Cebu Sinulog is the most famous festival that happens every year on our island. Thousands of tourists flock to the streets of Cebu and just let loose-To the majority, Sinulog is more than just a time for fun and letting loose — it is their identity. It has been embedded in the psyche of the Cebuanos.
But due to the Covid-19 pandemic- Cebu Sinulog Physical festivities has been cancelled by the Cebu local government. The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us the value of loving one’s self. By protecting yourself, you are also protecting your loved ones. It is also a perfect time for reflection and recollection and to truly understand the true meaning of the Sinulog.
While we are waiting (praying) for this pandemic to be over, there are still some activities that is allowable. Check them out below!
From Sinulog.ph website
TAHCHE’s Zoom Pasko
It was a time for fun, peace, love, and generosity, where all of us were united as one family this Christmas (Pasko) season.
Last Dec 21, 2020 we had our first ever big virtual event with the 100+ staff/employees of Tahche Outsourcing! It was a great way to relax and enjoy with co-workers-even if it was juts online. Check out the highlights below!
Philippine Economic Recovery Hastened With Unity
Despite all the bad news, Philippines remains resilient in fine-tuning and is on track for faster economic recovery from the pandemic through unified efforts between the Philippine government and the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).
See Philippines’ current and next steps:
Campaigns For Building Consumer Confidence for Retail Outlets and Private and Government Agencies
While delivery services are the preferred option, the need to promote cautious and scheduled visits to stores and government/private offices is a must for more accurate and faster purchases and availment of services. There are also instances where physical presence is required especially national ID application and bank signatures for releasing money. In order to enhance security measures in these establishments, through campaigns such as the “Taskforce T3” which aims to accelerate testing, tracing and treatment of COVID-19 cases, and teach and transform consumer mindsets to build consumer confidence and re-start the economy. The campaigns target middle class Filipino consumers and present step-by-step guidelines pertaining to social distancing and proper hygiene in a form of print/electronic ads in banks, gas stations, stores, transport services and even online in partner websites.
Creating Job Opportunities For Returning Overseas Filipinos for economic recovery
The Department of Labor and INdustry (DOLE), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and IBPAP recently signed a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) to consolidate job opportunities for returning overseas Filipinos. Firstly, returning overseas Filipinos can register to OFW Assistance Information System (OASIS) in the OWWA website to get help in repatriation and avail of the 20K cash assistance. Secondly, OFWs can find jobs online through government job portals such as sikap.ph. Job fair announcements are also available on the DOLE website. BPO companies are currently seeking 30,000 job opportunities for repatriated Filipinos.
Implementing the Corporate Recovery And Tax Incentives for Enterprises (Create) Act
To ease business constraints during the pandemic, the CREATE Act was implemented. This reduced Corporate Income Tax by 25% on July 1, 2020 and will continue reduction to 20% by January 1, 2027.Other benefits of the CREATE Act include:
• Grandfathering of incentives for existing locators or grant them a 5-year deferment before the sunset provision kicks in.
• Include explicit language in the bill on the re-application eligibility once the sunset period complete.
• Allow Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) to have jurisdiction over very large investments (for example, $1B and up) while IPAs can continue to cover anything below that threshold.
• Keep the one-stop-shop nature of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
Complying to Workplace Disease Management Requirements
DOLE has also partnered with DTI in setting workplace protocols for every business to combat against COVID-19. For complete info, visit https://www.dole.gov.ph/covid-19-mitigating-measures/.
Providing Mental Health Services
Mental health service providers were also given to support workers’ mental and emotional wellbeing. Visit the IBPAP site for a list of accredited mental health providers.
Supporting Human Resources- HIV/AIDS Virtual Summit
The HR-HIV/AIDS Virtual Summit in partnership with GICC-HIMAP-Project Red Ribbon was also initiated last September to educate human resources workers on preventing and managing HIV in the workplace. Resource speakers from the Department of Health, UNAIDS, Philippine National AIDS Council and DOLE stepped up to share their knowledge and strategies in safeguarding against the spread of HIV.
To learn more about Philippine efforts to accelerate the economic recovery and fight against the spread of COVID-19, view Tahche news and updates or contact +1 347-467-1066 for future investment opportunities.
Healthcare Outsourcing in the Philippines Grows to 11%
We all well know that the healthcare industry continues to be one of the top in-demand jobs not only in the Philippines but all over the world. The good thing though is that these valuable skills can also be tapped online as opposed to healthcare worker deployment ban outside the Philippines.
HR outsourcing companies are delivering the healthcare services needed in other parts of the world in a form of teleconsultations, online medical records processing and healthcare insurance customer support.
To date, the healthcare information management industry in the Philippines is projected to grow between 7.3 and 10.8 percent in revenues and 6.8 and 10.2 percent in headcount from 2019 to 2022 according to the information shared at the Global Business Processes Powered by the Philippines Webinar Series organized by the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers, embassy and consulates General of the Philippines in the United States.
Why Healthcare Outsourcing is important to companies
Outsourcing healthcare processes ,clinical research and other non-core processes would definitely ease the pressure needed to ensure quality healthcare at this time and help hospitals around the world focus on providing treatment and care to patients.
Healthcare Information Management Services in the Philippines
The Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines identifies top services such as claims and payment management, practice management, medical coding and quality audit, telehealth, clinical document improvement and clinical trials.
Top skills most healthcare employers are looking for include communication skills, detail oriented skills, leadership skills, critical thinking, analytical skills and interpersonal skills.
(n.d.). American Intercontinental University. 10 Skills Employers Are Looking for in Healthcare Management Jobs. Retrieved from: https://www.aiuniv.edu/degrees/healthcare/articles/10-top-skills-for-healthcare-management-jobs
WHO Health Advice for Business Process Outsourcing
With so much “infodemics” or fake news spreading around social media and word-of-mouth, the best health advice that we can all take is getting it from the World Health Organization and Lead Consultant for Emerging and Remerging Infectious Diseases, Weng Capistrano has timely advice for Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) companies are have a high risk environment for a flu outbreak.
What Makes BPO companies at High Risk for Flu Outbreak
Shifting Work Schedule
Most employees work at night because of time zone difference and others have to shift between day and night shifts depending on the job demands. The downsides to an irregular working schedule include susceptibility to physical health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity and stroke, as well as mental health issues such anxiety and depression. Insider reports that working at night can impact blood pressure, metabolism, heart health and the menstrual cycle.
High Volume of Employees Working in Tight Spaces
Even with the presence of cubicles and dividers in the office, working with a large number of people can bring in a lot of viruses and bacteria, not just COVID-19. Working in close contact with people for longer periods of time heavily impacts the spreading of the virus. Virologist and microbiologist Charles Gerba from the University of Arizona says viruses grow indoors which why regular cleaning is needed.
Massive Sharing of Common Facilities
The bathroom, elevators, cafeteria, doors and even the biometrics equipment, computers and other office appliances and supplies are common touch points which can be easily contaminated with different kinds of viruses and bacteria.
How Can We Solve These Risk Factors in BPO Companies
Capistrano says that enhancing our hygienic measures, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having a preparedness plan according to the Department of Health (DOH) guidelines.
Specifically, Capistrano recommends the following:
A Good Sleep
Good sleep is not just quantity but quality. Aside from getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily, You need equal amounts of different stages of sleep namely light sleep, deep sleep and dreaming stage. Light sleep is the first stage and doesn’t last long while the second stage moves to a steadier sleep. Your blood pressure drops and your brain waves decrease its activity. Stage 3 is deep sleep where your body temperature, heartbeat, breathing and blood pressure drops to its lowest levels. It’ll be hard for you to wake up at this stage. On the other hand, Stage 4 is the restorative stage where your cellular energy is restored, your tissues grow and some repaired, plus your hormones are released. Stage 5, the last stage, is the deepest sleep where you are most likely to dream. Studies show that healthy adults get 62 to 110 minutes of deep sleep, but most people find it hard to get deep sleep especially when working on the night shift.
A Well-Balanced Diet
While most people are preparing to sleep, outsourced staff are preparing for their night shift. How do you stay healthy in the night shift? Dietitians of Canada advises to eat at 6 p.m. and avoiding fatty and fried food that causes digestive disorders. Snacking can also be a common habit when we’re staring at the screen all night and though most BPO companies prohibit eating at their station, healthy snacking can be an option during break time at the lounging area. Pick up fruit slices and healthy whole grains like almonds and granola and avoid processed ones mixed with artificial sweeteners. It’s good to lay off caffeine which can cause jitters and dehydration.
Exercise Daily
Every BPO staff working the night shift knows how tiring it is to be active after the night shift, so we suggest exercising before night shift. 45 minutes before your shift is helpful as it increases metabolism and keeps you alert at night. Some exercises can be as simple as biking or walking to the workplace and cardio or working out before hitting the shower.
Follow DOH Updated Guidelines
HR outsourcing staff, it’s crucial to have a preparedness plan in fighting against COVID-19 and keeping the workplace a safe and healthy environment. The Department of Health (DOH) has outlined some guides that would help HR officers plan and execute practical safety measures 24/7 which talks about personal protection and hygiene, social distancing, environmental and food safety measures and managing BPO employees who caught the virus and other leaves and absences pertaining to the pandemic. HR staff may view the updated guidelines in the DOH website.
For more information on DOH guidelines, please visit: ww.doh.gov.ph/2019-nCOV. You an also visit Tahche for more updates on best practices for BPO companies in the new normal.
Sources:
N.A. (2020, June 3). Outsource Accelerator. Coronavirus & BPO Outsourcing: What You Need To Know. Retrieved from: https://www.outsourceaccelerator.com/podcast/corona/
Department of Health. (2020). [PDF] https://www.doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/health-update/DC2020-0039-Reiteration-of-DM2020-056-Interim-Guidelines-on-2019-nCoV-ARD-Response-in-the-Workplace.pdf
Betuel, E. (n.d.). Manhattan, NY. Inverse. Covid-19 and Indoor Spaces: 4 Common Places It Spreads. Retrieved from: https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/how-coronavirus-spreads-in-4-common-places
A nice shout out from Think Crucial and Skubana founder/CEO, Chad Rubin for TAHCHE OUTSOURCING SERVICES Inc during episode 4 of the Multi Channel Millionare. He explained how he has helped his multi-million dollar companies keep employee costs down by building an overseas team using Tahche Outsourcing Services.
Listen to the whole thing or skip to the 42 minute mark for the sweet shout out.
Thanks Chad! It’s awesome when our clients spread the love.
Can Cadsourcing or Tahche help you build your offshore office?
TAHCHE Celebrates its 8th year in Outsourcing!
Last September 8, 2020, TAHCHE Outsourcing Services Inc. recently celebrated our 8th year in the business. Though we followed strict pandemic restrictions, we were able to held a short but captive gathering for its employees for each time shift.
We started it off with a broadcasted Thanksgiving Mass online. Followed by a free meal for each employee and a surprise video greeting from Bryan Luoma, TAHCHE’s president that surprised a few of the employees. Then as a last part, a simple but wonderful parting gift from the management that consist of an essential kit for everyone with a memorable button with the TAHCHE logo.
Though we all missed seeing each other for seven months, were still grateful for what TAHCHE has given us especially during the height of the quarantine. A chance to still be able to help people we care about by helping other people as well.
Philippine Peso Hits new 3-12 months Excessive of ₱49.19 to $1
The Philippine Peso closed impressively at ₱49.19 to the U.S. dollar on July 28, the strongest in more than three and a half years. However, Its strength is a result of a vulnerable global financial system.
The peso gained for the 5th consecutive day is at its peak in november 15, 2016 where it reached ₱49.17.
Rizal Commercial Company (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael Ricafort explained a few international trends behind the upsurge of the peso:
The decline of the US dollar in comparison to international currencies for more than two years despite low interest rates in the U.S.
Triggered U.S. and China tensions
Lower demand for safer havens consisting of U.S. dollar in spite of global market investments and developments in covid-19 vaccines
Increasing cases of COVID-19 that’s taking a toll on the U.S. economy
While the Philippines has the ability to buy more enticing imports, the downside is that the country’s exports may seem unattractive to the rest of the countries because of the high exchange rate of the peso plus families receiving OFW remittances may receive less than what they usually get.
For more updates in the PH business climate, visit Tahche for future reference.
Pursuing the Commitment to Better Outsourcing in PH
Last July 2020, Tahche Outsourcing Services, Inc. committed to supporting the business processing outsourcing industry in the Philippines with its membership with the IT and Business Process Association Philippines (IBPAP). As a member of IBPAP, Tahche can empower the industry workforce and provide outsourcing jobs for hundreds of highly skilled workers in the IT-BPM industry, participate in the implementation of laws and policies relevant in the business processing outsourcing space and in turn, collaborate with other members within and outside the industry to strengthen its supply chain network and access key research data and insights useful to growing its services and relationships with partners and investors.
Outsourcing: Growing Beyond the Challenges
As the Philippine government continues to place major cities such as Metro Manila and other cities in Luzon under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine, anchoring laws are in place such as Administrative Order No. 18 which aims to prioritize development of special economic zones in the countryside and the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program which seeks to increase economic activities in other regions by empowering local industries, social welfare, agricultural productivity, food security, health, employment and infrastructure. In support of these laws, IBPAP proposed the 2025 Digital Cities which is composed of 25 locations ideal business processing outsourcing activities and trade activities along with 7 centers for excellence and next wave cities.
Bolstering Energy Supply and Telecommunication Lines
Energy and Telecommunications being primary necessities in producing more outsourcing jobs in the country, the Department of Communications and Technology (DICT) is currently executing the demand for a safer, secure and reliable ICT by setting up free wireless connections in public places such as hospitals and public transportation waiting areas to help respond to emergency situations and promote job opportunities for Filipinos.
Fully aware and equipped to help out the country, Tahche continues to open up outsourcing job opportunities for hiring proficient talent left untapped in the country and give relief to its surrounding communities heavily impacted by the pandemic.
Tahche also plans to participate in the upcoming International Innovation Summit in November 2020 to work hand-in-hand with the government and other key industry players in the business processing outsourcing industry to develop new ideas and sustainable technology ideal for the growth of its employees and services.
Philippine IT-BPO Industry Remain Robust Amidst Pandemic Challenges
In the recent Philippine IT-BPO Outsourcing Opportunities Global Business Processes online discussion facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), IT and Business Process Association Philippines (IBPAP) and Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines (HIMAP), high value services were determined as opportunities in the IT-BPO space along with the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives Enterprise bill (formerly Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Reform Act) which aids the recovery of enterprises negatively affected by COVID-19 and enhance the country’s ability to create high value investments.
High value services beneficial to the IT-BPO industry include contact centers, IT and Software, Health Information Management System (HIMS), Animation and Game Development and Global In-house Center (GIC). Among the services offered, HIMS has the highest projected growth in terms of revenue at 7.3% to 10.8% and headcount at 6.8% to 10.2% according to 2020 to 2022 forecasted figures by global research firm, Everest Group. The Philippines Healthcare Workforce also has a total of 9,137 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination Passers, 42, 425 Medical and Allied Health Degree College Graduates and 4, 622 Philippine Pharmacist Licensure Examination Passers since 2018 making the Philippines a rich talent pool for the healthcare industry.
The HIMS sector has also been actively responsive to the current crisis with 80 percent of their workforce working from home and 80 percent of businesses gaining onsite productivity levels. Support from stakeholders including TelCos, power generation providers and government agencies also made the work from home transition faster and manageable for employees. Aside from these, digital platforms were also in place to adhere to government policies.
Head of International Business Operations, GBS Lead of Dexcom Philippines, Inc. Jessica Shields reported that Dexcom continued to grow in the first quarter of 2020 despite pandemic challenges highlighting support from industry partners and the government and the availability of the country’s talents and labor arbitrage as well as the empathy and cultural fit that led to the Philippines being a top market choice for Dexcom.
For more information on business opportunities in the Philippines, visit www.dti.gov.ph.
