This is so because call centers service the needs of companies abroad, particularly the United States, the primary cause of the global recession.

But like the country's economy, this sector is not yet feeling the pinch and is in fact still growing. But this doesn't mean it will be immune to the turbulent times.

"We have to focus on the positive as we prepare for the worst," said Simeon Marfori, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. president.

The same sentiment was agreed upon by the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Southern Mindanao.

"Except for the medical transcription group, the BPO industry is moving forward," lawyer Jalilo dela Torre, director of Dole-Southern Mindanao, said.

Dela Torre added that the BPO players in Davao City are coming up with their master plan that will concretize their operations in the city.

"So far, the BPO players have been receiving more orders in the past few months," dela Torre said.

The labor director also brushed off demands to penalize US companies that ship out their jobs abroad, a demand that seems to be earning steam these days as the US economy gets worse, and more and more Americans are losing their jobs and homes.

"That call has been there for the longest time, but businesses will always go for cheaper costs, especially in labor," dela Torre said. Carlo Mallo