“We give where we live”

Canada-based contact center and business process outsourcing firm TELUS International Philippines (TIP) has launched an innovative corporate philanthropy program in the Philippines where its operations continue to grow.

Last week, it announced the launch of the TELUS International Philippines Community Board, where charitable organizations can apply for one-time funding for projects in the areas of health and wellness, education and sport, and arts and culture.

The TELUS International Philippines Community Board will distribute up to US$100,000 to local charities annually, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to its philosophy “we give where we live”.

“We are very proud to announce the launch of the TELUS International Philippines Community Board,” said Jeffrey Puritt, president of TELUS International. “Our TELUS philosophy to give where we live, guided by the knowledge and wisdom of the TELUS International Philippines Community Board, will help to improve the lives of those in our communities who need our help the most.”

The board brings together local community leaders and TELUS International Philippines team members who will work collectively to identify local charitable activities that will provide positive, sustainable benefits to the community.

The TELUS International Philippines Community Board will be chaired by Javier Infante, vice-chair of the TIP Board of directors and former president of TIP.

“I am deeply honored to chair the TELUS International Philippines Community Board,” said Infante. “We have assembled an outstanding board of accomplished business and community leaders to join us in this endeavor and we are eager to get to work.”

Members of the Community Board include: Javier Infante; Rosanna Tuason-Fores, Chief Executive Officer of Hijo Resources Corporation, president of the Tuason Development Foundation Inc. and current Barangay Chair of Forbes Park; Dr. Lourdes Carandang, retired professor, clinical psychologist and founder of MLAC Institute for Children and Families; Jim Paredes, musician, educator and TV personality; Pacita Juan, League of Corporate Foundations member and president of the Philippine Coffee Board; Dr. Jose Maria Mariano, president of University of Asia and the Pacific; Joy Virata, director, playwright, and award-winning actress; Jeff Uthoff, president TIP; Cris Rosenthal, vice-president TIP Human Resources; and Warren Tait, vice-president TIP Operations.

TIP is actively involved in supporting the community. The company organizes an annual TELUS Day of Service during which team members volunteer their time and energy to support local community projects such as house construction and painting, medical missions, tree planting, lectures on healthy living, and livelihood sessions.

TIP also partners with a range of non-profit organizations that share the same ultimate goal of alleviating poverty in the Philippines, and enhancing the health and well being of children and families. These include Gawad Kalinga, Bantay Bata, Bantay Kalikasan, Charity First Foundation and Virlanie Foundation.

In Canada, eleven TELUS Community Boards distribute more than $5.3 million dollars a year to community projects. Since their inception in 2005, TELUS Community Boards have contributed more than $30 million and supported more than 2,300 community projects.

Jeffrey Puritt, Telus International president, said that the current 9,000 workforce in the Philippines will grow to 10,800 by year-end.

Puritt also said that the company plans to “more than double” the current size of its workforce in the next five years.

Aside from growing its workforce, Telus is looking at expanding its site in the provinces and major cities including Cebu, Baguio and Clark.

“As we grow our business, we absolutely thought of growing our existing footprint and expanding to other provinces and major cities which are more responsive and progressive,” Puritt said.

He further said that the company would finalize its decision on expansion to other sites in the next 12 months.

TIP facilities are currently located in Ortigas Center, Market Market and Araneta Center.