ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Philippines Feb. 1 (NNN-PNA) — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday underscored the important role of information and communications technology (ICT) in improving the country?s economy and providing thousands of jobs to the Filipino people.

As she formally started her nationwide cyber corridor tour at the Angeles University Foundation here, the President noted the rapid development of the ICT industry in the country, which she said her administration has created almost from scratch.

The Chief Executive said the Philippines now ranks as among the most attractive business process outsourcing (BPO) destinations in the world due to cost competitiveness and highly trainable English proficient IT enabled management and manpower.

“That?s why I am very proud of our cyber corridor,? the Chief Executive said as she related how the ICT industry grew from virtually nothing in year 2001.

She said the number of workers in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector has ballooned from only 4,000 in 2001 to almost 500,000 at present mainly due to government?s rational and strategic act to foster a digital culture that maximized the benefits of ICT.

The 500,000 jobs created in the BPO industry are part of the legacies she will leave when she steps down from office in June, the Chief Executive said.

President Arroyo said her administration has accomplished this major development as the government has concentrated on three areas, namely, building of physical infrastructure that included telecommunications and network infrastructure; ensuring an appropriate policy and legal environment so as to create an environment to grow ICT; and, development of human capital to close the digital divide.

In terms of technical educational skills training, she also said her administration has invested three times that of three previous administrations combined.

ICT is one of the strongest contributors to the country?s flourishing economy. At present, there are 750 ICT companies located in the cyber corridor.

The President also noted that Pasig, Cebu and Mandaluyong are ranked among the top 50 cities worldwide suited for BPO operations.

?I am very proud to tell you that next to Metro Manila and Metro Cebu which our original ICT Center of Excellence, the third most popular destination for BPO investments is none other than here in Pampanga,? she also said.

With this major accomplishment, the President said she is determined to turn over to the new government a new Philippines – one which is ready for the challenges ahead. — NNN-PNA

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