Aspiring Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) Professionals may now enroll in free Data Annotation courses through a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) offered by the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS), in partnership with Concentrix and UPOU Ugnayan ng Pahinungod.

The “Data Annotation for Aspiring BPO Professionals” MOOC was formally launched during FICS’ MOOCs and Microcredentialing Launching Event held on 30 January 2026 at the UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. The course responds to the increasing integration of artificial intelligence in business operations and aims to equip learners  with industry-relevant skills in data annotation, an essential process in training AI systems for operational efficiency and accuracy.

The MOOC introduces learners to  foundational knowledge and practical skills in client relations and internal operations critical to success in the BPO industry. On the technical side, participants will gain hands-on experience on data annotation and develop core competencies required for high-precision and quality-driven task performance. 

“Through initiatives like this, we aim to equip learners with knowledge and skills they can apply right away, while fostering a culture of lifelong learning that goes beyond traditional boundaries.” UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano said during her opening remarks.

Also present at the launching event was Concentrix Philippines Vice President for Delivery Shared Services Lara Sta. Maria, who expressed her excitement on the MOOC’s potential to contribute to Filipino livelihoods while advancing the organization’s strategic goals. 

Vice President Sta Maria said in her speech: “Data annotation is a fundamental building block in all things AI. All of the smart systems that we interact with. They rely on high-quality, human-labeled data. And that is what data annotation teaches. So you can just imagine the opportunities that this course will open for many of our Filipinos across the world.”

Vice President for Service Delivery Alok Dixit also emphasized the relevance of the courses in the economy. “A data annotation course is designed not just to actually educate, but to open real doors for employment opportunities in an emerging global industry.” 

Mr. Dixit added: “Artificial intelligence, it doesn’t work without people. It doesn’t work without humans…People who label the data, people who verify the accuracy of the data, and apply judgment and ensure quality. That critical work, as Lara mentioned, is called as data annotation. And today, data annotation is no longer a side job or a temporary task, it’s actually a fundamental skill in the global AI economy.”

The MOOC is scheduled for release in February 2026 as part of FICS’ new MOOC offerings for the year. Interested participants may enroll by creating an account through UPOU’s Massive Open Distance eLearning (MODeL) platform. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an e-certificate.

For inquiries, interested learners may contact [email protected].

The launch of the Data Annotation for Aspiring BPO Professionals MOOC marks the second milestone in FICS’ three-part MOOCs and Microcredentials Launching Event, reinforcing FICS’ commitment to expanding access to flexible, industry-aligned learning opportunities.

 

Written by: Maria Andrea Bodaño

Edited by: Emely M. Amoloza