MANILA - A big part of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry expects to expand this year despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines said almost half of the companies it surveyed are still optimistic about growth this year, with strong demand from the healthcare, telecoms, e-commerce and logistics sectors.

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However, the industry itself is no longer certain if it can achieve its projected growth rate of 3.5 percent to 7.5 percent within 3 years, as the pandemic disrupts businesses across the globe.

“Now with the advent of the pandemic I think that number will need to be revisited,” said IBPAP CEO Rey Untal.

The industry has also adapted to the quarantine restrictions for COVID-19, with around 60 percent of BPO workers now working from home.

However, the industry is also appealing to the government to improve public transport options as many BPO workers are now required to come to the office after the lifting of strict lockdown measures.

“While we have augmented that with our own private shuttles, we are really looking forward to the gradual increase of available public transport,” Untal said.