chamber bats for IT skills dev't

BAGUIO CITY -- While we are now in the computer age, we must have the necessary skills on Information Technology (IT) which is needed by the different industries, says Baguio-Benguet Chamber of Commerce Inc. (BBCCI) Governor Carl Estepa.

In an interview, Estepa said to be globally competitive learning the basic skills in IT is a must in the higher education levels as well as in the vocational schools. Calling centers and medical transcription centers are now mushrooming in the country and these jobs require IT skills.

However, Estepa said we must not only focus on Its but first be self sufficient, citing the supply of vegetables that are being exported by China to the Philippines has lower prices than our or home grown farm produce.

Being self sufficient will basically lower the prices of basic commodities, notwithstanding the implementation of the Value Added Tax which is one source of the government to augment tax deficiency and to help push the economy.

Other avenue is the development of our technology on high value crops and the remanufacturing of products to maximize the use raw materials.

Estepa also cited tourism and health sectors which are now being eyed as another job opportunities for the Filipinos.

Medical transcription, cosmetic surgeries, SPAs, caregiving facilities for aged persons to be piloted in Subic will possibly attract foreign investors.

"Once the skills are there, the influx of economic opportunities comes next because we have lots of services to offer, not only on tourist destinations but personal services as well", Estepa explained.

He also said that in order to change the climatic impact of business, an industry shift might be needed.

A policy shift in the wood carving industry as environment friendly by adopting a change from wood to stone carving will increase the forest reserves, likewise, niches must be identified basing on the abundance of resources and worker's skills over these industries.

He said Cordillera has rich natural resources but have to be preserved and protected for the next generations.

Estepa claimed that the region has globally competitive products but have problems on presentation and packaging.

Here in the Cordillera, the BBCCI is helping the SMEs in improving their packaging or repackaging style through trainings and seminars, Estepa said.

Meanwhile, Estepa explained that investors always rely on the "predictability" of the current administration, their business and industry policies as well as who are the current leaders.

Sensationalized and exaggerated news reporting gives wrong signals to investors so he encourages the local journalists to focus more on the positive that will possibly result to economic recovery of the nation through PGMA's initiated reforms, Estepa added. (fnm/PIA-CAR)