//rina-alcantara.com

The Philippines is one of the ten most vulnerable countries cited to be affected by severe weather conditions due to climate change. Our country not only sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, it is also susceptible to typhoon disasters as it lies on the path of storms that are formed in the western Pacific every year. Last December 17 and 18, 2011, villages in eight provinces in Southern Mindanao witnessed typhoon Sendong’s wrath. The heavy rains brought by Sendong severely devastated Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City the most. Massive landslides and flash floods swept the villages, raising the death toll to more than 900 dead bodies, with hundreds more missing.

Survivors of the tragedy and thousands of affected families are housed in various evacuation centers. They are in need of food, clothing, water, medicine, and other basic necessities. In cooperation with Everything Cebu, I am urging my fellow Cebuanos to help our brothers and sisters in Mindanao.

If you want to aid our kababayans in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, here‘s what you can do:

(1)    Donate in kind. You can bring your donations to assigned drop-off centers.

What you can donate:

• Non-perishable goods/food: rice, canned goods, instant noodles, milk.
• bottled drinking water
• clothing, shoes, slippers, underwear
• baby supplies, diapers
• Personal hygiene products: shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, soap, sanitary napkins, etc.
• blankets, mats, sleeping bags, mosquito nets
• body bags, formalin, body caskets
• medical supplies/medicines: Antibiotics (broad spectrum for adults and children), Anti-tetanus, Paracetamol, Cephalexin, Oral Rehydration Salts, Agua Oxenada, Antacid tablets and suspension, Metronidazole suspension, Erythromycin suspension, Isopropyl and Ethyl alcohol, Salbutamol, Cotrimoxazole, gauze pads and bandages.

(2)    Donate money through banks and other designated centers.

(3)    Aid in packing and distributing relief goods and bundles of joy.

You can course your donations (in kind or cash) through the following centers:

1. Philippine Red Cross(Cash and check donations via bank deposit must be payable to The Philippine Red Cross.)

a. Bank Accounts:

Banco De Oro

Peso: 00-453-0018647

Dollar: 10-453-0039482

Swift Code: BNORPHMM

Bank of the Philippine Islands

Peso: 4991-0036-52

Dollar: 004994-0103-15

Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

Metrobank

Peso: 151-3-041631228

Dollar: 151-2-15100218-2

Swift Code: MBTCPHMM

Philippine National Bank

Peso: 3752 8350 0034

Dollar: 3752 8350 0042

Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

Unionbank of the Philippines

Peso: 1015 4000 0201

Dollar: 1315 4000 0090

Swift Code: UNPHPHMM

Note: Please fax the bank transaction slip to these Telefax Nos. (+63) (32) 527-0575 or (+63) (32) 404-0979 with your name, address and contact number for receipt confirmation.

b.      SMS

Text RED (space) AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart)

You can donate the following denominations:

Globe: 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1000

Smart: 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1000

2.       Globe Subscribers

Globe subscribers can donate through GCASH. Just text DONATE and send to 2882.

3.       Smart Subscribers

Smart subscribers can send their donations through Smart Money. Donations can instantly be transferred to the official Baha Fund account number, which is 5577 5130 6822 1104. Cash deposits can be coursed through the same Smart Money account number in any Banco De Oro branch or through Hapinoy and Cebuana Lhuiller outlets.

4.       ONE FOR ILIGAN Campaign by Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc.

You can drop your donations at Seawalk Trading, A.S. Fortuna, Mandaue City, Cebu. For more details, visit http://iliganbloggers.com.

Money donations are also accepted via:

Union Bank

Account Name: Revilla N. Carbonell-Noel

Account Number: 109451077611

PayPal.com

Account name: Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc.

5.       GMA KAPUSO FOUNDATION

GMA Kapuso Foundation has launched “Tabang Para sa Mindanao.” You can drop your donations (in kind or cash) until December 23, 2011 at Plaza Sugbo, near the Cebu City Hall. Donations are also accepted at the GMA Network Complex, in Nivel Hills, Apas, Cebu City.

Money donations are also accepted via these bank accounts:

Metro Bank (Peso Savings)

Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.

Account Number: 3-098-51034-7

Metro Bank (Dollar Savings)

Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.

Account Number:2-098-00244-2

Code: MBTC PH MM

United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB Peso Savings)

Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.

Account Number:115-184777-2 or 160-111277-7

United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB Dollar Savings)

Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.

Account Number: 01-115-301177-9 or 01-160-300427-6

6.       ABS-CBN SAGIP KAPAMILYA

You can bring your donations to the ABS CBN Cebu Head Office located at the National Highway, in Jagobiao, Mandaue City, Cebu or at the Fuente Police Station.

Money donations can be deposited through these bank accounts:

BDO (Peso Account)
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 39301-14199
Swift Code: BNORPHMM

BDO (Dollar Account)
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 39300-81622
Swift Code: BNORPHMM

PNB (Peso Account)
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 419-539-5000-13
Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

BPI (Peso Account)
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 3051-1127-75
Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

BPI (Dollar Account)
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 3054-0270-35
Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

7. iSTORYA.NET

The Visayan online community, in partnership with the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals in Cagayan de Oro, will ensure that donations from Cebu are properly distributed.

You can drop your donations at the following outlets:

• iSTORYA.NET office located at Rm. 201 MIT Building, Gorordo Ave., Lahug, Cebu City (beside Jollibee J.Y. Square)
• PRG Photoshop at Baseline Complex, Juana Osmeña St., Cebu City (Monday-Saturday 10AM-6PM)
• Alberto’s Pizza at A.S. Fortuna (near the Banilad Flyover), Mandaue City (Sunday-Saturday 9AM-2AM)
• Insotec Computers at 2900 Osmena St., Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City (Monday-Saturday 9AM-6PM)

Cash donations can be deposited through PayPal account: paypal@istorya.net. Make sure to specify that the deposited amount is for “Operation Sendong”.

8.       HelpCDO by CDO Bloggers

Cash donations can be deposited through PayPal account: francis.siason@gmail.com

9.       Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

Cash donations may be dropped at the DSWD Office VII, which is located at MJ Cuenco Avenue Corner Gen. Maxilom Avenue, Brgy. Carreta, Cebu City.

10. SM City Cebu

SM City Cebu and SM Foundation, Inc. launched “Operation Tulong” for typhoon Sendong victims. You may drop your donations in kind at the lower ground floor of the main mall (between Air Philippines and Country Crafts). SM City Cebu is located at the North Reclamation Area, Cebu City.

11. Ayala Center Cebu

Donations are accepted at The Terraces (in front of Lemon Grass). Ayala Center Cebu is located at Cebu Business Park, Cebu City.

12. Parkmall

Parkmall’s drop-off center is located at the West Atrium (near Electrolux/Family Appliance). Parkmall is located at Ouano Avenue, Mandaue Reclamation Area, Cebu.

13. One for Iligan Cebu

One for Iligan Cebu will also help deliver assistance to Iligan City. You may bring your donations to these drop off centers:

(a)    Manila Bulletin-Cebu branch at Jakosalem cir. Zamora Sts., Parian, Cebu City;

(b)   Echavez Dental Clinic at Room 208-209 of the Medalle Building in Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City (beside McDonalds and Watsons); and

Warehouse Gate 1, W.B. Seno St., North Reclamation, Tipolo, Mandaue City (at the back of Parkmall).

14. The following establishments will ship your donations for free:

• Bigby’s Café & Restaurant (Ayala Center Cebu branch)
• any McDonald’s branch
• any LBC branch
• any JRS Express branch
• any Air 21 and Mail and More branch
• any Cebuana Lhuillier branch

Information for Cagayan de Oro residents

-Free Water

• Rainsoft in NHA highway (beside Mazda)
• Balulang Booster Station
• Production well 3a near Macasandig
• COWD Kauswagan Office
• Faucet near MUST
• some fire hydrants near GSIS Carmen and other areas with BFP coordination
• Pepsi Cola Philippines in Tin-ao, Agusan, Cagayan de Oro

-Free Tawag Centers

• GLOBE

Cagayan de Oro: Xavier University and City Central School

Iligan: MSU-IIT, Iligan City National High School

• Smart Libre Tawag, Internet and Cellphone Charging

Philcom Office at Max Suniel St., Carmen, Cagayan de Oro.

-Free outpatient consultation and tetanus shots at the Polymedic Medical Plaza for flood-related injuries. The doctor will be there daily.

For International Donors:            

All LBC branches in the following countries are accepting donations:

• US
• Canada
• KSA
• Singapore
• UAE
• HK
• Taiwan
• Malaysia
• Taiwan
• UK
• Spain
• Brunei
• Australia
• Italy

//seasite.niu.edu

Does the closing in of the “ber” months ring a nostalgic bell? If so, you must be a Filipino by heart. Filipinos, a.k.a Pinoys, can’t help but feel the Christmas spirit as the first day of September arrives and the countdown to Christmas cheerfully begins. You will start seeing homes or tree branches along the roads glittering with Christmas lights and decorations, Christmas songs played over the radio, and even kids hopping from one house to another singing Christmas carols as early as October.

Pinoys, for the most part, are a very lively and happy people. These two distinct traits are much noticeable, especially during the Christmas season. The Philippines, being one of the biggest Catholic countries in Asia, celebrates Christmas for a longer span of time compared to other countries that observe Christmas as well. In fact, the country is known to celebrate the world’s longest Christmas season, which starts as early as September and ends during the Epiphany or commonly known as Three Kings’ Day.

What distinguishes the Pinoys’ ways of celebrating the Yuletide season from other Christian nations are the unique Christmas traditions they observe that have stood against the test of time and have been passed on from one generation to another. Allow me to talk about the impressive Christmas traditions I’ve witnessed throughout my stay in Cebu.

Misa de Gallo or Early-Morning Mass

Misa de Gallo, otherwise known as Simbang Gabi, is a series of dawn masses that begins every 16^th of December and ends on the 24^th of December. This tradition traces back to the Spanish-colonial regime when priests celebrate early morning masses so that farmers, who work all day long, can still have time to rest in the evening. Since then, this tradition has continued in all parts of the country and in every parish. For Filipinos, completing the nine masses not only heightens the anticipation of Jesus’ birth but also shows the believer’s deep devotion towards God. More and more generations are also inclined to practice this tradition in the belief that their special wishes will be granted upon the completion of the nine-day dawn mass. Nevertheless, it’s quite impressive to see devotees stick to this tradition of waking up early for nine straight days to complete the Christmas novena.      

//365greatpinoystuff

Christmas Eve and Noche Buena

For the Filipino Catholics, the Christmas Eve (Bisperas ng Pasko) is always celebrated with a Midnight Mass, which is unsurprisingly flocked by devotees. They feel that their Christmas would not be complete unless they are able to attend the Christmas Eve Mass. The mass usually starts around 8:00-10:00 in the evening of December 24, and sometimes lasts until an hour before December 25. Families then go back to their houses to celebrate and feast on their Noche Buena (Christmas Eve dinner). A combination of western and Filipino cuisine is usually prepared, such as roasted pig (lechon baboy) or roasted chicken, queso de bola, ham, pizza, ice cream, barbeque, and other Filipino delicacies that goes well with wine and beer. Christmas gifts are also exchanged among family members. This is relatively the time for families to bond and have fun.

Misa de Aguinaldo

Many families attend the Misa de Aguinaldo or the mass of Thanksgiving for the Birth of Christ on December 25. Most Filipinos perceive Christmas Day as a family affair, thus they take the time to visit their relatives and loved ones. Children usually visit their godparents, hoping to receive Christmas gifts.

Panunuluyan

This is the traditional reenactment of pregnant Mary and Joseph’s journey to find a place where Mary could give birth to Jesus. The actors portraying Joseph and Mary will be visiting pre-designated homes, whose owners will cruelly reject them. They eventually find their way to the church where a small stable is being set up.

Christmas Parties

Pinoys are fond of celebrating the Yuletide season by holding office or school parties before the Christmas holidays. Fun activities, such as parlor games, musical performances and dance numbers, are apparent during the party. Of course, the traditional exchange of gifts through Manito-Manita or Kris Kringle is almost always present in every Christmas party. These parties usually take place during the second week of December, or just before the schools and offices go on holiday.

Niños Inocentes

Niños Inocentes, also known as Holy Innocents’ Day, is observed on the 28^th of December. Never be fooled by anyone on this day as this is the December version of the April Fools Day. Most Filipinos celebrate this day by playing pranks on one another.

New Year’s Eve Feast

Filipino families gather for their Media Noche (midnight meal) on the 31^st of December. This feast symbolizes their hopes for a prosperous New Year. Loud noises can be heard at the strike of 12 midnight and firework displays can be seen in the night skies. Others opt for the safer way of merrymaking like toy horns (torotot), banging pots, blowing car horns, or clashing kitchen utensils.

Family Reunions

For Pinoys, Christmas is the best time to gather around and be reunited with other family members and relatives. It’s also the time to get reacquainted with distant relatives. Most Filipinos make this season as an annual tradition for gathering families and relatives.

Three Kings

The Epiphany or the Three Kings is celebrated every first Sunday after the New Year. This day officially ends the Christmas season for the Filipinos.

Parols

//nyclovesnyc.blogspot.com //flicker.com

Filipinos have also retained their traditional Christmas decorations in the form of parols. These star-shaped lanterns are as recognized to Filipinos as Christmas trees are to Westerners. The Christmas parols signify the Star of Bethlehem, which led the Three Kings to Jesus’ manger. Today, the original star-shaped parol has evolved to various shapes and forms that are more catchy and vibrant in appearance.

Belen

Aside from the traditional Filipino Christmas parol, the belen is another distinct Christmas symbol for the Filipinos. The belen is a representation of the Birth of Christ in the manger. A lot of outdoor belens can be seen in church or school surroundings. Several belen-making contests are held annually where residents or establishment of a baranggay may participate.

Caroling

Christmas in the Philippines is not complete without kids or even grown-ups going from one house to another to sing Christmas carols. This tradition is called caroling or “panaygon” in the Cebuano dialect. Some carolers make use of tambourines made of tansan that are flattened aluminum bottle caps. Every caroling ends with the chant “Maayong Pasko!,” which is a cue for the homeowners to reward them with money. If not for pure fun, this tradition is also a way for some Filipinos to raise funds that they can use for future goodwill projects.

http://www.kinkybluefairy.net/2010/10/how-to-choose-a-car/

Looking back, that was so much fun. But, now that I’m all grown up and drive my own car, I have come to realize that it’s no fun to be traveling on such rough roads. There’s nothing amusing about it at all. Driving through coarse terrains and merciless potholes not only leaves your body all worn out, but also lessens the life of your car, so to speak.

Just recently, I’ve witnessed new pavements and potholes being fixed. I am left wondering if the election is just around the corner or if these road projects are part of an early campaign for aspiring political candidates. This may sound funny, but sadly there’s some truth to my out-of-the-blue sentiments. Road repairs and developments are apparent once elections draw near. Not only that, you can see huge signs and big tarpaulins over such roads reminding everyone who paid for it and who did it.

I guess by now you’re getting what I mean. It’s just unfortunate that somehow this tactic still works in most cases. It’s almost like a defeated mindset. Of course, there are still honest ones who are doing their duties as public officials without hidden agendas at the back of their minds. I just wish there are more dedicated officials looking out for the betterment of the community and not for their own sakes. These thoughts often come to mind every time I see roads being fixed or developed.

In my years of living in Cebu, which I proudly call my home, I’ve realized that driving here is also quite different. Allow me to share some of the insights I’ve learned about the “rules of the road” that other expats might find useful in adapting with the driving styles in the Philippines.

• Speed Limit. If you are driving in the Philippines, there’s actually no need to worry about speed limits. In fact, speed limits are slightly enforced, if at all, so are other rules of the road. It’s like the traffic and road conditions dictate the rate of your speed, more than any speed limit sign or law. Here, the general speed limits are 60 km/hr as the minimum speed and 100 km/hr as the maximum rate. However, you’ll notice that most cars are actually driving over speed limit.
• Road Quality. Urban areas mostly have well-paved roads. However, some rural areas could have problems with potholes, lack of visible road signs and poor lighting. Road block signage or warning signs during road repairs are sometimes vaguely indicated by putting big rocks on the road. Mountain roads often don’t have guardrails and extra caution must be observed, especially when driving at night.
• Checkpoints. Various checkpoints can be set up during police operations. In such cases, you just need to slow down unless you are asked to pull over. Numerous government agencies, such as PNP, AFP or DENR, conduct checkpoints when looking for illegal loggers, poachers or guerilla members of NPA, Abu Sayyaf or MILF.
• Driving Style. Driving here could be nerve-racking for first-time drivers. You will experience being cut off frequently. Some drivers routinely pull into traffic without so much care at other oncoming vehicles. Driving precautions are regarded lightly and not strictly enforced. In fact, most drivers don’t have their seatbelts or helmets on. Drivers of passenger buses, taxis, or trucks can drive for 24 hours straight, as long as their body can tolerate. If DUI is strictly observed in the States, here it’s almost unenforced. Driving in the Philippines can be stressful, especially for foreigners, who are not used to the traffic flow and unpredictable driving situations. You have to pay close attention to your driving, and nothing else.
• Driver Liability. The driver is nearly always 100% accountable during collisions or road accidents, regardless of fault. You can be in deep trouble if you hit a pedestrian, more so if it’s a child, who perhaps crossed the street out of the blue. You can face a long strenuous court case and even a possible deportation.
• Pedestrians. You’ll see a lot of jaywalking here. Some people are way too undisciplined to wait for their turn to cross the street. People also have a curious habit of sitting idly on the side of the road, or worse, putting up stalls or “pongko-pongko” tables for their mini eatery business. During happy occasions like fiesta or holidays, you can expect jolly people walking at the streets. You must SOUND your horn should you see anyone not paying attention, lest you hit them, and it’s still going to be your fault.
• Vehicles. You are lucky if you are not caught by traffic enforcers while driving a car without headlights or taillights during the night. If you are driving at night, you can also expect some drivers not dimming their bright lights for incoming traffic. I have also witnessed some taxi drivers using the handbrakes to stop their car. Overloading is common, especially on commercial vehicles like public utility jeepneys. In very remote areas, you’ll be amazed to see commuters sitting on top of the bus or jeepney.
• Driving Attitude. Show aggressiveness when driving, but don’t be a jerk. If you’re driving in the Philippines, you are expected to follow closely, enter traffic and be fairly aggressive. There’s no time for hesitation as it might only cause accidents. You need to learn to decide quickly and commit.

Driving in the Philippines can be daunting at first, but you’ll get used to it. There are definitely many interesting things you’ll learn and discover while traversing the roads and highways of my motherland. With all the not-so-pleasant road encounters I’ve shared, I hope my fellow expats would still learn to love the country I consider my home. After all, Philippines is not just filled with warm and exuberant people, it is also endowed with numerous must-see tourist attractions.

Schools who didn’t offer a nursing course suddenly took advantage of the nursing boom and joined the bandwagon. Profit became the priority, rather than teaching. These schools lack the equipment and staff, unfortunately resulting to incompetent graduates. Although most students are able to graduate, most of them fail to pass the local board examinations.

Today, the oversupply of nurses in the Philippines is quite evident. The fortunate ones who are able to pass the local board exams are faced with more challenges. Because of the global economic crises, countries with high demand for nurses opt to employ their own citizens. Aside from this, a diploma and a license are not enough tickets to go abroad. Nurses are required two years experience before they could apply overseas. Hospitals don’t have vacancies so nurses are forced to apply as volunteers where instead of getting paid, they are the ones who pay the “training fees.” After acquiring the two years experience, nurses still have to pass other nursing exams like the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (GFNS) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to name a few.

Most nurses are discouraged with their chosen profession because the required two-year experience is difficult to attain, since volunteer positions only last three months. Aside from the hundreds of thousands of pesos they spent to finish their education, they still pay for more exams, volunteer fees and visa applications. They shed large amounts of money, defeating the purpose of taking up their course so they can go abroad and provide for their families. Instead of pursuing their carriers, nurses are forced to work in call centers and English as Secondary Language (ESL) schools. Some companies wouldn’t accept nursing graduates because of the fear that they would just leave after their applications abroad would be accepted.

Hence, the current dilemma, what is in store for our dear Filipino nurses? Sadly, not much. If you’re willing to wait in queue for your one-in-a-million chance of hitting the nursing jackpot, then go ahead, get a nursing degree. But if you’re in it for the huge boon, get Search Engine Optimization (SEO) training instead. Or enroll in a three-month Virtual Assistance course and immediately earn back your investment.

Visit http://www.ststrainingcenter.com/ and earn yourself a bona fide income-generating degree.

http://outsourcingopinions.com/2010/01/outsourcing-cebu-bpo-updates-2/

Metro Manila is the capital of the Philippines; the political, financial, educational, and social-cultural center that comprises nearly 30% of the entire country’s GDP.

It receives a large portion of the government budget, and Philippine events tend to focus more on Manila’s happenings. Of course, having a large population means more business opportunities, more workforce allocation, and consequently, more profit. Imports and exports are largely centered here, and grounding a business in Manila means having every resource at an arm’s reach away.

So why are outsourcing companies moving or relocating to Cebu? Or moving out to other major cities like Davao, Iloilo, or Bacolod for that matter? If Manila is so rife with economic opportunities, why do BPO companies prefer the remoteness of these outlying cities?

1) To escape the excesses of Metro Manila. Well, the list of negatives is long. The country’s capital is the most densely populated city in the world, with a population density of around 43,000 people per square kilometer. The density congests every area in the city and, with migrants from provinces coming in droves, crime goes up and safety for ordinary civilians plummets.

The city’s air pollution is also one of the worst in the world, with the pollutant particles making up nearly 60 micrograms of particles per cubic meter, almost 300% above acceptable levels.

Intense traffic problems is also a turn-off for most foreign investors wanting to establish businesses in the country. One hour or more traffic delay times are common in its congested streets.

The political turmoil in Manila is real and tangible, and even the rest of the country is easily swept by its chaos. Red tape and corruption among the government agencies are widespread.

With this list of harmful factors, no wonder BPO industries are trying their hand on other urban areas.

2) Cebu has established its integrity as a true BPO hub in Asia. A few years ago, Cebu emerged as one of the Top 50 Emerging Global Outsourcing Cities in a Thornton study, besting all other Asian cities in India and China. The achievement has convinced potential BPO investors to come to the city and set-up their businesses here.

Additionally, the quality of benefits offered by Cebu does not differ so much as with Manila’s. Literacy rate is high among the workforce. In fact, BPO companies actually work with the local schools and universities, producing graduates that are highly employable and competent. The cultural adaptability of Cebuanos with foreigners is the same, if not, better than their counterparts. Furthermore, Cebu already has the IT infrastructure capable of supporting a robust BPO industry.

During these financially-troubled times, more and more companies have resorted to ways that tend to lessen operating costs and expenses.  One of these alternatives is resorting to outsourcing.  It is the perfect choice for those who want the job done fast.  Moreover, outsourcing the job can be less expensive since you do not have to pay for other operating costs related to training the company workforce.

There are a lot of freelancers that provide a full range of professional services.  In view of their expertise and mastery over the job, these individuals know how to beat the clock.  In addition, hiring a freelancer to do the job would cost less compared to hiring an individual as an employee.

When the company hires an individual, it has to pay for costs relating to training and schooling for the job.  In addition, the company has to comply with the legal requirements relating to the individual’s employment.  But with outsourcing, it is much cheaper, and the output is much better since the job is performed by professionals that specialize in certain fields.

No wonder outsourcing has become a more popular alternative for many businesses that seek to lower their operating expenses.  It has played a significant role in improving revenue ratings and provided a meaningful solution to the work required by these businesses.

For more on this, visit Outsourcing Truths to learn more about it.

India

Educated and Talented Workforce. With over a billion inhabitants, India never seems to lack good talent. The technical expertise that we see in young Indians is the result of a rigorous education system that emphasizes science and mathematics at early levels of school. Consequently, Indian workers have a good grasp of qualitative and quantitative concepts, enabling them to comprehend the latest technologies and trends available. Indians are great English speakers too, producing 2.3 million English-speaking graduates.

High-end Technology. While data entry is still strong among outsourcing jobs in India, numerous offshore jobs going to India are consistently increasing in complexity and scope. The networking infrastructure in the country — telecom, ISP, and networking sectors — are intertwined to assist the growth of BPO-related jobs.

Pro-Outsourcing Government Stance. India’s government so far has favored the enormous growth of the I.T. sector. Landmark laws have been passed in order to facilitate the entry of foreign investment, international job offerings and outsourcing opportunities. A few of these measures include:

• Creating a separate governmental department — The Ministry of Information Technology — to handle all national I.T. projects and to simplify regulation.

• Passing the Information Technology Act of 2000, a body of law that seeks to regulate all e-Commerce and I.T.-related activities in the country. The issuance of cyberlaws makes India one of the select nations to consider on I.T. security.

Philippines

Cultural Affinity/Better Adaptability. It is no secret that Filipinos are better equipped in dealing with Westerners. Their English skills are comparatively better than other Asian neighbors, being influenced by several decades of American rule. Filipinos boast about their countrymen having a 95% literacy rate, and almost 80% of these are fluent in English.

As a result, Philippine English is more accent-muted; meaning there is a small of amount of discernable intonation and unfamiliar diction in their speech. Western culture is also ubiquitous in the country and widely-accepted. This makes it easier for Westerners to understand communication with the Filipinos, and lessens culture shock for them.

Service-oriented Workforce. In addition, both locals and foreigners admit that Filipinos are quite adept at dealing with people relationally. Decades of Malay, Chinese, and Spanish influences have developed the Filipino with a commendable gift of better relational skills. Consequently, they are more proficient in areas of customer service. No wonder many international firms choose to outsource their customer service departments to the Philippines, and that BPO industries are booming in this nation.

Active Government Support. Although the Philippines is relatively a newcomer in the outsourcing industry, it also has responded quickly to the emerging IT trend, setting up an atmosphere for job growth and foreign investment during the dot com boom.

• Creation of the Information Technology and E-Commerce Council (ITECC) and the E-Commerce Act of 2000 in order to handle and encourage the growth of the IT industry in the country. The cyber law also mandates the businesses to extend their services online, making local Philippine businesses available on the Web.

• Creation of the nation’s first Cyber Corridor, a network of cities having the most vigorous and productive IT and BPO hubs in the country. This national project aims to generate at least $13 billion in revenue this 2010, and employ more than a million Filipinos.

The best thing there is about outsourcing is that it frees one’s hands from dabbling with the particular outsourced job. In addition, it frees up company resources by allowing it to minimize IT expenditures. Accordingly, there is no need to spend for equipment since one does not need to set up an in-house personnel or department for that matter.

By simply letting others do the job, one can redirect its resources into the core business of the company. It relieves the executive and administrative team from dealing with human-resource problems as well as issues that deal with manpower.

Among the best things about outsourcing is that one can save on expenses relating to training. In addition, outsourcing also allows companies to gain access to an unlimited pool of talented individuals that possess specialized IT skills.

Outsourcing is the intelligent choice for companies who seek to save on operating expenses, and focus on its core business. Through this medium, one can significantly improve the business by being able to focus on providing the best quality products and services.

Why drain your resources when you can use it on matters that really count? Relieve yourself from the burden of costly operational expenses by simply outsourcing your IT needs. Visit Outsourcing Truths for more information.

Presidential Decree No. 851, or the 13th Month Pay Law, mandates all employers to pay all rank and file employees a 13th month pay on or before December 24 of each year. How is the 13th month pay in the Philippines computed? The 13th month pay is equivalent to one twelfth (1/12) of the basic salary within a calendar year. To be eligible for it, an employee must have worked for the employer for at least one month in that calendar year.

In the computation of the 13th month pay, the “basic salary” excludes overtime pay, earnings, sick leaves, vacation leaves, maternity leaves and other remunerations.

In cases where an employer withholds the 13th month pay, covered employees can direct their complaints to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) or the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC).

The 13th month pay is different from the Christmas bonus. The 13th month pay is mandated by law, whereas the Christmas bonus is paid at the sole discretion of the employer. The 13th month pay is taxable only for amounts that exceed Php 30,000.00 (Philippine pesos).

There are employers who are exempted from paying the 13th month pay, among which are government and government-owned corporations, employers of household helpers, and employers of those paid on commission or task basis. An outsourcer outside the Philippines can only be subject to the 13th month pay rule if the company has its own business units on Philippine grounds, duly registered with the appropriate government establishments. When the outsourcing arrangement is purely on a contractual freelance basis, the employer is not required to dole out the mandated bonus.

Indeed, the 13th month pay serves its purpose to lend extra financial aid to employees during the Christmas season, and at the same time boost employee morale.

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