Credit-grabbing daw? Mar’s true role in the BPO industry

As the elections draw closer, the black propaganda operations against Mar continue. Most recently, his enemies and their trolls have tried to dispute his track record and undermine his accomplishments.

Some examples:

So ano ba talaga? Tingnan natin yung facts, then you can decide for yourself.

1. Mar is very knowledgeable about the BPO industry. In fact, he’s often invited to speak during BPO events. The way he talks shows his level of involvement.

2. President Aquino himself has hailed Mar as the Father of the BPO industry. Note that Mar did not personally take on this moniker; it was attributed to him by insiders.

3. Many people have written about Mar’s role in the BPO industry: Janette Toral, Joe America, Frank Hilario, Gemma Cruz Araneta, Boo Chanco, etc.

4. If you still don’t want to believe “hearsay,” read up on the BPO industry’s history. Contrary to Oscar Sañez’s claims, Mar’s nearly four-year tenure as DTI Secretary produced many results. In partnership with the private sector and other government agencies, he pushed for the creation of institutions that became instrumental to the industry’s growth. Here is a brief timeline:

April 2000: formulation of the first comprehensive roadmap for the industry; approval of amendments to PEZA guidelines, granting special economic zone status to buildings (and floors) used for IT

May 2000: formal inclusion of IT and E-Commerce in the 2000 Investment Priorities Plan

July 2000: formulation and signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 8792, the Electronic Commerce Act; signing of E.O. 264, merging disparate government councils and efforts into one public-private IT and E-Commerce Council (ITECC); launch of the global “Make IT Philippines” campaign

February 2001: first E-Services Philippines Outsourcing Conference and Exhibition

September 2002: in-depth assessment by Gartner Research and Advisory Services, identifying the country’s potential as a contender for the IT service market within the next 5 years

September 2003: initial DTI-industry-academe partnership to create special elective courses for the call center industry

December 2003: launch of Cebu as a new IT hub, the first outside Metro Manila

5. You can also listen to the testimonials of people like Marvin Rodriguez, who works as assistant vice president for a BPO firm.

“Secretary Mar, it may have taken me 13 years to say this, so here goes: Maraming, maraming, maraming salamat po.”

“Kung hindi po dahil sa inyo, walang BPO industry na nagbibigay ng maraming benipisyo, at patuloy na magbibigay ng maraming benepisyo sa halos isang milyong empleyado kasama na ang kanilang mga pamilya.”

6. Since this black propaganda started, more and more people have been coming out in support of Mar.

Among the people in this photo (as identified in the comments section):

Marife Zamora – Chairman of Convergys Philippines; Ayhee Campos – Country Manager of Infosys; Vicky Agorilla – GM of Lenovo Asia; Jajo Quintos – Country Head of IBM Daksh at one point, etc.; Fred Ayala – CEO LiveIt Solutions; Agnes Gervacio – Country Manager of NEC; Bong Borja – Founder of People Support, Country Head of Aegis, and now President of EGS; Jomari Mercado – President of IBPAP; Cristina Concepcion – President of BPO Int’l; Evelyn Suaco Abat – Country Head of Miramed Phils LLC; Nini Octaviano – President of Dataflow

Convinced? You can find many other similar stories online.

Now let’s look at these detractors. Oscar Sañez never said that Mar isn’t the Father of the BPO Industry. He has nothing against Mar personally, but his current affiliations shed light on why he maintains this position.

From Cocoy Dayao:

“Mar Roxas was trade secretary in January 2000 under Erap (he resigned). After EDSA 2, Mar Roxas returned under the cabinet of PGMA and ended his term in 2003.”

“Mr. Sañez entered the scene in 2007. So not a pioneer. He entered it during the 4^th phase of BPAP—the industry association that worked with Mar when he was DTI chief so the industry would have a voice.”

“Who does he work for today? SMC. Who does SMC support?”

Poe, that’s who. She even borrows their planes for her sorties.

Antonette Marcella casts the same doubt on Sañez, writing:

“Si Oca ay naatasang maging puno ng BPAP nuong 2007 – eh – phase 4 na po iyon ng plano. Ang BPAP ay ang assosasyon ng industriya na kasama sa plano na iniwan ni MAR sa DTI – para magkaroon [ng] boses ang industriya para makipagusap sa gobyerno tungkol sa mga issue nila – which likewise guided the legislation pushed for the industry when he was in the senate. Ito ay nuong panahon na putok na ang industriya at nagbunga na ang hirap ng DTI Team na inumpisahan at ginabayan ni Mar.”

“So baka maitanong mo lang nasaan na si Oca Sanez – ngayon.”

“Siya po ay tao ni DANDING COJUANGCO at RAMON ANG sa San Miguel.”

Ano na? Would you still rather trust a single Facebook post or meme?