Accenture company to open branch here

Recognizing Ilocos Norte’s great potential as an alternative destination for Information Technology Business Process Management, Accenture, one of the world’s largest management consulting, technology services and outsourcing companies, is set to open its branch in the province this year.

Benedict Hernandez, head of Accenture Operations Delivery Center in the Philippines, announced the forthcoming construction of the project during the time-capsule laying ceremony held last Feb. 24 at its site in Barangay 1 San Francisco, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. It will be the third in the Philippines following Manila and Cebu Delivery Centers.

“Years ago, Governor Imee Marcos invited us in the industry to come here (and) took us around, we met with the universities and different sectors. We’re very impressed back then. We talked to the students, we see the energy and passion and that really inspires us and excites us. We are excited to bring diverse sets of career opportunities for the province of Ilocos,” Hernandez said.

He said the company will initially hire some 200 employees for 2015 and for the next few years, over 4000 Ilocanos are expected to be provided with quality jobs.

The project is part of Governor Imee Marcos’ Task Force Trabaho program that provides more employment opportunities for the Ilocanos.

Gov. Marcos said in her State of the Province Address (SOPA) last year that her administration will continue to prioritize creating sustainable jobs in the province so that Ilocanos will not need to leave their hometown to search for employment opportunities.

“We want more and better jobs to provide adequately for our families, both in our cities and in the far flung rural areas. Every Ilocano has the choice of working overseas or one day working here at home.”

Gov. Marcos believes that PGIN’s partnership with Accenture will strengthen this goal as the company also aims to boost efforts in achieving inclusive growth in the country by providing training and employment to residents in rural areas..

Provincial Public Employment Service Office head Nicole Rudio said that PGIN is continuously intensifying TFT Campaign by partnering with private companies in conducting mini-job fairs every Friday at the Provincial Capitol.—(Jennifer T. Pambid, PGIN-CMO)