The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) President Jack Madrid raised the ongoing challenges posed by the inconsistencies in local government rules. These laws and regulations show varying and inconsistent interpretations in few cities. He noted that the Local Government units (LGUs) may have differing procedures for renewing local business permits, with some even requiring employees’ health certificates.

Addressing inconsistencies at the LGU level is a complex issue due to the national government’s limited influence. On the other hand, IBPAP is actively working with lawmakers to identify viable solutions.
IBPAP is one of the significant players in the Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector which remains pivotal to the growth of the country’s ecozones as announced by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). Its effort contributes to the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) by boosting export performance in the services sector, thereby establishing the Philippines as a producer of high-value products and services by 2028.

Consequently, IBPAP launched its Philippine IT-BPM Industry Roadmap 2028, aiming for a 10.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the next six years, with US$59 billion annual revenue by 2028. IT-BPM’s projection for 2024 is between $36.8B and $39.6B in revenue.

IBPAP official said that the IT-BPM industry’s rebranding strategy will change the public perception and expand the horizon for viable opportunities to address challenges hindering the industry’s growth, such as lack of talent. This harmonizes the role of the private sector in supporting one of the PEDP critical industry interventions in addressing constraints to production in human resource development.

To tackle this issue, the Export Development Council (EDC) can play a pivotal role in monitoring progress by strengthening its collaboration with government agencies, including the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).

It is indeed crucial to harmonize the role of both the public and private sectors to intensify and sustain collaborations. Hence, the government mandated ARTA through RA 11032 “Ease of Doing Business Act” to provide an enabling, business-friendly environment with policy and regulatory support to empower our Philippine exporters. Read more here. AOB