Opening of new call center seen to boost Negros Oriental economy

by Rachelle M. Nessia

Dumaguete City (7 August) — Fil-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (FCCCI) President Alex Sy expects a boost in the local economy with the opening of new businesses in the province, especially call centers.

Sy said that new businesses such as call centers are a big boost to local businesses. “Dako ug katabang ni sila sa atong negosyo because these are employment-generating companies. They will hire workers, and this will increase the buying power of local consumers,” he said in an interview.

ePLDT Ventus, the newest call center soon to open in Dumaguete City, has earlier announced that they are eyeing to hire 500 workers initially with plans to increase its workforce to up to 10,000 when it expands its customer base to include foreign companies.

Sy also expects an increase in sales in the province with the opening of Robinson’s Department Store which is expected to open its doors before the year-end.

He however reminded businessmen to always issue receipts. “I always campaign with businessmen that the government needs money from the taxes we pay. If we don’t help them, what incentives can they give back to the people?” he stressed.

Meanwhile, local government officials and business leaders from Mindanao have hailed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the successful implementation of her State-of-the- Nation Address (SONA) projects in the region.

Reports reaching Malacañang said Mindanao Business Council chair Vicente Lao lauded the present administration for an impressive performance, especially on putting in place various infrastructure facilities in Mindanao.

“President Arroyo’s SONA infrastructure program is impressive. It is only during this administration that we’ve seen a very focused, one-track mind leadership in connecting areas in Mindanao,” Lao said in a statement. (PIA/RMN)