The Evolution of the BPO Industry in the Philippines: A Conversation with Celeste Ilagan
Breaking the Mould
What does it take to turn a few hundred call center jobs into a powerhouse industry employing over 1.8 million Filipinos?
Season 2 opens with industry icon Celeste Ilagan, COO of IBPAP, as she joins host Marie Ampeloquio to explore the game-changing growth of the IT-BPM industry in the Philippines. From a few hundred jobs in 2000 to 1.82 million today, Celeste walks us through the movement that shaped towns, created careers, and put the country on the global professional services map. They also tackle urgent challenges like the talent-skills gap and readiness for AI disruption.
This episode sets the tone for a season focused on innovation, transformation, and building future-ready industries.
Key Highlights:
- The IT-BPM industry grew from hundreds to 1.82 million Filipino jobs in two decades.
- BPO helped transform cities like BGC, Iloilo, and Davao into economic hubs.
- Talent is both the industry’s greatest strength—and its biggest challenge.
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