Dumaguete: A partnership between Dumaguete-based WrkPod and Australian firm Super SideKick is expected to create around 300 professional jobs across the Visayas over the next two years, company officials said Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, James Thompson, executive director of WrkPod, stated that Super SideKick has initially requested the recruitment of 50 virtual professionals over the next three weeks at WrkPod's newly opened headquarters in this city. "On top of this, the company will add 150 more professionals over the next 12 months, and another 150 the year after," Thompson said in an interview.
The new positions will be available across WrkPod's sites, beginning in Dumaguete and later expanding to Tanjay City, Cebu City, Bacolod City, and Iloilo. Thompson mentioned that these jobs are designed for remote work, allowing successful applicants to be based outside Dumaguete. The openings include roles such as executive assistants, administrative support staff, project coordinators, finance specialists, marketing professionals, customer success personnel, and other knowledge-based business roles.
Joel Noay, a success coach at Super SideKick, noted that 17 virtual professionals have already completed training and are now providing backend support services for the company from the fifth floor of WrkPod's headquarters in Dumaguete. He added that Super SideKick primarily serves clients in the health and wellness industry, including fitness gyms.
WrkPod Executive Manager Meriane Salik expressed that the partnership aims to provide long-term career opportunities for Filipino professionals while helping to strengthen regional economies. "Every professional role we create has a multiplier effect. Families gain greater financial security, graduates have reasons to stay in their hometowns, and local businesses - from caf©s and restaurants to transport operators, retailers, and housing providers - benefit from increased economic activity," Salik said. She added that the economic benefits are expected to extend to more communities in the Visayas as the partnership expands to Bacolod and Iloilo.
Thompson emphasized that Super SideKick chose WrkPod due to the skills, professionalism, and work ethic of Filipino workers. "The world is changing. Businesses are no longer simply looking for people to answer phones - they're looking for highly capable professionals who can become an extension of their own teams," he said. He further noted that regional cities such as Dumaguete, Bacolod, and Iloilo have the talent pool, educational institutions, and facilities needed to compete in the global outsourcing industry.
Recruitment for the initial batch of 50 virtual professionals is now underway at WrkPod's Dumaguete headquarters. Thompson mentioned that the partnership with Super SideKick is part of WrkPod's long-term goal of creating 10,000 jobs for Filipinos across the region in the coming years.
