Looks like Filipino Call Center agents will have more things to smile about this holiday season as NY Times published a report that the Philippines is now the Call Center Capital of the World.

Even though India basically jump started the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) or other might call it offshore call centers, there are now more than 400,000 Filipinos work in call centers, which is 50,000 more than in India. This is not surprising, since English is practically our second language and even a child can speak and understand American English.

In addition to language skills, the Philippines has better utility infrastructure than India — so companies spend little on generators and diesel fuel. Also, cities here are safer and have better public transportation, so employers do not have to bus employees to and from work as they do in India.

Not mention in the article is that most Call Centers or BPO companies requires applicants to be at least 2 years in college, once accepted will under go extensive speech and language training before they can have their first phone conversation. Then there’s still the up-trainings and coaching, so the work may be demanding but it is still rewarding, of course that still depends whom you’re working for. Btw, I have worked in a call center for more than 10 years! :)

To read the complete NY Times Article, you can click here.