Philippines pushes IT services growth plan

MANILA -- Philippine Sen. Manuel Roxas III has proposed that the country create a five-year plan to expand its outsourcing reach from contact centers to larger and more advanced technology services providers.

Roxas told an audience at the e-Services Philippines 2006 CEO Forum here last month that his plan can help the country improve the technical skills of its workers. Providing an advanced workforce, he said, would persuade offshore firms to open facilities for more strategic activities, like software development and animation projects.

Roxas said the proposal calls on the federal government to "reconfigure" tax incentives given to foreign investors to ensure that those companies invest in education programs for their workers.

"The [Philippine outsourcing] industry needs to expand skill sets," he said. Workers need to be "more than just excellent in English and well acquainted with American culture," he added.