MANILA, Philippines?New York-based business process outsourcing (BPO) company Sutherland Global Services is infusing P5.1 billion in investments and capital spending into the Philippines, its top executive announced.

?This year we will be pumping more than P3.1 billion into the Philippine economy, be it in the form of salaries or training, or other investments. This does not include capital investments,? Sutherland chairman and chief executive officer Dilip Vellodi said at a news briefing.

?Over the next 12 months we will be infusing more than P2 billion in capital,? he said.

The company currently has facilities in Manila, Clark, Davao and, most recently, in Camarines Sur.

Vellodi said the company might double its seats in the Philippines by putting up centers in the provinces, most likely in the northern province of Tarlac and in Iloilo City in the central Philippines.

Asked about the impact on the BPO business of the US economic slowdown, Vellodi said this presented challenges but it also offered opportunities for the company and other BPO firms.

?When you look at BPOs, this is globalization at its best... and even when economies slow down, companies look for better value, and that is where opportunity lies. The key thing is to be flexible, to see the opportunity, to adapt, and offer the best value,? he said.

The Sutherland chief also said quality education for the labor pool, good infrastructure, and stability or continuity in government policy would help BPOs, such as Sutherland, thrive in the countries where they locate.

?Sure, there are challenges, but the Philippines has enough traits and can improve on many areas to keep on growing and to support the growth of companies like Sutherland,? Vellodi said.

The company specializes in integrated BPO solutions and employs more than 21,000 professionals in India, the United States, Philippines, Canada and Mexico.