(FILE PHOTO) IBPAP president Jack Madrid  (Photograph courtesy of Jake Bayawa)
BUSINESS

IBPAP maintains 7% growth forecast

Central to its success is a focus on developing future-ready Filipino talent through upskilling, partnerships and training in high-demand fields like AI and data analytics

Raffy Ayeng

The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) said it is maintaining a growth forecast of seven percent this year, as it expressed optimism on the industry’s outlook.

IBPAP president and CEO Jack Madrid said the IT-BPM industry continues to stand out as an economic powerhouse, thriving despite the possible impact of external policies and ongoing global economic uncertainties.

Earlier, Madrid shared positive growth projections for the industry for this year at $38 billion and a workforce headcount of 1.82 million, besting the roadmap baseline targets but falling short of the sector’s most ambitious goals.

Madrid, on Tuesday stressed that as one of the world’s most resilient outsourcing destinations, the country’s IT-BPM sector has demonstrated its ability to adapt to shifting geopolitical landscapes while maintaining its position as a preferred partner for global enterprises.

Central to its success is a focus on developing future-ready Filipino talent through upskilling, partnerships, and training in high-demand fields like AI and data analytics.

Resilience as foundation

“The Philippine IT-BPM industry is built on the foundation of Filipino resilience and excellence,” he said.

“New foreign policies and global movements challenge us, but they also push us to elevate our capabilities. By consistently and urgently upskilling our workforce in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cloud solutions, we ensure that the Philippines remains an indispensable partner in the global IT-BPM landscape,” Madrid added.

Further, he said global demand for IT-BPM services continues to grow. Companies rely on outsourcing to drive efficiency, scalability and innovation — needs that transcend political borders.

“The Philippines stands at the forefront of meeting these demands, thanks to its highly skilled, adaptable and culturally attuned workforce,” he said.

Madrid stated that collaboration has been a cornerstone of the sector’s sustained success, as through strategic partnerships among government, academia, and industry leaders, the Philippines is actively future-proofing its workforce and ensuring the country remains competitive in delivering high-value, technology-enabled solutions.

“The future of the Philippine IT-BPM industry will not be dictated by external policies or global uncertainties. It is defined by the strength of our people, our adaptability, and our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class services,” Madrid added.

Moreover, he underlined that as the industry embraces innovation and transformation, it continues to create significant opportunities for the Philippine workforce, contributing to economic growth and solidifying the country’s position as a global IT-BPM leader.