TOP US business-process outsourcing (BPO) firm Convergys Corp. has renewed its long-term commitment to invest in the Philippines, its president and chief executive officer assured President Aquino in New York City.
Malacañang said in a press statement that Convergys President and CEO Jeffrey Fox informed Mr. Aquino of his company’s recommitment plans during a courtesy call at the Guggenheim Room of the Omni Berkshires Hotel on Monday, US time.
“I met with President Aquino to re-emphasize the partnership and growth opportunities that Convergys and the country of the Philippines have together and to confirm our long-term commitment to invest in the Philippines,” Fox said.
He said the President, in turn, recommitted his administration’s support for the industry.
“We appreciate everything that the government does to make sure that we’re good partners,” Fox said, adding that Mr. Aquino has “a history of being engaged and very supportive of not only our industry but I think all industries that can bring quality jobs to the Philippines.”
In another meeting, another leading BPO company, EXL Services, has informed the President it has chosen the Philippines as one of its “model centers” that will supply highly trained and skilled workers to cater to clients with “higher-end” needs.
EXL Executive Vice President Bill Bloom said he told the President of his company’s growing base of clients that need higher-end services demanded by professionals in the health and business sectors.
“So that would include work that is typically provided to physicians, nurses or lawyers or accountants and we’re building models such that we can offer those services to our clients here in the US from our centers in the Philippines,” Bloom said.
In another meeting, Mr. Aquino discussed possible investments by potential investors in the Philippine coconut industry.
Secretary Ramon Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office said the possible investments were relayed to Mr. Aquino in separate meetings with executives of Pepsi Corp., American beverage company Vita Coco and Filipino-based Fiesta Coco Equity.
Quoting Carandang, a Palace statement said PepsiCo, Vita Coco and Fiesta Coco Equity were aware of the growing demand for coconut water in the United States and other countries as an alternative to carbonated sodas for health reasons.
“These companies want to source the demand for coconut water from the Philippines. This is a big opportunity for our coconut industry and for our farmers,” Carandang said.
While PepsiCo did not cite any particular numbers during the meeting, Carandang said the company is “serious” in its plans to expand its coconut-harvesting operations in the Philippines because of its “huge potential.”
Malacañang said Vita Coco co-founder and CEO Michael Kirben and Fiesta Coco Equity President Romeo Chan said they had just signed an agreement to increase the production and harvesting of coconut water.
Chan said his company, which has coconut plantation in Misamis Occidental, has pledged to supply the demand of Vita Coco and to invest $15 million over the next four years not only to harvest coconut water but to do its part in preserving the resource by planting more coconut trees in the country.
“Generally we discussed the coconut industry in the Philippines and how there’s a lot of room to bring rebirth to the industry, in general,” Kirben said.
