26 January 2016 – Philippine Consul General to New York Mario De Leon, Jr. welcomed the Philippine IT BPO Council to the Official Residence in a business networking reception to celebrate the success of the previous year and usher 2016 with optimism for growth in the IT BPO industry. Madame Eleanor De Leon and Ms. Judy Arteche-Carr, the principal organizer, accompanied by Deputy Consul General Kira Danganan-Azucena, Trade Representative JP Inigo and Consul Bong Carino were in attendance to support the event.
In his remarks, Consul General De Leon conveyed the Philippines’ narrative of economic growth on the platform of anti-corruption, transparency, and good governance policies initiated by the leadership of President Aquino. This platform became the foundation of the Philippines’ sustained economic growth for several quarters that were cited internationally. As a result, the Philippines improved significantly in the Heritage Foundation Index of Economic Freedom (76th place), the Global Corruption Index, and the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report (52nd place). He cited the BPO IT industry as an anchor of economic growth that enabled the Philippines to become the new Tiger of Asia.
Ms. Arteche-Carr acknowledged the support of the Consulate General for the Philippine IT BPO Council since its inception in the early 2000s. She acknowledged Consul General De Leon’s vision and leadership in furthering awareness of the industry in New York and globally. She also thanked supporters and American partners in the IT BPO industry who continue to value their partnership; citing, in particular, Mr. Frank Sirianni (VP & CIO, Fordham University), Mr. Neil Brandmaier (Senior Vice President, Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, CDPHP), and Mr. Frank Wadsworth (Head, Supplier Risk Management, Bloomberg LP), members of the BPO IT Advisory Board. She likewise mentioned the important role of HIC Alumni International led by Dr. Mila Benedicto, who is the current Chair, Mr. Sol Galindo and Ms. Mila Naputo-Almeda as Board Members, and Ms. Arteche-Carr as current President.
The party was capped by a superb performance led by Mr. Manuel Braganza III, a noted Filipino singer in Broadway; Ms. Kaori Fujii, a flutist; and Ms. Tess Barquia, a pianist.
The Consulate General, in cooperation with the Philippine Trade and Investment Offices, has partnered with the Philippine BPO IT Council based in New York to promote the industry among mainstream American companies, particularly in finance, health care/ health management, legal and accounting services sectors. By 2016, the IT BPO Industry in the Philippines is expected to grow to a US$ 25 billion revenue-generating industry employing about 1.3 million Filipinos. END