An Iloilo-based BPO company that offers virtual medical assistance is expanding its operations in Bacolod City starting next month.
Vanessa Belleza, president and chief executive officer of Xilium Professional Services, informed Mayor Evelio Leonardia of their company’s plans during a virtual meeting Thursday.
Leonardia thanked Belleza, and said that Barangay 31 Captain German Bullolaza was instrumental in arranging the virtual meeting and thanked him for helping bring this new investment to Bacolod.
Belleza said this will be their third branch in the country, and will be located at the ground floor of La Luz Building, Lacson Street, in Barangay Mandalagan.
She said they will hire about 150 employees for their first year of operations in Bacolod.
“Since 2017, we have been hiring people from Bacolod. We are still offering opportunities. The fact that our workers can work from home is actually a big thing for the pandemic,” she said in a press release from the city.
City Development Council vice chairman George Zulueta, who also joined the virtual meeting, said the Bacolod Business Development and Promotions Center can help Xilium in processing its business and building permits.
Matters pertaining to recruitment, meanwhile, may be addressed by the Public Employment Services Office.
“We have the investment incentive law, and you might be able to qualify,” Zulueta added.
Local Economic and Investment Promotions Officer Jonah Javier welcomed Xilium’s business endeavor in Bacolod.
“It’s just the perfect time. This means additional jobs for Bacolodnons,” Javier said.
Belleza said they will reach out to the barangays, through Councilor Lady Gles Pallen, who is the president of the Liga ng mga Barangay, to inform them of the job opportunities at Xilium.
Xilium talent acquisition manager Allan James Andrada said most of the job applicants’ concern right now is traveling to work.
But instead of them reaching out to us, Xilium has decided to reach out to Bacolod, Andrada said. “This is for the convenience of our applicants and our hirees,” he added.
Belleza said she believes that Bacolod is “the best place” for Xilium insofar as their business expansion is concerned.
Leonardia told the Xilium executives that the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry has consistently considered Bacolod among the most business-friendly cities in the country.
“The DTI, in its last evaluation, has also rated Bacolod as the ‘most competitive city’ in the Visayas,” Leonardia added. “I presented these facts to you to give you a sense of assurance that you made the right choice in expanding in Bacolod. We will also do everything in our part to see to it that we can provide you with a climate conducive for your growth.”
Also joining the virtual meeting were PESO-Bacolod head Ma. Rebecca Balicas, executive assistant Cheryl Tortal, Xilium branding manager Kenn Lipura, and branding specialists Nicel Caminian, Ting Purzuelo, and Jessica Gayo.*
