Bridging Dialogue and Action: Building a Safer BPO Industry

When the earthquake struck Cebu, it didn’t just shake the ground—it tested our resilience as an industry. For those of us in the BPO sector, it was more than a natural disaster; it was a reminder that safety, communication, and collaboration must never take a back seat.

Over the past weeks, I’ve had the privilege of representing Cebu tele-net Philippines in a series of critical meetings with both local and national leaders. Those discussions revealed something essential: progress doesn’t come from conflict—it comes from collaboration.

Conversations That Move Things Forward

In the days after the quake, City Mayor Nestor Archival and Vice Mayor Tommy Osmeña brought together BPO companies, property administrators, and government agencies for a joint dialogue. The goal was clear—address the obstacles that disrupted operations and strengthen Cebu’s ability to protect its workers and businesses in future emergencies.

Representing Cebu tele-net Philippines, I joined the discussion to listen, contribute, and find common ground. Among the issues raised were building safety, emergency coordination, and standard evacuation protocols.

During the meeting, I suggested a practical yet often overlooked solution—the need for night-time emergency drills for BPO workers. Most of our employees operate during graveyard shifts, yet nearly all safety drills happen during the day. The proposal struck a chord. Councilor Harold Go, who was present, supported the idea and began exploring how the city could help implement it.

This initiative may sound simple, but it carries impact. It ensures that our night-shift workers—the heartbeat of Cebu’s economy—are trained, prepared, and safe no matter what time disaster strikes.

Strength in Partnership

Soon after, the conversation expanded to the national level. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and DOLE Region VII Director Atty. Roy Buenafe invited BPO leaders to a dialogue with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The meeting brought together industry representatives, government regulators, and associations such as IBPAP and CIB.O. It wasn’t just a formality—it was proof that open communication works.

In that session, I had the opportunity to exchange insights directly with Secretary Laguesma. We spoke about the importance of clear guidelines, fair enforcement, and collaboration between the private sector and the government. His openness to listen and clarify gave me hope.

It reminded me that even in the toughest times, dialogue will always be stronger than division.

Moving From Noise to Action

Recent weeks have placed the BPO sector under intense scrutiny. There’s been noise, speculation, and sometimes, misunderstanding. But amid the confusion, one truth stands out—real progress is happening quietly, through the people willing to sit down, talk, and act.

The partnership between IBPAP and DOLE, reaffirmed on October 10, 2025, shows the path forward. The government and industry are aligned in ensuring that safety, integrity, and jobs remain protected. The Cebu IT/BPM Organization (CIB.O) echoed the same message: collaboration, not confrontation, will build safer and more resilient workplaces.

These are not just press releases—they are proof of unity. Proof that when private companies and public institutions work together, the entire industry benefits.

A Continuing Commitment

At Cebu tele-net Philippines, we see these dialogues as more than compliance. They’re opportunities to lead by example—to help shape an industry that listens, learns, and evolves.

Our philosophy remains the same: Japanese-quality discipline, Filipino compassion, and a shared culture of continuous improvement. These values drive how we respond, how we rebuild, and how we protect our people.

The earthquake may have shaken our city, but it also reminded us of what holds us together. Collaboration, trust, and genuine care for one another.

When the ground moves, we don’t panic—we act.
When misinformation spreads, we don’t argue—we engage.
And when challenges come, we don’t retreat—we build.

Because resilience isn’t measured by what we endure—it’s defined by what we learn, and how we move forward together.

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