trustee Anthony Noel, CIB.O Chairman Francis Monera, CIB.O Trustees Franklin Pasayloon, Edwin Paul and Jigger Escario, and CIB.O Managing Director Jun Sa-a) 

THE DIVERSITY OF CEBU’S OUTSOURCING INDUSTRY 


Cebu is now home to most of the big outsourcing players present in Metro Manila such as Concentrix (formerly Convergys), Teleperformance, Accenture, Teletech, ePerformax, JPMorgan and Chase, IBM, Optum, Conduent ,QBE, Manulife, Results, Telstra, EXL, etc. Further, the city proudly boasts of some of its Cebu-based operations such as Lexmark R & D and Lexmark Shared Services, Lear’s Philippine Engineering and Technology Center, NEC, Qualfon, Dash Engineering, Inc., AZPIRED, NCR’s R & D, Mercedes-Benz Shared Services, Wipro, Bombardier, Author Solutions, Ameeratel, Alliance Software and FPT Software. Recently, Cebu City continued to capture some new players Fujitsu, Dover Business Solutions, and Kuehne + Nagel. Added most recently is the first contact service site of another prestigious company, AMAZON in the Philippines.

FROM CEDFIT TO CEBU IT BPM.ORGANIZATION (CIB.O)


With the exponential growth of the IT/BPM industry of Cebu, making it one of the “twin-win” economic drivers earlier stated, industry and academe leaders decided to transform CEDFIT into a full time industry association. CEDFIT thus became Cebu IT BPM.Organization, or CIB.O.

This transformation was launched during the 2017 “Transformation Summit” - the main IT/BPM industry event of Cebu. Beyond the usual human resource development activities, CIB.O is now officially marketing the city to potential locators, ensuring that the needs of the IT/BPM companies are addressed as related to both local and national concerns. CIB.O continues to organize the annual industry event now called the “Transformation Summit” to gather industry, academe, government, support groups, and other stakeholders to sustain the growth of the industry


CIB.O Chairman Francis Monera addresses the audience at the 2017 Transformation Summit held at Marco Polo Cebu 
CIB.O gets the Flare Award in 2018 

CIB.O CONTINUES TO TRAILBLAZE AND EVOLVE

The great success of the IT/BPM industry in bringing jobs and business opportunities in Cebu City, has inspired other cities in the Philippines to convert their cities into IT/BPM Hubs; thus competition from within the country is heating up. But being the trailblazer, and blessed with our superb infrastructure- power/telco/international airport, the abundance of qualified talent and its strategic location, Cebu’s hold on the industry is deeply rooted. The highly collaborative IT/BPM ecosystem of Cebu, engineered by CIB.O, has always been a very crucial ingredient to its success.

The coming of Artificial Intelligence(AI), robotics, process automation, data analytics, higher value services, data security, and our K to 12 transition, are all becoming real challenges of the industry. Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and process automation may displace 30-50% of the BPM workers, but at the same time these developments create opportunities for higher value work requiring experience and more analytical skills. The higher value services that CIB.O and its members aspire to continue providing will require more skills, experience, and training for Cebu’s workforce. This, in turn, requires early exposure to computer aided education, augmented with online learnings. Cebu City has trained its senior high school teachers in the basics of Coding/ Programming in partnership with the Coders Guild of the Philippines, Cebu City School Board, Cebu City DepEd, DICT and CIB.O with the support of its members and the private sector.

The teachers started training the senior high students in five select public high schools in June 2019. The target was to initially train 200 students at the rate of 40 students per school but ended up with more than 500 students trained. These students will be for industry immersion starting in Nov 2020. The engagement of the students was surprisingly very good and some schools even finished the training in one semester, instead of the planned three semesters.

 With this very positive response from the schools, CIB.O together with Cebu City School Board and Cebu City DepEd have decided to offer a more advanced Coding Training on introduction to Java Programming in April 2020. All this is designed to make Cebu City (in the very near future) the First City of Coders in the Philippines, with our partners. CIB.O is committed to improve the skills of our teachers and consequently the employable talents needed for the IT/BPM industry.