CESO Consultants evaluate SOMEONE

A four-man evaluation team from the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) arrived in Dumaguete last October 13 in connection with the institution’s assistance program extended to one of our client organizations in the handicraft sector, SOMEONE.

The month-long program, through Mr. Douglas Johnson, a financial management consultant, aided the association in setting up their books which indirectly benefited almost a thousand employees.

Incidentally, CESO Country Manager, Mr. Timothy Moiket, introduced another consultant in the person of Dr. Agathe Gagne`-Collard, Ph.D., a Canadian expert adviser on loomweaving. Dr. Collard is here for three weeks to assist in the development of the loomweaving industry. The technical assistance aims to help improve production through the use of raddle and the use of four harnesses, against the usual two that is currently being done locally, and eventually increase productivity. Dr. Collard will also conduct product development by introducing new designs, colors and new types of weaves to the local weavers.

First Mover Incentive Ordinance

We are happy to announce that the Dumaguete City Council has already passed the First Mover Incentive Ordinance, a landmark ordinance for the city as this is the first time the city has come up with something more tangib1e, in so far as the call center industry is concerned.

As it is, the ordinance promotes a long-term sustainable environment for the call center industry. It protects itself from the industry’s usual problems like very low hiring rate, high attrition rate and poaching. It also provides employment opportunities for locals and provides a favorable business climate to prospective investors.

1. To promote a long term sustainable environment for the call center industry in the City of Dumaguete;
2. To protect the industry from problems typically associated with call centers in other parts of the country: very low hiring rate, high attrition rate and poaching;
3. To provide employment opportunity within Dumaguete City; and
4. To provide a favorable business climate to prospective investors.

Convergys converge in Dumaguete

The Human Resource team of Convergys Corporation was in Dumaguete City last week to promote, recruite and hire applicants for their Cebu -based call center. Convergys Corporation is one of the several customer management service companies that have been landing in our shores in the last two years. They invited selected agencies and institutions for a company briefing at La Residencia Hotel last Wednesday, October 12, then a two-day job fair over the weekend, in collaboration with Colegio de Sta. Catalina de Alejandria to receive and process applications.

A leader in providing customer care, human resources and billing services, Convergys is also into the development of “software that delivers convergent capabilities for providers of voice, video, data and mobile services.”

So far, of the 260 applicants who took the exams at COSCA, 19 qualified to undergo training. Convergys is open to as many applicants who are interested to apply.

BUGLASAN 2005 - The Festival of Festivals!

For the nth time, Oriental Negrenses celebrate the “Festival of Festivals” on October 14-25, 2005. No less than President GMA herself will open this year’s festivities, with ribbon-cutting ceremonies to be held at 4:00 pm today at the Capitol grounds.

With the theme: “Buglasan: Strengthening Multi-Sectoral Partnership in Tourism Development”, the 11-day affair has over 50 activities aligned. Topping this year’s highlights is the tourism exhibition of the 20 towns and 5 cities that showcases the province’s various tourist destinations. There is also the rodeo and horse show; street dancing and showdown participated by the various municipal contingents. The “Motorada”, which aims to document the world’s longest single line motorcycle parade for the Guinness World Book of Records, is another exciting highlight.

Among the numerous activities spread throughout the next 11 days, people could expect entertainment day or night: be it sports, music or cultural extravaganza at the exhibition grounds. Food stalls abound while visitors and guests take their pick.

Over all, Buglasan 2005 is a conglomeration of events resulting from the collaborative efforts of different sectors; from the LGUs, national government agencies to the business sector; the NGOs, the civic sector to the academe. Everyone is practically involved. Of course, our OTOPs are very much part of the showcase, as each municipality provides a corner for their OTOP display. Our DTI staff have been coordinating and assisting in the preparation of promo collateral in this respect.

Anime Assault!!!

The Department of Trade & Industry is happy to inform the public of the entry of Top Peg and EntheosIT, Inc., two young and promising business partners in the animation business in Dumaguete City.

The first of its kind to be ever conducted outside Metro Manila, the partnership focuses on the training of potential animators that are guaranteed jobs after a three-month training period. The training requires high technical skills, specifically on drawing, but doesn’t require a college degree. It is open to everyone aging 17-60 years old.

Incidentally, animation happens to be one of the currently rising industries in the country that shows great potential, as far as employment opportunities is concerned. In a press conference held at DTI-NOPO last Tue, Oct. 14, Ms. Grace A. Dimaranan, Top Peg’s Managing Director and currently vice-president of the Animation Council of the Philippines said, that with IT being the “in” thing, with computer and IT literacy rising, and of course satellite and cable TV dominating our households, animation has found its niche in the world market.