BPO provider Sutherland cited for rapid growth, local employment
(Source: Manila Bulletin News Online – 10/25/09)

DAVAO CITY– Sutherland Global Services, a leading New York-based multinational Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) provider operating in the country since 2005, was recently cited for its accelerated expansion and its generation of sizeable local employment opportunities by US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie A. Kenney during her recent visit to its delivery center here at Luisa Complex, Jacinto Extension, Davao City.

"I am amazed with the commitment and growth you have experienced in this part of the country. I am happy to note how Sutherland here in Davao City has given amazing career opportunities to so many talented young Filipinos,"Ambassador Kenney told more than 1,500 SGS employees.

Sutherland has grown its Davao operations in the last 18 months to become its third largest delivery center in the country. Handling a variety of front and back office business processes to support clients representing information technology, communications and retail, banking & finance industries, the Sutherland's Davao site is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, connectivity, employee recreational areas and a secured working environment.

Commenting on the global financial crisis affecting US companies and the Philippines, Ambassador Kenney, who was accompanied by USAID officials said, "You help make American companies become stronger. You provide excellent service to the customers of these American firms and in doing so help these companies and the American economy. With delighted customers, companies continue to survive this financial crisis, develop new products, continue to be more successful, and create more jobs, both back home and here in Davao."

Sutherland vice president and country manager Craig Bauwens, along with Davao operations director Ranjit Ebenezer, were on hand to welcome the US Ambassador and at the same time, reaffirm the company's continued commitment.

"We remain committed as ever to investing in our provincial growth model, our operations here in Davao and in the rest of the region. I invite more American, European and Asian companies to our delivery centers to meet our employees and see for themselves how they can provide a better customer experience," said Bauwens.

"The sustainability and scalability of talent here in Davao and in the rest of the country is remarkable.

The performance of our operations in the Philippines has been impressive. Four years ago, we started with 100 employees and we now have over 8,000 employees in the country," he added.

Sutherland Global Services Philippines also recently received two awards from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The Philippine Quality Award (PQA) for Commitment to Quality Management was presented by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo accompanied by DTI Secretary Peter Favila at the Malacañang Palace during the 11th PQA conferment rites conducted annually by DTI. Sutherland is the first and only BPO in the last 10 years to have been given the prestigious award.

The DTI through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the Executive Committee of the 9th e-Services Global Outsourcing and Exhibition also recently awarded Sutherland Philippines "The Most Number of New Offices in the 'Next Wave' Cities for 2008".

'Next wave' cities are cities outside Metro Manila that are seen as alternative investment destinations for BPOs outside crowded urban centers. Last year alone, Sutherland established new delivery centers in Taguig, Tarlac, Camarines Sur, and Davao in addition to its initial Makati and Clark sites.

Previously, Sutherland has been presented with the Outstanding Employer Award by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) for the breadth of Sutherland’s employee engagement initiatives, the level of technological innovation in its workplace and success in generating new employment opportunities in the country.

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