Tomas prepares SRP for BPOs

Friday, March 27, 2009

TO BRING in more investors from the outsourcing and offshoring industries to the South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña will address concerns of call center agents to attract them to work there.

The SRP will be developed in such as way that it will support the call center workers’ lifestyle, the mayor said last Monday
night when he hosted cocktails for business process outsourcing (BPO) companies that have put up centers in Cebu.

He said his plan includes putting up establishments for recreational activities where call center employees can relax to
address issues pertaining to the employees’ social life.

Concerns on safety and security will also be looked into.

Osmeña said once the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is in place, it will also be a “safe” means of transportation of employees working in the SRP.

“I am not sleeping despite my personal health problems,” the mayor, who will leave for the US tomorrow to undergo treatment for his urinary bladder cancer, told the participants.

He also assured BPO companies that the City Government “will not play politics” when it comes to business matters.

“Should (you have concerns) contact the CIPC (Cebu Investment and Promotions Center). If not, come to me,” he added.

Osmeña said that even when the CIPC is just a small group, it is, however, manned by “the best trained staff” who “makes Cebu ahead of other cities.”

Developments

At the same event, two businessmen from the real estate industry said their companies will be looking at SRP for their future developments.

But Charles Ong, vice president for operations of TG Universal Business Ventures Corp., said their decision to invest in SRP will depend on how well the first projects in SRP will turn out.

“(But) the mayor’s plan is very workable and it is something that Cebu needs,” he said.

TG Universal Business Ventures developed the 15-story TGU building in Asiatown IT Park in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

Meanwhile, Derrick Chua of Loreta Realty and Development Corp. also said the SRP is a good prospect for the company’s future projects, although he said he does not have a projected timeframe when to invest there. (DME)