An Iloilo-based BPO company that offers virtual medical assistance is expanding its operations in Bacolod City starting June.
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, April 29, a press release from the Bacolod Public Information Office said.
Leonardia said Barangay 31 Punong Barangay German Bullolaza was instrumental in arranging the virtual meeting and thanked him for helping bring in a new investment to Bacolod.
Belleza said it will be their third branch in the country.
The branch in Bacolod will be located at the ground floor of the La Luz Building at Lacson Street in Barangay Mandalagan.
They will hire about 150 employees for their first year of operations in Bacolod, Belleza said.
“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.
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 their business and building permits.
Matters pertaining to recruitment, meanwhile, may be addressed by the Public Employment Services Office (PESO).
“We have the investment incentive law, and you might be able to qualify,” Zulueta said.
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 be reaching 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 pointed out that 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,” said Andrada.
“This is for the convenience of our applicants and our hirees,” he added.
Belleza 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 said.*