Sitel vows better partnership with Baguio, Cordillera
IN CELEBRATION of its 13th year of operations in Baguio City, BPO giant SITEL has reinforced its commitment to regional socio economic development in the Cordillera region.
“Sitel Philippines remains steadfast and unfazed in its goal of contributing to the socio-economic development and creating high-value jobs for the people of the Cordillera region,” according to Craig Reines, Sitel Philippines Chief Operations Officer.
“We are truly proud to be the ‘first born child’ of the IT/BPO industry here in the Cordillera region. This year we mark our 13th successful year in Baguio City and we are extremely grateful for the partnership and the support that government and the private sector have extended not just to Sitel but also to other BPO companies that have come to invest in this region,” added Reines.
From a little over 200 employees in 2004 to more than 5,100 employees today across four sites in Baguio City, Sitel is regarded as the largest employer in the Cordillera Autonomous Region.
“Taking care of over 5,000 employees is a herculean task. We constantly find ways to make employees feel like Sitel is their second home, a second family. We have a very diverse employee profile, so we try to create a workplace that is fun, inclusive and safe,” Mikey dela Peña, vice - president of operations in Sitel Baguio shared.
Dela Peña said activities such as quarterly recognition programs, team-building outdoors, and special interest clubs are just some of the ways the company tries to foster a more inclusive and familial environment.
“I am proud to say that two of the Sitel barkada clubs were started right here in Sitel Baguio – the Atletang Puyat and the Dancing Puyat clubs,” dela Peña proudly states.
Sitel also clarifies recent statements regarding the displacement of 1,000 employees and subsequent denial of benefits and pay, as alleged by a few individuals. They are currently in the process of investigating these false allegations and the potential motivations behind them.
“The recent allegations are completely false. We are unwavering in our commitment to provide the best
employment opportunities for Filipinos, and to operate as a lawabiding, good corporate citizen in the Philippines,” added dela Peña.
“We continue to cooperate with both the Philippine Economic Zone Authority and the Department of Labor and Employment in resolving this issue,” he adds.
Sitel is a PEZA-registered firm since it started operations in the country in 2000. PEZA Director-General Charito Plaza has affirmed Sitel Baguio’s spotless record and immense contribution to PEZA’s Baguio Economic Zone.
“PEZA conducts regular audits and consultative meetings with its zone locators, and Sitel has consistently complied with and has gone beyond PEZA law requirements,” according to Director-General Plaza. “We see Sitel’s sincerity and keen interest to provide the best environment and the best quality of service to its clients and its employees.”
Sitel has one the lowest attrition rates in the BPO industry and a huge percentage of its workforce has been with the company for more than 10 years which speaks volumes of the company’s desirable work environment and its People First culture.
“Sitel Philippines remains as a strategic part of Sitel’s global operations. We continue to have strong confidence in the Philippines and the Filipinos. We are here to stay for the long haul.” concluded Reines.