Hewlett-Packard to invest in Davao

By Che Palicte
Information Technology giant Hewlett-Packard Philippines is eyeing Davao City as its next hub.
Ryan Guadalquiver, Managing Director of Hewlett-Packard Philippines Corporation, bared his company’s plans to make Davao City its next BPO site. The investment will cover the opening of HP Philippines’ branch office, BPO outlets and Systems Applications.
Guadalquiver led a team from HP Philippines in a recent visit to the Davao City Investment Promotion Office. He did not divulge the investment capital his company will be pouring into the city’s financial pipelines but considers it sizeable.
The HP Philippines executive said that Davao City has long been on its radar for future expansion having seen a lot of progress in recent years.
ICT Davao President Bert Barriga received the Makati-based HP contingent who presented their portfolio at the Davao City Investment Promotion Office.
HP’s world-renowned applications which they intend to bring here include business solutions and industry core applications example of which is for HR systems. Part of its portfolio is to expand the core software for applications and infrastructure management, information management and security and risk and management.
For business solutions, HP offers Capital Optimization Solution, Asset Management and Leasing and Financial Services.  
“We will be pushing Windows 8 applications. With this, a more advance application will be introduced and will add up to the phasing of HP products and services,” Guadalquiver said.
He added that HP plans to link with colleges and universities in Davao in integrating its systems and applications which are compatible with the needs of IT-based companies. This will spur employment opportunities for graduates.
Among the schools being eyed by HP for the curriculum integration are University of the Philippines Mindanao, University of Southeastern Philippines and University of the Immaculate Conception. Jose Noel Morales, HP Philippines Business Consultant, said that HPs applications are helpful to both business and academe.