New Data Privacy Act to boost IT-BPO sector
The newly signed Data Privacy Act is expected to further boost the attractiveness of the Philippines as an investment site for the information technologybusiness process outsourcing (IT-BPO) sector.
Louis Casambre, executive director of the Information Communications Technology OfÞce of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ICTO), said Republic Act 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 makes the Philippines compliant with international data security standards.
Casambre said the new law also puts in place measures to protect and preserve the integrity, security and conÞdentiality of personal data collected by government and private entities in their operations.
ÒThis measure will enable us to replicate our success in call centers in other BPO segments such as healthcare out- sourcing and human resource outsourcing, where sensitive data is involved,Ó the ofÞcial said.
The DOST lauded the efforts of the Congressional Commission on Science and Technology and Engineering (COMSTE) chaired by Sen. Edgardo Angara and House ICT committee headed by Rep. Dante Tiga.
ÒWe see this act as keystone legislation that will strengthen our countryÕs position as a leader in IT-BPO,Ó Casambre said.
For his part, ICT Industry Development deputy executive director Alejandro Melchor III said the new law signed by President Aquino last Aug. 15 would help sustain the countryÕs momentum as an emerging global leader for shared services, one of the fastest growing segments of the ITBPO industry.