Healthcare BPO Seen Most Promising

November 24, 2012, 1:54pm

Considered the most promising sector of the IT-BPO industry, the healthcare information management (HIM) sector posted a 172 percent growth in 2011. International research firm MarketsandMarkets reports that HIM will become a US$329-billion industry by 2016, substantially larger than the entire IT-BPO industry, which is projected by Everest Group to grow to US$256 billion that year.

The Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Association of the Philippines (HIMOAP), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO), are pursuing all measures to sustain this growth. During the Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Services Congress (HIMOSC), discussions revolved around topics on business continuity, workforce redirection, and retooling development.

“The Philippine healthcare outsourcing industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the IT-BPO industry. Together with HIMOAP and other stakeholders, we will ensure that the needs of the industry are properly addressed,” said DOST-ICTO Director Patricia Abejo. According to a study by MarketsandMarkets, the global healthcare BPO industry is projected to be worth US$330 billion by 2016. In the Philippines,HIM is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the information technology and business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) industry. By the end of 2012, it is expected to generate revenue of US$433 million and employ 43,000 Filipinos.

“This one sector of the IT-BPO industry stands to be bigger than what is projected in the entire market. These are tremendous implications for the Philippines,” said DOST-ICTO deputy executive director for ICT Industry Development Alejandro Melchor. “If you do the math, the country can build on the present market share which is 8 percent of the global market; and all our clients are geared towards capturing a minimum of 13 to 15 percent,” he said.

Acquiring impressive numbers for industry growth and employment is only one side of the IT-BPO industry. Keeping investors and clients in the country is another story. To ensure industry growth, HIMOAP constantly involves a lot of key players in promoting best practices.

“We also have the government as a support to create a professional atmosphere in which the problems of the government can join with the initiatives of the association. Aside from that, we have the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP). We’ve been doing umbrella work for all of us in order to make sure that they can deal with the large problems and initiatives,” said HIMOAP president Juanloz Botor.

Another challenge for the HIM sector is the growing competition among emerging economies. China, for one, has started to train its citizens to be competent in English. “It’s a growing market so I don’t think it’s a threat to us.

The Philippines has been teaching English for so many years and ingrained in American culture. These are the things that lured companies like my own in the first place,” said HIMOAP chairman Jeff Williams. “It’s a matter of how well we do and are we doing the best that we can to make sure we provide the best to the rest of the world.”

HIMOAP, formerly known as the Medical Transcription Industry Association of the Philippines, Inc. (MTIAPI), has also shifted focus from medical transcription alone to a wide array of healthcare services.

“We are now focusing on the higher-end aspect of this work, not only the transcription, but we’re also moving to higher value services,” said Williams.

The Philippine HIM sector has evolved to provide services in all aspects of healthcare information management, including clinical data management, disease management, revenue cycle management, pharmacy benefits management, electronic medical records, medical claims recovery, patient education, insurance processing, and quality assurance.

The range of services offered by the healthcare BPO has also provided employment especially to professionals and graduates of medical courses. “Unemployed nurses turned out to be a boon to the industry. We actually conceptualized a plan, and we’re working with our very close partner HIMOAP as well as BPAP to grow the Philippine market share,” said Melchor.

“I think it is good that the Philippines is looking into the marketing of HIM not only for its population, but also to market the top services that the country can provide to the rest of the region,” said Steven Yeo, vice president and executive director of HIMSS Asia Pacific and general manager of HIMSS Analytics Asia/Middle East.

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Local BPOs remain undaunted by Obama’s ‘Bring Jobs Home’ bill

Published on Saturday, 17 November 2012 18:57

Written by Max V. de Leon / Reporter

IT is said that “when America sneezes, the world catches a cold.” But what if somehow, during these lame-duck sessions, or at any period during President Obama’s second term, one of his previous priority bills—the Bring Jobs Home Act—earned the nod of the Republicans and became a law? Will the outsourcing world get a big headache?

For the Philippines, if the words of industry players are to be taken as a doctor’s diagnosis, there is no need to worry at all.

Both the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) and the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) have issued very encouraging statements that with or without the proposed law being enacted, the outsourcing industry in the country will continue to thrive.

Benedict Hernandez, president of both BPAP and CCAP, said more than just cost savings, the Philippines puts in the table more winning propositions to American companies that are outsourcing here.

He said four critical aspects would make American companies still decide to outsource some of their jobs to the Philippines, even at the risk of getting penalized by Washington as mandated by the proposed Bring Jobs Home Act.

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The first, of course, is getting quality talents at less cost.

It is a given that the cost of labor here is far cheaper than in the United States. This is validated by a study made by the Everest Group and Outsource2Philippines (O2P).

In the study, which is a major component of BPAP’s 2016 Road Map, Everest and O2P noted that the direct operating cost per full-time employee (FTE) for English voice work in the United States ranges from $70,000 to $72,000 a year.

In the Philippines the cost per FTE is only $15,000 to $16,000 per annum.

Already, that’s a staggering 350-percent cost reduction. And some companies have made the calculations that the Philippine proposition is better, even if the impact of the Bring Jobs Home bill were considered.

“Some say there is still a cost advantage [here] even if the law were passed,” Hernandez told the BusinessMirror.

The next consideration after cost savings is the availability of talent. Hernandez said even the economists and experts in the US are saying that in some parts of America, there is a mismatch between the skills available and the outsourcing jobs needed. This is why in some places in the US, call-center and other outsourcing jobs could not be filled up.

In the Philippines, on the other hand, degree holders are available to take on both voice and non-voice outsourcing works.

After that, Hernandez said the cost savings that American companies are getting from the outsourced jobs can be used by the firms for other purposes, be they expansion in the US or offshore, hiring of additional employees, or trainings to enhance the competencies of their existing work force.

The fourth aspect addresses what every big company aspires for—risk management. Hernandez said by locating some of their functions in the Philippines and elsewhere, American companies are able to manage risks geographically. This means that if something bad happened in one of their locations, their operations would continue via the other sites.

“This is why we have to change our perspective on this. It is not just about cost. We offer more,” Hernandez said.

The Bring Jobs Home bill was sponsored by re-electionist Democrat Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and was pushed by President Obama as one of the priority measures to address the crisis in the US.

The bill seeks to amend the US Internal Revenue Code and mandates the grant of tax credit for up to 20 percent of expenses incurred in relocating an operation to American shores. It also removes the fiscal perks enjoyed by companies that outsourced jobs to other countries.

The bill was junked.

However, with Obama winning a second term, talks of a possible revival of the bill surfaced.

John Forbes, director and senior adviser of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, said that while indications point to the dedication of the lame-duck sessions only to measures that would address the looming “fiscal cliff” in the US, no one can tell if a surprise in the form of the Bring Jobs Home Act could spring.

Forbes said what the US Congress is now working on is a large tax bill that aims to cushion the impact of some revenue and spending laws that are due to either expire at the end of the year or take effect in January. These laws combined, including the debt limit and budget cut, are feared to put the US economy into recession.

If a deadlock ensues between the Democrats and the Republicans and there is a need for a compromise, there is a long shot that the so-called insourcing bill could be factored into the talks and placed on the negotiating table.

“But I believe that [insourcing] bill is not in the radar at this time,” Forbes said.

Then, in the new US Congress, Forbes said Filipinos need not be too concerned about the bill getting passed.

This, he said, is because the current makeup of Capitol Hill—with the Senate led by the Democrats and the Republicans dominating the House—would also be the same in the incoming Congress. Even if the bill is approved in the Senate, it is not likely to pass the House of Representatives.

Aside from that, even if the bill became a law, Forbes said the Philippines would be in good stead. “Like in any business, it’s all a matter of cost.”

Jojo Uligan, executive director of CCAP, said the industry is confident the US Congress would again junk the bill as the American lawmakers would give more weight to benefits that US firms are getting in outsourcing some of their tasks, particularly in the Philippines.

“BPOs in the Philippines are very beneficial to American companies. We deliver quality service at lower cost. We are still confident that the bill would not pass like the last time. But we would continue to monitor the moves of [President] Obama and we will act accordingly,” Uligan said.

BPAP, in a statement, congratulated Obama on his re-election to a second term despite speculation that his victory may resurrect talks on the passage of anti-outsourcing legislation in the US Senate.

“We congratulate President Barack Obama on his re-election. While there has been speculation that anti-outsourcing legislation may be revisited, the Philippine IT-BPO industry will continue to support the US economy and American businesses to help ensure they are among the most competitive in the world while freeing up resources to create more jobs in the US,” said Hernandez.

He added that “outsourcing business services to the Philippines helps make American companies more competitive and profitable. Profitable companies hire more workers, both here and in the United States.”

“Numerous studies have shown that outsourcing has little negative impact on job losses and, in fact, fosters job growth in companies that outsource business processes. Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business economist Matthew Slaughter, in a study of the hiring practices of 2,500 US multinationals, found that for every job outsourced, nearly two new jobs are created in the US,” said Hernandez.

From a $35-billion global IT-BPO market in 2009, the industry is expected to generate at least $220 billion in revenues this year, according to a report by the Everest Group. “Demand for global IT-BPO services is huge and continues to expand at a rapid rate,” he said. “Outsourcing is a win-win proposition, and we believe that both American and Philippine companies—and American and Filipino workers—will continue to benefit from the opportunities it provides,” Hernandez said.

In 2011 the Philippines’s IT-BPO industry generated more than $11 billion in revenue and employed almost 640,000 Filipinos. By 2016, it is expected to grow to $25 billion in annual revenue and employ 1.3 million, according to an industry road map.

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Roxas orders hunt for money scam’s head

By Princess Dawn H. Felicitas

Saturday, November 10, 2012

THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered a manhunt for the suspected leader of a “double-your-money” scam that reportedly victimized more than 10,000 people in Mindanao.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas was in Cebu yesterday to coordinate with Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Marcelo Garbo and PRO 7 Deputy Director for Operations Supt. Louie Oppus for the possible arrest of Manuel Amalilio, owner of Aman Futures Trading.

Amalilio is reportedly a resident of Cebu City.

Roxas was in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur where Amalilio allegedly duped some 10,000 residents out of billions of pesos in money placements.

Other victims

Roxas said Amalilio also tricked residents of other parts of Mindanao, including those in Marawi City and Lanao del Norte.

Amalilio might have also victimized Cebuanos, he added.

He took the hard-earned money that retirees, teachers, police, farmers, and even pastors supposedly invested in his company, said Roxas.

In a news conference last night, Roxas said Amalilio registered Cebu City as one of his addresses. He is said to be living in B. Rodriguez Extension in Barangay Guadalupe.

Roxas said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was able to verify the address.

Malaysia connection

But Amalilio has been reportedly seen in Malaysia. Amalilio is reportedly a Filipino of Malaysian descent.

He said he hopes that with the help of the local police, authorities will be able to catch Amalilio.

“Itong malawak na financial pyramiding scam ay isang masagwa, pangit at napakasamang gawain. Gagawin natin ang lahat para mahuli yung mga perpetrators (This is pyramiding scam is ugly. Let us do everything to arrest the perpetrators),” he added.

Amalilio, Roxas said, did not operate alone.

Roxas said Amalilio and his incorporators invited people to invest in Aman and get high returns of at least 30 percent. The cash transactions did not go through banks.

This is why, Roxas said there is no assurance that the money taken by Amalilio will be recovered. “It’s hard to the monitor cash movement,” he added.

Aside from PNP and NBI, Roxas said they have also tapped the help of the Department of Justice and the International Police (Interpol) in the investigation and hunt for Amalilio.

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Obama win seen to affect local BPOs

Written by Recto Mercene | Reporter

The re-election victory of US President Barack Obama has reignited apprehensions that the US Congress may finally approve a bill which, if passed, would greatly diminish the flourishing business-process outsourcing (BPO) industry in the Philippines.

And a statement of US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas Jr. on Wednesday seemed to drive home the point even more.

“President Obama’s job is the same as President Aquino’s job, to provide jobs to Americans, just as President Aquino’s job is to provide jobs for Filipinos,” he said when asked about the “Bring Jobs Home” bill sponsored by Democrat Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, who is running for re-election. The Democrats hold a narrow majority in the US Senate, according to the latest election results. The Republicans control the House of Representatives.

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The bill was among “to-do list” for Congress that Obama unveiled earlier this year. Senate Republicans prevented the measure from reaching debating stage. The bill also is opposed by some large US business groups.

The Bring Jobs Home Act would provide a 20-percent tax break for the costs of moving jobs back to the United States and would rescind business expense deductions available to companies that are associated with the cost of moving operations overseas, according to newspaper accounts.

The information technology-BPO industry’s is one of the country’s economic pillars, employing 493,000 Filipinos and is expected to grow to 567,000 in 2013, according to Benedict Hernandez, president of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines.

He said the industry is one of the most dynamic and progressive sectors today and its growth in the last six years was five times higher than the average employment growth in the country.

“This means that employment opportunities in the voice industry is more lucrative compared with other industries,” Hernandez said.

Jojo Uligan, executive director of Contact Center Association of the Philippines, said the BPO’s voice sector was also better paying than other sectors.

“An entry-level position that typically requires a fresh college graduate or undergraduate can have a basic monthly salary of about P12,000 to P13,000. This is 38 percent higher than the basic minimum of P9,000,” Uligan said.

But with Obama’s victory, this rosy opportunity for Filipinos, especially to new graduates, may be coming to an end if the US president pursues the passage of the Bring Jobs Home bill.

During the campaign, Obama was criticized for being unable to provide jobs to some 3 million Americans, which partly explains his narrow victory over Gov. Mitt Romney.

Many Americans have suggested to Obama to bring back factories and jobs that have been outsourced to other countries, especially to China, India, the Philippines and elsewhere.

Thomas made the statements during the “2012 US Election Watch,” which he presided over at the SM North Edsa in Quezon City.

Invited to the occasion where students from various universities in Manila, World War II veterans, members of the media and officials of Quezon City hall.

At least 2,300 participated in a mock election and the result showed that 74 percent voted for Obama, while 24 percent went for Gov. Mitt Romney.

Ambassador Thomas said he was proud to be an American and to participate in the election held once every four years.

But the US envoy said there were other benefits for Filipinos of Obama’s re-election.

“Clearly, it’s a demonstration of democracy. The importance of democracy, how democracy is better than any form of government, despite its warts,” he said.

Thomas added that the Philippines is right to have a democracy, adding that there were 30 Filipino-Americans running for office in this American election.

“That is not happening in other countries,” he said.

“We share with the Philippines a privilege that unfortunately many people around the world do not have; the right to freely choose their leaders.”

He said that right has come at a high cost, paid by millions of Americans through the centuries, who fought and died for that right.

He mentioned Nathan Hale, a hero of the American Revolution, who reportedly said, “I have one regret and that is I only have one life to give to my country.”

Thomas said Filipinos also have one such personality, Ninoy Aquino, who said, “The Filipino is worth dying for.”

“Today that commitment to freedom continues, you all demonstrated that during People Power at Edsa.”

He added that when people talk about America, they mostly talk about military and economic power, but said that “what’s important is the right to vote, and we have that right.”

 The ambassador thanked the Filipinos for donating P10 million to the victims of Superstorm Sandy. He said his mother was also a victim of the superhowler. 

Later in the day, when Obama’s victory became apparent, Thomas said, “Now its time for America to leave the rhetoric behind and get to work for the good of the country.” He said he was proud to continue working for Obama and would also have been proud to work for Romney “if he had been elected, because that is what democracy is all about. It’s our duty to respect the will of the people and work for whomever the people have set.”

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Do firms fight corruption?

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By Mia A. Aznar

Saturday, November 3, 2012

WHILE the business community has long asked the government to rid itself of corruption, a recent anti-corruption survey among business owners showed majority of them have done little to curb corruption on their end.

The Social Weather Stations’ (SWS) enterprise survey on corruption for 2012 found that 57 percent of respondents spent nothing in the last two years to combat fraud and corruption in their companies.

Seventy-six percent spent nothing to contribute to any private anti-corruption program in the last two years.

Although they found 67 percent of enterprises willing to contribute to fund a program that would halve public sector corruption in 10 years, those willing to contribute are only willing to shell out five percent, at most, of their net income.

‘A little corruption’

Results of the enterprise survey on corruption were presented by SWS president Mahar Mangahas in a recent road show by the National Competitiveness Council.

The results show that 67 percent disagree that they cannot do anything to reduce corruption in the government. Fifty-two percent expect a positive change in net income if corruption is reduced to that of Singapore.

Most in the business sector said they believe there is “a little” corruption in the private sector, with just 11 percent thinking there is a lot. But when the SWS asked the general public, 38 percent felt there is a lot of corruption in the private sector as well.

In the survey, the SWS listed seven areas where government personnel probably solicit for bribes.

These are in getting local government permits and licenses; assessment and payment of income taxes; getting national permits and licenses; complying with import regulations and payment of import duties; supplying government with goods or services; collecting receivables from government; and availing of government incentives.

Fifty percent said they were solicited for at least one of the seven bribes; at least 31 percent claimed they were solicited for a bribe in getting local government permits and licenses. Twenty-seven percent said they were solicited during assessment or payment of taxes, while 19 percent were approached in getting national government permits or licenses.

In Metro Cebu, 56 percent claimed to have been solicited for any of the seven bribes; 32 percent of them said this happened while they were getting local government permits and licenses. Twenty-six percent said they were solicited for bribes in getting assessments or in paying taxes.

About 20 percent received solicitations while getting permits and licenses from the national government; 28 percent in complying with import regulations and duties; 18 percent in supplying the government with goods or services; 11 percent in collecting receivables from government; and eight percent in availing themselves of government incentives.

‘Nothing would be done’

Despite these cases, 95 percent of the Cebuano respondents did not report the bribe solicitation, close to the 91 percent national figure.

Majority of those who did not report the bribe reasoned that nothing could be done anyway if they reported it.

Thirty-nine percent said they could not prove it happened while 34 percent feared reprisal if they dared to report anything. Twenty-six percent said it was too small a problem to bother reporting it, and 25 percent did not know how or to whom they should report the bribe solicitation.

Twenty-one percent claimed it was standard practice not to report, while 21 percent felt they would spend too much if they did. Thirteen percent said they did not want to betray anyone while eight percent said they would be embarrassed if they reported it.

It is the area of procurement that they consider the most vulnerable to corruption, while human resource management is the least. Sectors considered most vulnerable to corruption include construction, mining and quarrying, and government services.

Sought for comment on the results, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Prudencio Gesta said these should be taken positively because it means there is more room to improve in both the public and private sectors.

SWS surveyed 826 persons nationwide from July 16 to Sept. 7 for this round of the survey and reported an error margin of plus-minus three percent.

The group surveyed 100 in Metro Cebu, where the error margin was pegged at 10 percent.

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ASEM To Adopt Vientiane Declaration

By HANNAH L. TORREGOZA

November 6, 2012, 8:44pm

VIENTIANE – Asian and European leaders yesterday reached a consensus to adopt the Vientiane Declaration during the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) held here in Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic.

Section 5 of the Vientiane Declaration will serve as a reminder to ASEM leaders of their renewed commitment “to refrain from the act of threat or the use of force in any manner inconsistent with the United Nations (UN) charter and international law against the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of any state and to seek peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue, negotiations and other means in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.”

President Benigno S. Aquino III joined 19 other Asian countries, 29 European countries, the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission and the Secretary General of the ASEAN in adopting the Vientiane Declaration.

Aquino, himself, reiterated before Asian and European leaders the Philippine government’s commitment to resolve its diplomatic disputes against China over maritime and territorial issues before international lawmaking bodies, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“This effort is consistent with our country’s position on the disputes surrounding the West Philippine Sea, which is merely a portion of the South China Sea within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),” Aquino said during his keynote address at the ASEM summit which was held at the National Convention Center, Lao PDR.

Aquino brought up the issue when the ASEM leaders tackled regional issues during the summit, and reiterated the country’s sovereignty over the so-called “highly contested body of water.”

Aquino, who attended the ASEM summit for the first time, said it is imperative that countries and stakeholders in the Asian region to work together to enhance maritime cooperation and security.

“This is an issue that, we believe, concerns even non-claimant countries. After all, this is an area through which 50,000 ships – many of them from Europe – pass annually, facilitating trade between all our countries and many others,” Aquino said at his keynote address.

“As such, its implications on freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce make it a priority issue not only for the Philippines and the region, but also for the wider international community,” the Chief Executive said.

Aquino emphasized to Asian and European leaders that the Philippines has always advocated a rules-based approach as the most “legitimate, most appropriate, and durable means” to address conflicting maritime and territorial claims” from the very beginning.

“This has not changed. We remain firmly committed to the fair and peaceful settlement of disputes in the West Philippine Sea, in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” he stressed.

China has insisted that Scarborough Shoals or Panatag shoals as part of China’s inherent territory and claimed they have sufficient legal basis to prove ownership over that huge body of water.

China has also refuses to bring its claim on the Scarborough Shoals before the UNCLOS.

Besides the Philippines, other Asian nations, in particular, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei  also claim ownership of some parts of the West Philippine Sea.

Aquino said the Philippines is now looking forward to the early convening of negotiations on a legally binding regional Code of Conduct which was one of the agenda agreed upon when ASEAN leaders reached a consensus on the Six-Point Principle on the West Philippine Sea last July.

The Philippines looks forward to the early convening of negotiations on a legally binding regional Code of Conduct, parallel to the full and active implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

Aquino, however, assured that despite its maritime conflict with China, which has somehow hurt bilateral relations between the two countries, both the Philippines and China remain committed to enhancing bilateral ties, towards the benefit of their peoples.

“Through measures such as these, founded on a collective desire for stability and on the importance of continued international engagement, we can best ensure that whatever tensions are present do not escalate into open conflict,” Aquino said.

“And this is an endeavor in which we must all take part. After all, it is in our collective interests to ensure peace, harmony, stability, and safety and freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea. This is fundamental not only for the continued economic growth and prosperity of Asia, but for the rest of the world as well,” exhorted Aquino.

“In these times, where the state of individual economies and the stability of individual countries depend so much on events all over the world, it is becoming more important for us all to work together towards mutual progress, and towards a stable and peaceful ASEAN Community and Asia-Pacific region, which will, in the end, benefit the entire global community,”  he concluded.

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Philippines gets EU support on West Philippine Sea issue

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Monday, November 5, 2012

THE European countries of Norway, Switzerland, European Council and European Commission on Monday expressed support for Philippine President Benigno Aquino III's stand to resolve the longstanding territorial issues in the West Philippine Sea diplomatically and peacefully.

Presidential spokesperson Herminio Coloma Jr., who was with the President in Laos for the two-day 9th Asia-Europe Meeting, said that during the President's bilateral meetings with Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, Swiss Confederation President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, European Council Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Varroso, the four leaders supported the Philippines' position to resolve issues in the disputed area peacefully and in accordance with international laws.

"We noted the increased importance of maritime security in the West Philippine Sea and there was an agreement that it was a matter of international interest as a significant amount of trade passes by the West Philippine Sea," Coloma said.

"In particular, Switzerland and the EU and in part Norway indicated their firm support to our position that conflicts or disputes in that area are to be resolved peacefully and following international law and in particular there is firm support for an Asean-centric approach, which has always been the position of President Aquino considering four out of the 10 members states of Asean have specific stakes in the West Philippine Sea," he added.

"Therefore, the only logical approach to any conflict resolution will have to be multilateral and involving all stakeholders therein," he noted.

Coloma said Aquino underscored the importance of bilateral meetings as an opportunity for the Philippines to further enhance friendship and partnership with other countries.

"The President is in a very upbeat and optimistic mood. He is satisfied with the outcome of the bilateral meetings and he feels that this is an important opportunity for the country to enhance its friendship and partnership with the countries of both Europe and Asia," he said.

In the President's meeting with Stoltenberg, Coloma said the discussion centered on improving the working conditions of migrant Filipino workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.

"Norway confirmed its assurance for support in our efforts to land better jobs for Filipino migrant workers particularly in the healthcare sector in Norway and the easing or procedural improvements to create better opportunities for qualified Filipino workers," he said. 

He added that Norway the European Commission and the European Council had pledged their support for the country's bid to retain our standing in the International Maritime Organization white list.

"This means that we will be complying with all the requirements of the standards for training and certification watch-keeping of seafarers (STCW 198 Convention)," he said. 

The President also met with Swiss Confederation President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf where he extended the Philippines thanks for its assistance in "heightening" and further developing our expertise in disaster risk reduction and management.

Aquino's last meeting, a trilateral meeting with European Council President Herman Von Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso at 11 a.m., centered on improving maritime security within the West Philippine Sea to ensure the safety of goods and people traversing the highly travelled body of water.

Coloma said all meetings the President had "went very well" with all discussions on "increased opportunities and intensified cooperation."

He said the three nations were "enthusiastic" in congratulating the Philippines for finally achieving peace in Mindanao with the signing of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement.

"We see this as a genuine opportunity for reaping peace dividends including increased investments into the Philippines and Mindanao in particular," Coloma said.

He added that in return, the Philippines expressed its support for the requests of Norway and Switzerland in its bid to become members of ASEM.

"And in reciprocity, we supported the requests of the various delegation with which we met, for Norway and Switzerland as they are joining the ASEM meetings and would like to become involved in the dialogues with Asean as future dialogue partners," Coloma said. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)

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