Hewlett Packard sets up first solution center in Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Hewlett Packard (HP) Philippines is expanding in Mindanao, starting with the opening of an HP Solution Center in this city. The company will target local firms with proven track record, especially manufacturing firms, contact centers, and small and medium enterprises. "Cagayan de Oro City is included in the planned geographical expansion of HP Philippines since the information technology industry in the city is growing," said William Y. Malagar, president of Globalchips Technologies Co. The city, part of the Cagayan-Iligan industrial corridor, is the commercial and industrial hub of Northern Mindanao, hosting dozens of manufacturing plants that cater to markets here and abroad. HP’s center in the city is being run in partnership with Globalchips Technologies Co., an information technology service company based here. Globalchips also operates branches in the cities of Butuan in Agusan del Norte, Malaybalay in Bukidnon, Iligan in Lanao del Norte, Tacurong in North Cotabato, Davao, Pagadian in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga. Mr. Malagar said the center’s target market are companies in the region in need of computing and imaging solutions. He said one of their clients is funded by the US Agency for International Development through the Growth with Equity in Mindanao. "We are still looking at other big companies in Mindanao," said Alain Bjorn M. Paje, manager of HP Solution Center. He said the HP center is hoping to increase yearly sales by a fifth, the standard of HP Philippines. The city’s HP Solution Center offers products and services to information technology companies such as business process outsourcing companies and industrial firms, as well as small and medium enterprises. The HP store is the first in Mindanao. Ng Khai, a shop at the Ayala Center in Cebu City, hosts the first HP Solution Center outside Metro Manila, set up in October 2007. — Maryann A. Zamora, BusinessWorld