Yondu

Yondu, a Philippine company that also specializes in ICT talent outsourcing and deployment, is already in the midst of preparations for the expected demand from the region's technology sector. "We have to prepare for new technology to come in especially when new partnerships among ASEAN-based companies start demanding new workers," Judith Tubil, Head of Human Resource of mobile and IT services provider Yondu, said. "One thing going for Filipinos is that we're known for our ability to adapt to changes and our resilience. We're quick to learn, highly-trainable and globally-competitive. While our success in the outsource industry is based on our relations with Western cultures, we have cultural affinity with the rest of Southeast Asian neighbors, which makes us a viable source of ICT-capable manpower," Tubil added. The advent of the AEC brings a lot of opportunities to the Philippines. Judging by our economy's rapid growth, many of our technology firms can commit to requirements of international clients indicating that our country has the capacity to meet most of the possible spike in demand for ICT workers. Ms. Tubil said that in addition to preparations, Filipinos must set objectives and anticipate demand, which will not be a difficult task for the industries, considering the dynamic environment and determined workforce that we have. "The ASEAN integration brings a big basket of goodies for the Philippines. It's not a threat, it's an opportunity that will ultimately add to our bottom line -- but only if we take time to learn what it is and how it will be beneficial," she said.