QC gov’t to help strengthen BPO community
A leading U.S.-based business process outsourcing (BPO) company – Afni unveiled a new floor at its Fairview office over the weekend, as it scales operations in the Philippines.
Daily TribuneA leading U.S.-based business process outsourcing (BPO) company – Afni unveiled a new floor at its Fairview office over the weekend, as it scales operations in the Philippines.
A ceremonial function was held on-site and attended by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, who reiterated her support for further developing the BPO industry in the city.
"The city's economy continues to grow thanks to the close partnerships we have with local businesses. Our commitment to developing the local BPO scene remains through the city government's various efforts, including improved ease of doing business. BPOs are a key player in the city's social development strategy through employment generation for Quezon City residents," Belmonte, who joined Afni executives in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at SMT4.
The Quezon City Government welcomed the growth and expansion of the BPO industry in the city as it provides thousands of job opportunities for QCitizens. It has also supported the training and seminars of Quezon City residents such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and new graduates.
"Afni has more than 8,000 employees in the Philippines, most of whom are in Quezon City. The company's goal is to generate more jobs that are close to people's homes—in view of our commitment to investing especially in Quezon City and the country's economy. Afni is celebrating ten years in Quezon City, and this is with much thanks to Mayor Joy Belmonte, whose support for BPOs allowed Afni to invest more in our operations in the city," Khalid Khursheed, Afni Vice President for Operations and Philippine Country Manager.
Afni's site at SM City Fairview Tower 4 (SMT4) is the company's second site in Quezon City while its Philippine headquarters is located along Commonwealth Avenue.
Afni started operations in Fairview in 2020 and opened its current SMT4 office two years later as the company celebrated its tenth anniversary in the country. Scaling operations in the Philippines comes after steady demand from its clients for customer engagement support services.
The expanded SMT4 site covers over 100,000 square feet across five floors and currently houses more than 4,000 employees. The new floor will allow a thousand more future employees to be accommodated in the building. The office is designed with employee wellness in mind with dedicated game rooms, arcade areas, and an open-air common area—all these on top of direct access to the mall's amenities.
"Solidifying and expanding the business in the Philippines is part of the company's growth strategy as we support our clients and employees. Afni considers the Philippines, given Filipinos' commendable work ethic, as the company's stronghold for sustainable growth in the global BPO landscape," Khursheed said.
With a history of over 80 years, Afni partners with some of the world's leading names in insurance, financial services, telecommunications, healthcare, fitness, and media. Over 10,000 Afni employees globally support new and existing clients across the full customer lifecycle.
From the U.S., Afni established its Philippine presence in 2012. Its flagship site in the country is along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. The company added a site in Fairview in 2020 and another will be opening in Santa Rosa, Laguna, in 2024. In 2023, Afni ventured into Mexico, opening a site in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon.