The Information Technology-Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Industry in the country continues to grow despite the crisis. This is according to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
As of February 2009, the IT industry has generated 400,000 jobs, while during the whole year of 2008, a total of 372,000 were employed.
Arroyo supported wider access to communications and information services by encouraging provision of broadband services in cities and growth areas. Companies that are accredited as Ecozone Information Technology (IT) enterprises by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) are entitled to a holiday from income and local taxes for four to eight years. (PIA)