Boldr is part of the inaugural ESG committee of the Philippine BPO industry

The BPO industry is a cornerstone of the Philippine economy, employing 1.82 million Filipinos and contributing approximately nine percent (9%) of the nation’s gross domestic product. While its potential for transformative growth is tremendous, the sector must keep pace with shifting global priorities, particularly in adopting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles.

Environmental stewardship is crucial to minimizing the industry's ecological footprint, while social accountability improves working conditions and attracts top talent. Sound governance is key to addressing risks and attracting investors. A heightened focus on ethics and sustainability is driving industry evolution, becoming a prerequisite for success.

On September 23, 2023, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) invited professionals in fields such as sustainability and corporate social responsibility to join its newly formed ESG Committee. The Committee aims to drive holistic and inclusive growth by embedding ESG principles in the Philippine IT-BPM Industry Roadmap 2028

The Committee’s ambition is bold: to position the Philippine IT-BPM industry as a global sustainability leader and a frontrunner in sustainability accounting standards. Over the course of 2024, we have laid the foundation for this vision through a series of milestones:

•       February 13: Kick-off Meeting
•       March 1: Committee Induction at the Annual Membership Meeting
•       May 31: Organizational Structure and Goals Discussion
•       July 22:: Workstream Sign-ups (Environmental, Social, Governance, Audit, Communications)
•       August 7: Workstream Kick-Off Meeting
•       September 24, 2024: Sustainability Health Check
•       October 28, 2024: Double Materiality Assessment Workshop
•       November 12, 2024: Orientation for the Sustainability Reporting Pilot Program

This initiative brings together Boldr, Sutherland, Carelon, MoveinSync, and TeamAsia. We are motivated to participate in the pilot cohort to test IBPAP’s sustainability reporting platform. The sustainability reports will be using the SusTek Ai-powered ESG Accounting Platform. The goal is not just to report our ESG efforts but to identify unified commitments for the entire BPO industry. By early 2025, the groundwork for this pilot will be underway.

As part of this journey, I volunteered to lead the Social workstream, firmly believing that more women should take on leadership roles. While I’m still navigating the responsibilities of this new role, the learning process has been invaluable. Adapting to ESG frameworks has been an enriching experience as my professional background is in communications and project management. Our discussions have fostered a space where participants exchange concerns, insights, and best practices, regardless of what stage they are in ESG implementation.

IBPAP’s ESG program is still in its early stages, but its potential to transform the industry is immense. As a B-Corp-certified and Living Wage employer, Boldr has consistently championed sustainability, equity, and transparency—values that perfectly align with the ESG Committee’s vision. Our participation in this project enables us to shape industry-wide best practices while advocating for causes close to our mission, such as ethical labor standards and inclusive growth.

It also provides a platform to collaborate with like-minded organizations, challenging the status quo and redefining what the BPO industry can achieve. This opportunity reinforces our commitment to a purpose-driven ethos that extends beyond profit, fostering a culture where businesses are a force for meaningful societal impact. Boldr is proud to contribute to co-creating a greener, more inclusive future for the IT-BPM industry and the communities it touches.

Contact Boldr today to connect with global talent and scale up your business with ethical outsourcing.