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Call Center Services in the Philippines: The Complete Service Catalog and Strategic Implementation Guide

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By Ralf Ellspermann / 13 October 2025
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I have guided hundreds of organizations through the process of selecting, implementing, and optimizing call center services in the Philippines. The question I hear most frequently from business leaders is not “Should we outsource to the Philippines?” but rather “Which services should we outsource, and how do we implement them effectively?”

The Philippine BPO industry has evolved far beyond basic customer service operations. Today’s service portfolio spans the entire customer lifecycle, from initial lead generation through post-sale support, retention, and back-office processing. Understanding this comprehensive service ecosystem—and knowing which services align with your specific business objectives—is critical to outsourcing success.

This guide provides an exhaustive analysis of call center services in the Philippines, drawing on my extensive experience implementing these services across diverse industries. I will share real-world case studies, cost benchmarks, implementation frameworks, and strategic insights that will enable you to make informed decisions and achieve measurable business outcomes.

Understanding the Philippine Call Center Service Ecosystem

The Philippine BPO industry offers three primary service categories, each with multiple specialized subcategories. Understanding these distinctions is essential for effective service selection and vendor evaluation.

The Three Pillars of Philippine Call Center Services

Inbound Services focus on receiving and managing customer-initiated interactions across multiple channels. These services are reactive in nature, responding to customer needs as they arise.

Outbound Services involve proactive customer engagement, typically for sales, marketing, or customer retention purposes. These services require different skill sets and management approaches than inbound operations.

Back-Office and Specialized BPO Services encompass non-voice processes that support business operations, from data management to specialized knowledge work.

As I often tell clients: “The most successful outsourcing engagements don’t start with cost reduction targets—they start with a clear understanding of which services will deliver the greatest strategic value for your specific business model.”

Comprehensive Inbound Call Center Services: Managing Customer-Initiated Interactions

Inbound services represent the foundation of Philippine call center operations and typically account for 60-70% of total BPO activity in the country. The Filipino workforce’s natural empathy, patience, and communication skills make these services particularly effective.

24/7 Customer Support and Help Desk Services

Round-the-clock customer support is one of the most commonly outsourced services, and the Philippines excels in this domain. The time zone difference between the Philippines and North America creates natural advantages for overnight and weekend coverage, while the deep talent pool enables true 24/7/365 operations without compromising quality.

Service Capabilities:

• General customer inquiries and account information

• Order status and tracking

• Product information and recommendations

• Complaint resolution and service recovery

• Escalation management and tier 2 support

Typical Cost Range: $8-15 per hour per agent (representing 50-60% savings compared to domestic operations)

Case Study: E-Commerce Retailer Transformation

A mid-sized e-commerce company approached PITON-Global struggling with customer service quality issues and escalating costs. Their domestic operation employed 45 agents at an average cost of $28 per hour, yet customer satisfaction scores remained below 75%.

We implemented a hybrid model with 30 agents in the Philippines handling tier 1 inquiries and overnight coverage, while retaining 15 domestic agents for complex escalations and VIP customers. The results after six months were remarkable:

• Customer satisfaction increased from 74% to 89%

• Average response time decreased from 4.2 minutes to 1.8 minutes

• Total support costs reduced by 42%

• First-call resolution improved from 68% to 83%

The client’s CEO noted: “We expected cost savings, but the quality improvement was the real game-changer. Our Philippine team doesn’t just answer questions—they genuinely care about solving problems.”

Technical Support Services

Technical support represents one of the highest-value inbound services, requiring specialized knowledge and problem-solving capabilities. Philippine operations have developed deep expertise across multiple technology domains, from consumer electronics to enterprise software.

Service Tiers:

Support LevelComplexityTypical IssuesAgent Requirements
Tier 1Basic troubleshootingPassword resets, basic configuration, common errorsProduct training, communication skills
Tier 2Intermediate technical issuesSoftware bugs, hardware diagnostics, system integrationTechnical certification, advanced training
Tier 3Complex technical problemsArchitecture issues, custom development, critical failuresEngineering background, specialized expertise

Philippine operations excel at Tier 1 and Tier 2 support, with some providers offering specialized Tier 3 capabilities for specific technology stacks.

Typical Cost Range:

• Tier 1: $10-16 per hour

• Tier 2: $15-22 per hour

• Tier 3: $20-35 per hour

From my experience: “The key to successful technical support outsourcing isn’t just finding agents who understand technology—it’s finding agents who can explain complex concepts in simple terms. Filipino agents excel at this translation between technical and customer-friendly language.”

Omnichannel Contact Center Services

Modern customers interact with brands across multiple channels, and they expect consistent, seamless experiences regardless of how they reach out. Philippine call centers have invested heavily in omnichannel platforms and agent training to deliver this unified experience.

Supported Channels:

• Voice (inbound calls)

• Email support

• Live chat

• Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

• SMS/text messaging

• Mobile app messaging

• Video chat support

Channel Distribution in Modern Operations:

Channel% of InteractionsAverage Handle TimeCost per Interaction
Voice45%8-12 minutes$3.50-6.00
Email25%15-20 minutes$2.50-4.50
Live Chat20%6-10 minutes$2.00-3.50
Social Media7%10-15 minutes$2.75-4.25
SMS/Messaging3%5-8 minutes$1.50-2.50

Implementation Insight:

When implementing omnichannel services, I advise clients to adopt a phased approach. Begin with voice and email, establish quality baselines and operational stability, then progressively add channels based on customer demand and agent proficiency. Attempting to launch all channels simultaneously often results in quality issues and operational chaos.

Order Taking and Processing Services

For businesses in retail, e-commerce, or direct-to-consumer sales, order taking services provide a human touch that can significantly increase conversion rates and average order values compared to purely digital channels.

Service Components:

• Inbound order capture and entry

• Product recommendations and upselling

• Payment processing and verification

• Order confirmation and follow-up

• Inventory checking and alternative suggestions

Typical Performance Metrics:

• Average order value increase: 15-25% compared to web-only orders

• Conversion rate: 35-50% of inbound calls result in completed orders

• Upsell success rate: 20-30% of orders include additional items

Case Study: Health Supplement Company

A health and wellness company selling nutritional supplements was struggling with abandoned shopping carts and wanted to add a phone ordering option. We implemented a 12-agent operation in the Philippines focused exclusively on order taking and customer education.

The results exceeded all expectations:

• Phone orders averaged $127 vs. $78 for web orders (63% higher)

• Agents successfully upsold complementary products on 28% of calls

• Customer lifetime value increased by 34% for phone customers

• Return rate decreased from 8.5% to 3.2% due to better product matching

As I noted to the client: “Your agents aren’t just taking orders—they’re building relationships and trust. That’s why customers who order by phone stay with you longer and spend more.”

Strategic Outbound Call Center Services: Proactive Customer Engagement

Outbound services require a fundamentally different skill set than inbound operations. Success depends on resilience, persuasion, relationship-building, and the ability to handle rejection gracefully. Filipino agents’ cultural emphasis on respect and relationship-building makes them particularly effective in outbound roles.

Lead Generation and Qualification Services

Lead generation is one of the highest-ROI outbound services when executed properly. Philippine operations combine human intelligence with data-driven targeting to identify and qualify prospects who are genuinely interested in your products or services.

Service Approach:

Stage 1: List Development and Research

• Target market identification

• Contact database building

• Initial qualification criteria establishment

Stage 2: Outreach and Engagement

• Initial contact and interest assessment

• Pain point identification

• Solution alignment discussion

Stage 3: Qualification and Handoff

• BANT qualification (Budget, Authority, Need, Timeline)

• Appointment setting with sales team

• CRM documentation and lead scoring

Typical Performance Benchmarks:

IndustryContact RateQualification RateCost per Qualified Lead
B2B Software15-25%8-12%$45-85
Financial Services12-20%6-10%$55-95
Healthcare18-28%10-15%$40-75
Professional Services20-30%12-18%$35-65

From my experience: “The difference between mediocre and exceptional lead generation isn’t the script—it’s the agent’s ability to listen, adapt, and have genuine conversations. Filipino agents excel at this because they’re trained to build relationships, not just check boxes.”

Appointment Setting Services

For businesses with field sales teams or consultative sales processes, appointment setting services can dramatically increase sales productivity by ensuring that representatives spend their time with qualified, interested prospects rather than cold calling.

Service Value Proposition:

• Sales representatives focus on closing, not prospecting

• Higher-quality appointments with pre-qualified prospects

• Increased sales team productivity and morale

• Predictable pipeline generation

Typical Cost Range: $15-25 per confirmed appointment (depending on industry and qualification criteria)

ROI Analysis Example:

A B2B software company with 10 field sales representatives was spending 60% of their time on prospecting activities. We implemented a 6-agent appointment setting operation in the Philippines with the following results:

• Sales reps increased time spent in qualified meetings from 40% to 75%

• Monthly appointments per rep increased from 18 to 32

• Close rate on set appointments: 24% vs. 16% for self-generated leads

• Cost per appointment: $22 vs. $67 for rep-generated appointments

• Overall sales productivity increased by 58%

Telemarketing and Sales Services

Direct sales via phone remains an effective channel for many products and services, particularly those requiring education, customization, or relationship-building. Philippine operations can handle both B2C and B2B sales across various complexity levels.

Service Categories:

Transactional Sales (Low complexity, high volume)

• Product subscriptions and renewals

• Upgrade and upsell campaigns

• Reactivation of dormant customers

• Cross-sell initiatives

Consultative Sales (Higher complexity, relationship-focused)

• Needs assessment and solution design

• Multi-call sales cycles

• Complex product configurations

• Enterprise sales support

Typical Performance Metrics:

Sales TypeConversion RateAverage Deal SizeCost as % of Revenue
Subscription Renewals35-50%$50-2008-12%
Upsell Campaigns15-25%$100-50012-18%
New Customer Acquisition5-12%$200-1,00020-30%
B2B Consultative8-15%$2,000-10,00015-25%

Case Study: Insurance Provider Success

An insurance company wanted to increase policy renewals and reduce churn. We implemented a proactive outreach program 60 days before policy expiration, with agents conducting needs assessments and offering policy optimization recommendations.

Results after 12 months:

• Renewal rate increased from 68% to 84%

• 32% of renewed customers upgraded coverage

• Customer lifetime value increased by $1,240 per policyholder

• Program ROI: 420%

Market Research and Survey Services

Understanding customer preferences, market trends, and competitive dynamics requires systematic data collection. Philippine operations provide cost-effective market research services with high response rates due to agents’ professional and respectful approach.

Research Methodologies:

• Customer satisfaction surveys (CSAT, NPS)

• Product feedback and feature prioritization

• Competitive intelligence gathering

• Market segmentation studies

• Brand awareness and perception research

Typical Cost Range: $12-20 per completed survey (depending on length and complexity)

Quality Advantages:

Philippine-based research operations typically achieve 15-25% higher response rates than automated surveys due to the human element and agents’ ability to build rapport and encourage participation.

Back-Office and Specialized BPO Services: Beyond the Phone

The Philippine BPO industry has successfully expanded into high-value back-office and knowledge process outsourcing services, leveraging the workforce’s strong educational background and analytical capabilities.

Data Entry and Management Services

While often perceived as low-value work, professional data management services are critical for businesses dealing with large volumes of information that must be accurately captured, processed, and maintained.

Service Applications:

• CRM data entry and enrichment

• Invoice and receipt processing

• Database cleanup and deduplication

• Document digitization and indexing

• Catalog and inventory management

Typical Cost Range: $5-10 per hour per specialist

Quality Metrics:

• Accuracy rate: 98.5-99.8%

• Processing speed: 8,000-12,000 keystrokes per hour

• Turnaround time: 24-48 hours for standard projects

Virtual Assistant Services

Virtual assistants provide administrative support for executives, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, handling tasks that don’t require physical presence but consume significant time.

Common Responsibilities:

• Email management and correspondence

• Calendar scheduling and coordination

• Travel arrangements and itinerary planning

• Research and information gathering

• Social media management

• Basic bookkeeping and expense tracking

Typical Cost Range: $8-18 per hour (depending on skill level and specialization)

From my perspective: “Virtual assistants are often the gateway to Philippine outsourcing for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Once they experience the quality and reliability, they typically expand into additional services.”

Content Moderation Services

For platforms with user-generated content, content moderation is essential for maintaining community standards, legal compliance, and brand safety. Philippine operations handle billions of content moderation decisions annually for major social media platforms and online communities.

Moderation Types:

• Pre-publication review

• Post-publication monitoring

• User report investigation

• Community management

• Automated system training and validation

Typical Cost Range: $6-12 per hour per moderator

Service Complexity Tiers:

TierContent TypesDecision ComplexityTypical Cost
BasicSpam, obvious violationsLow$6-8/hour
IntermediateContextual violations, gray areasMedium$8-10/hour
AdvancedCultural nuance, legal complianceHigh$10-14/hour

Specialized Industry Services

Philippine BPO providers have developed deep expertise in industry-specific services that require specialized knowledge and compliance understanding.

Healthcare Services:

• Medical billing and coding

• Insurance verification and pre-authorization

• Claims processing and adjudication

• Patient scheduling and reminders

• Medical transcription

Financial Services:

• Loan processing and underwriting support

• Account reconciliation

• Fraud detection and investigation

• Collections and recovery

• Financial analysis and reporting

E-Commerce Services:

• Product listing and catalog management

• Order processing and fulfillment coordination

• Returns and refund processing

• Marketplace seller support

• Inventory management

Legal Services:

• Document review and analysis

• Legal research

• Contract management

• Compliance monitoring

• Paralegal support

Service Selection Framework: Choosing the Right Services for Your Business

After two decades of advising clients, I have developed a systematic framework for service selection that ensures alignment between business objectives and outsourcing strategy.

The PITON-Global Service Selection Matrix

Step 1: Business Impact Assessment

Evaluate potential services across four dimensions:

DimensionHigh PriorityMedium PriorityLow Priority
Revenue ImpactDirectly generates revenueSupports revenue activitiesNo direct revenue connection
Cost Reduction>40% savings potential20-40% savings<20% savings
Strategic ValueCore competitive advantageImportant but not differentiatingCommodity function
Implementation RiskLow complexity, proven modelModerate complexityHigh complexity, uncertain outcomes

Step 2: Readiness Evaluation

Assess your organization’s readiness across critical success factors:

• Process Documentation: Are processes clearly defined and documented?

• Performance Metrics: Do you have baseline metrics and clear targets?

• Technology Infrastructure: Can systems support remote operations?

• Management Capacity: Do you have resources to manage the engagement?

• Change Management: Is the organization prepared for the transition?

Step 3: Phased Implementation Planning

I always recommend a phased approach that builds capability progressively:

Phase 1 (Months 1-3): Foundation

• Start with 1-2 services with clear processes and metrics

• Establish quality baselines and operational rhythms

• Build trust and communication patterns

Phase 2 (Months 4-6): Expansion

•  Add complementary services

• Optimize initial services based on performance data

• Scale successful operations

Phase 3 (Months 7-12): Optimization

• Implement advanced services

• Drive continuous improvement

• Explore strategic innovations

As I tell clients: “The biggest mistake in outsourcing is trying to do too much too fast. Start small, prove value, then scale. This approach minimizes risk and maximizes long-term success.”

Cost Analysis and ROI: Understanding the Financial Impact

Understanding the true cost and return on investment of call center services in the Philippines requires looking beyond hourly rates to total cost of ownership and business value delivered.

Comprehensive Cost Breakdown

Direct Costs:

• Agent hourly rates ($6-25 depending on service complexity)

• Management and quality assurance (typically 15-20% of agent costs)

• Technology and infrastructure (usually included in per-hour rates)

• Telecommunications (minimal with VoIP technology)

Indirect Costs:

• Transition and training (one-time investment of $5,000-50,000)

• Ongoing management time (internal resources)

• Performance monitoring tools and systems

• Travel for site visits and relationship building

Hidden Value Factors:

• Improved customer satisfaction and retention

• Increased sales conversion and average order values

• Enhanced brand reputation

• Freed internal resources for strategic initiatives

• 24/7 availability and expanded coverage

ROI Calculation Framework

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Formula:

Plain Text

TCO = (Agent Costs + Management Costs + Technology + Transition) / Total Interactions Handled

Return on Investment (ROI) Formula:

Plain Text

ROI = (Cost Savings + Revenue Increase + Value of Freed Resources – Total Investment) / Total Investment Ă— 100

Real-World ROI Example:

A technology company outsourced customer support and lead generation to the Philippines with the following results:

Annual Investment:

• 25 support agents: $300,000

• 10 lead generation agents: $150,000

• Management and infrastructure: $75,000

• Total Investment: $525,000

Annual Returns:

• Domestic cost savings: $680,000

• Increased sales from qualified leads: $420,000

• Customer retention improvement value: $180,000

• Total Returns: $1,280,000

ROI: 144% (payback period: 6.2 months)

Implementation Best Practices: Lessons from 20+ Years of Experience

Successful implementation of call center services in the Philippines requires more than selecting the right provider and services. It demands thoughtful planning, disciplined execution, and ongoing optimization.

Critical Success Factors

1. Comprehensive Knowledge Transfer

The quality of your knowledge transfer directly determines operational success. I recommend:

• Detailed process documentation with screenshots and examples

• Recorded training sessions for future reference

• FAQ databases covering common scenarios

• Direct access to subject matter experts during ramp-up

• Shadowing opportunities with existing teams

2. Robust Quality Assurance Framework

Quality cannot be assumed—it must be measured, monitored, and managed:

• Call/interaction monitoring (minimum 5% of all interactions)

• Customer satisfaction surveys

• First-call resolution tracking

• Compliance and accuracy audits

• Regular calibration sessions between onshore and offshore teams

3. Cultural Integration and Communication

Philippine teams are part of your organization, not external vendors:

• Include offshore teams in company communications and celebrations

• Facilitate direct communication between offshore agents and internal stakeholders

• Conduct regular video conferences to build personal connections

• Recognize and reward outstanding performance

• Create career development pathways

4. Technology Integration

Seamless system integration is essential for operational efficiency:

• Single sign-on access to all required systems

• Real-time data synchronization

• Integrated quality monitoring and analytics

• Collaboration tools for communication

• Knowledge management platforms

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Pitfall #1: Inadequate Training

Problem: Rushing through training to start operations quickly Solution: Invest 3-4 weeks in comprehensive training with certification requirements

Pitfall #2: Unclear Performance Expectations

Problem: Vague or conflicting success metrics Solution: Define 5-7 key metrics with clear targets and measurement methodologies

Pitfall #3: Insufficient Management Attention

Problem: “Set it and forget it” mentality Solution: Weekly business reviews for first 6 months, then bi-weekly ongoing

Pitfall #4: Cultural Misalignment

Problem: Treating offshore team as vendors rather than partners Solution: Integrate into company culture with regular communication and inclusion

Industry-Specific Service Recommendations

Different industries have unique requirements and optimal service combinations. Here are my recommendations based on extensive industry experience:

E-Commerce and Retail

Recommended Services:

• 24/7 customer support (order status, product questions)

• Order taking and processing

• Returns and refund processing

• Live chat support

• Social media customer service

 â€˘Product catalog management

Key Success Factors:

• Fast response times (under 2 minutes)

• Product knowledge and recommendation capabilities

• Seamless integration with e-commerce platforms

• Multilingual support for global operations

Healthcare

Recommended Services:

• Patient scheduling and appointment reminders

• Insurance verification and pre-authorization

• Medical billing and claims processing

• Telehealth support

• Patient education and follow-up

Key Success Factors:

• HIPAA compliance and data security

• Medical terminology knowledge

• Empathy and patient-centric communication

• Integration with EMR/EHR systems

Financial Services

Recommended Services:

• Account inquiries and customer service

• Fraud detection and investigation

• Collections and payment processing

• Loan application processing

• Financial product sales

Key Success Factors:

• Regulatory compliance (PCI-DSS, SOC 2)

• Financial product knowledge

• Security and fraud prevention protocols

• Detailed audit trails and documentation

Technology and SaaS

Recommended Services:

• Technical support (Tier 1 and Tier 2)

• Customer onboarding and training

• Lead generation and qualification

• Account management and retention

• Product feedback collection

Key Success Factors:

• Technical proficiency and continuous learning

• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

• Product expertise and certification

• Integration with ticketing and CRM systems

The Future of Call Center Services in the Philippines

As the industry continues to evolve, several trends will shape the future service landscape:

AI-Augmented Services

Rather than replacing human agents, AI will augment their capabilities:

• Real-time sentiment analysis and coaching

• Automated knowledge base suggestions

• Predictive analytics for proactive service

• Chatbot escalation to human agents for complex issues

From my observation: “The future isn’t AI versus humans—it’s AI empowering humans to deliver even better service. Philippine operations are leading this integration.”

Hyper-Specialization

Services will become increasingly specialized by industry vertical, customer segment, and interaction type. Generalist operations will give way to deep expertise in specific domains.

Outcome-Based Pricing

The industry is shifting from time-based pricing to outcome-based models:

• Cost per qualified lead

• Cost per resolved issue

• Revenue share on sales generated

• Performance-based bonuses tied to KPIs

Expanded Service Portfolios

Philippine operations will continue expanding into higher-value services:

• Data science and analytics

• Software development and testing

• Digital marketing and SEO

• Graphic design and creative services

• Advanced knowledge process outsourcing

Frequently Asked Questions About Philippine Call Center Services

Q: What is the most popular call center service in the Philippines?

Customer support and technical support services represent approximately 55-60% of all call center operations in the Philippines. These services leverage the Filipino workforce’s natural empathy, strong English skills, and problem-solving capabilities.

Q: How much do call center services in the Philippines cost?

Costs vary significantly by service type and complexity:

• Basic customer service: $8-12 per hour

• Technical support: $12-20 per hour

• Sales and lead generation: $10-18 per hour

• Specialized services: $15-30 per hour

These rates represent 50-70% savings compared to domestic operations in the US, UK, or Australia.

Q: What industries use call center services in the Philippines most?

The top industries are:

1. E-commerce and retail (28%)

2. Technology and SaaS (22%)

3. Healthcare (15%)

4. Financial services (12%)

5. Telecommunications (10%)

6. Travel and hospitality (8%)

7. Other industries (5%)

Q: How long does it take to implement call center services in the Philippines?

Typical implementation timelines:

• Simple services (customer support): 4-6 weeks

• Moderate complexity (technical support): 6-10 weeks

• Complex services (specialized BPO): 10-16 weeks

Timelines depend on process complexity, technology integration requirements, and training needs.

Q: What are the most important factors when selecting services?

Based on my experience, prioritize:

1. Alignment with business objectives

2. Process maturity and documentation

3. Available management resources

4. Technology integration requirements

5. Risk tolerance and implementation timeline

Your Next Steps with PITON-Global

Selecting and implementing the right call center services in the Philippines can transform your business operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer experiences. However, navigating the complex service landscape and provider ecosystem requires expert guidance.

PITON-Global has spent over 20 years developing deep expertise in Philippine call center services across all industries and service categories. We provide:

Strategic Service Selection: We help you identify which services will deliver the greatest value for your specific business model and objectives.

Provider Matching: Our curated network of Philippine BPO providers ensures you partner with operations that have proven capabilities in your required services.

Implementation Support: We guide you through every phase of implementation, from knowledge transfer and training through quality assurance and optimization.

Ongoing Optimization: Our relationship doesn’t end at go-live. We provide continuous advisory support to ensure your operations deliver sustained value.

As I reflect on two decades in this industry: “The Philippines offers an unmatched combination of talent, cost efficiency, and service quality. But success requires more than just selecting a provider—it requires strategic thinking, careful planning, and expert guidance. That’s what PITON-Global delivers.”

Contact PITON-Global today to schedule a complimentary consultation and discover how Philippine call center services can drive your business forward.

References:

1. U.S. Small Business Administration – Outsourcing Guide

2. International Organization for Standardization – Quality Management

3. Philippine Economic Zone Authority – Investment Incentives

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Author


CSO

Ralf Ellspermann is an award-winning call center outsourcing executive with more than 24 years of offshore BPO experience in the Philippines. Over the past two decades, he has successfully assisted more than 100 high-growth startups and leading mid-market enterprises in migrating their call center operations to the Philippines. Recognized internationally as an expert in business process outsourcing, Ralf is also a sought-after industry thought leader and speaker. His deep expertise and proven track record have made him a trusted partner for organizations looking to leverage the Philippines’ world-class outsourcing capabilities.

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