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Writer's pictureMelo Acuna

Still on the POGO controversy

IBPAP says POGOs can never be BPOs

MANILA – The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) denied claims by certain sectors POGOs are BPOs.

In a statement, Rey Untal, IBPAP president and CEO said as far as their association is concerned, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators locally known as POGOS, cannot be considered Business Process Outsourcing because while BPOs are registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), POGOs are registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Mr. Untal added though BPOs and POGOs share one “extraneous similarity” which is their offshoring nature, POGOs primarily do so because they are unable to practice their betting or gambling functions in their country of origin. Gambling is reportedly prohibited in their country.

He said the jobs created in the IT-enabled BPOs are of higher value which require a range of technical, domain and soft skills which makes it different from the work in the game development sector which at times is mistaken to have similarities due to the gaming notion.

The BPOs have come to the Philippines to leverage off human capital with the strong English and technical skills, customer service orientation, dedication and the ability to adapt to foreign cultures. The industry, according to Mr. Untal directly benefitted millions of Filipinos through better employment opportunities.

“In the case of POGOs, majority of their staff comes from foreign labor brought into the country to support their operations,” Mr. Untal explained.

POGOs have not been part of the Annual IT-BPO Headcount and Revenue report last year. The BPO industry had 1.3 million direct employees and US$26.3 billion in reevenues. (Melo M. Acuña)


BPOs in the Philippines employ at least 1.3 million Filipinos, says IBAP President and CEO Rey Untal. (IBPAP Photos)


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