De-mystification

Last month, the local government in Cebu City announced a P2 million (US$37 million) scholarship program intended to benefit some 800 individuals by providing them with free two-week call center work training. Once the individual is hired as an agent, his or her employer would have to remit P2, 500 back to the local government.

These programs initiated by the government and private sector helps reduce what Chris Mangelson, president of Cebu-based call center Western Wats, refers to as the 'mystification' of the industry among local residents.