BPOs setting up pop-up sites in the countryside

CEBU, Philippines —  Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies are expanding operations in the countryside, providing townsfolk opportunities for employment.

According to Cebu IT-BPM Organization (CIB.O) president Gregg Gabison, BPO companies in Cebu are opening pop-up sites in Danao City, Liloan, Consolacion, Naga, and even as far as Bogo City.

During the CIB.O official introduction of Virtual Townhall held Thursday, October 29, 2020, Gabison reported the aggressive stance of Cebu-based BPO firms to expand operations in the countryside conveying promising industry outlook amid the lingering COVID-19 threat.

This means that Cebu stands to sustain the average P43.7 billion annual revenue contribution from the ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) industry going forward.

Bogo City for instance, Gabison added, is continuously attracting BPO investments following the active move of its Local Government Unit (LGU) to invite investors.

The installation of fiber optic connection in the northern coastal city is a good come on, Gabison added.

Likewise, Naga City’s thrust to make the City an IT Hub, is a timely decision. Naga residents could expect more BPOs setting up offices and pop-up sites in the next few months.

Other cities in Metro Cebu like Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City could also expect more BPO investments. In fact, some companies have already installed satellite offices in these areas.

Recently, JLL Philippines head for research and consultancy Janlo de los Reyes, said instead of holding offices in the major urban districts, the new normal environment has brought about the introduction of “hub and club” model, where companies want to hold satellite offices in areas near where their employees are residing.

This means that office buildings, which are located near sub-urban towns like Talisay,

Minglanilla in the southern part of Cebu, and Consolacion, Liloan in the northern part will be in demand in the next couple of months.

Satellite offices will be the new trend now for companies, including BPOs as WFH arrangements do not work well for some employees.

“Companies want to hold offices closer to where their employees are residing,” he reiterated.

The “Hub and Club” model will take shift in the new normal, as an alternative to WFH arrangements.

This is also part of most companies’ decentralization program, where in offices will not only be concentrated on one or per location headquarter area, but through satellite offices.