WHY THE PHILIPPINES?
The Philippines is the 3rd largest English-speaking country in
the world.
Riding on advances in communication and computer technology,
large firms worldwide have globalized their service operations to
enhance productivity and efficiency. They establish sales, accounting
and customer service operations in another country where wages are
low and workers have an excellent command of the English language,
linking with them through toll-free communication service or electronic
mail. This phenomenon created a huge demand for white-collar workers
in a number of countries such as the Philippines. An American colony
for over 50 years, the Philippines offers some major advantages
that allow expanded participation in this emerging service industry.
Among these are:
Skilled Labor Force
The high literacy rate and use of the English
language as the medium of instruction at all school levels are considerable
advantages for the country. Over three million college graduates
enter the workforce every year, providing a tremendous pipeline
for talent. This advantage is easily demonstrated by the seamless
assimilation of Filipino immigrants into the US workforce. Moreover,
the country has in its favor the technical know-how and skills of
a large number of Filipinos.
Western-Influenced Culture
Many visitors are surprised at the Western
orientation of the Philippines urban centers. The Philippines follows
Western business practices and is one of the easier places to do
business in Asia. The Philippines is voted as the best Asian Country
for expatriate living. It is highly regarded for its openness to
varied cultures.
Multi-Lingual Society
English is widely used in education and business.
Moreover, while Filipino is the national language, the existence
of a sizeable number of Chinese families in the country can meet
the requirement for an understanding of various Chinese dialects,
including Mandarin. Spanish is also spoken by many.
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