Philippine gaming regulator PAGCOR has pledged ongoing support for the nation’s Special Class Business Process Outsourcing (SCBPOs) companies, which provide local support to international gaming companies doing business in or around the Philippines.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco issued the promise on Wednesday amid concerns over the possible impact the recent ban on the offshore-facing POGO industry could have on supporting companies including BPOs.
BPOs are entities that support business operations in other countries, however SCBPOs differ slightly in that they are regulated by PAGCOR because they specifically cater to gaming companies abroad.
“The only difference from regular BPOs is that SCBPOs support the operations of legitimate gaming companies overseas, many of which are listed firms, by providing human resource, marketing, graphic design, accounting and other back office work,” Tengco said.
He did, however, note that SCBPOs are not permitted to directly engage in gaming operations such as taking or soliciting bets, and that the regulator regularly checked these companies to ensure they were not doing so.
Support of the SCBPO sector by PAGCOR is, Tengco explained, aimed at promoting quality jobs for Filipinos.
“We recognize the immense contribution of the SCBPOs in creating thousands of jobs for our countrymen, and we thank our foreign investors for recognizing the unique talent of our workers who provide excellent outsourced services for them,” Tengco said, adding that the sector employs close to 5,000 local workers.
PAGCOR hopes to further expand both their operations and local hiring because the foreign principals who run the SCBPO companies find Filipinos exceptionally talented, he added.
SCBPOs are mandated to hire Filipinos for at least 95% of their total work force, ensuring quality job opportunities for local workers who also receive above-average industry salaries.
“This industry has so much potential and we are fully committed to its growth and capability to generate more employment for our people,” Tengco explained.
