Dumaguete: The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Association of Dumaguete and Negros Oriental is assisting local government units (LGUs) in bringing industry players to the countryside. Suzanne Lu-Bascara, who leads the ICT-Dumaguete/Negros Oriental, stated in an interview that at least two LGUs have expressed interest in setting up a working space and the necessary infrastructure to attract investors.
According to Philippines News Agency, the LGUs of Bayawan City and La Libertad have initiated efforts to collaborate with the ICT association to establish a conducive environment for attracting locators in the ICT-BPM (business process management) sector to rural areas. Bascara emphasized the importance of addressing concerns such as the availability of a talent pool, decent workspaces, stable internet connectivity, and power supply to encourage industry players to consider rural settings. This initiative aims to enable residents to secure jobs locally and allow those working in major cities to return home while maintaining decent wages.
Dana Fortunato, executive director of ICT-Dumaguete/Negros Oriental, who conceptualized the countryside working environment for BPMs, mentioned their intention to assist LGUs in identifying business prospects and setting up the industry in these areas. Fortunato expressed hope that other LGUs would follow suit if they meet the industry’s requirements.
The ICT industry workforce in Negros Oriental currently numbers around 25,000, with expectations for growth in the coming months and years. Bascara and Fortunato highlighted the significant progress from having zero desks in 2004 to the present workforce size, noting that the BPO industry was previously unknown in the region.
Eli Harrell, CEO of EmergePH, and James Thompson, executive director of WrkPod, both based in the area, noted that Dumaguete’s strong English language skills, being a university town, provide an advantage. The local ICT association and WrkPod recently led the 2025 ICT Month Celebration in Dumaguete.
