RLC targets IT-BPM sector for newly approved ecozone

CEBU, Philippines —  Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), the developer of Cybergate Galleria Cebu is banking on its PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) accreditation to attract more tenants.

“We anticipate that locating in PEZA ecozones will still be a top consideration for the IT-BPM sector due to the agency’s professionalism and one-stop shop nature,” said Jericho Go, RLC Senior Vice President and Office Buildings General Manager.

The building, which was recently declared as an IT building, is now ready to be turned over to tenants for their fit-out activities, added Go.

Pursuant to a Presidential Proclamation issued last April 8, 2021, Cybergate Galleria Cebu is now a PEZA-certified special economic zone.

“Locating in a new building like Cybergate Galleria in Cebu ensures that huge investments being made by tenants on fit-out and IT infrastructure may be recovered. Companies could sign-up long-term leases and/or have multiple lease renewals in newer buildings,” Go further stated.

Strategically located within the Robinsons Galleria Cebu mixed-use complex, the 13-storey Cybergate Galleria Cebu has 9 office floors, which are now ready for occupancy.  It covers a total gross leasable area of 19,500 square meters.

The building also has large and efficient floor plates of about 2,100 square meters, which will provide tenants with increased flexibility in designing their workspaces.

“Future occupants of the building need not go far since Cybergate Galleria in Cebu will house food and service operators, and is right next to the world-class Robinsons Galleria Cebu mall. Aside from this, it also offers numerous indoor parking spaces and ample space for a recruitment center,” Go explained.

The building is designed to operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. It is equipped with 100 percent back-up power and has multiple telecom providers.

Go also stressed that tenants can be assured of their safety and security inside the office building. “Cybergate Galleria Cebu has round-the-clock CCTV surveillance and security, supported by fire alarm detection system (FDAS), fire sprinklers, and smoke detectors.”

It likewise features four (4) high-speed elevators for ease of vertical transport, and a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air-conditioning system that allows tenants to save on electricity costs.

The outsourcing sector has consistently remained a driver for growth for the Philippine office market, occupying an annual average of 450,000 square meters between 2016 to 2019.

Despite the economic slowdown due to the pandemic, the IT-BPM industry has been a stable driver for the office market with a 37 percent share to the total office transactions across the Philippines (515,000 sqm) since March 2020.

Colliers Philippines has recorded a 38 percent (28,000sqm) growth in the IT-BPM office transactions across the Philippines from second half of 2020 to first half of 2021. 

According Collier, the trend will become stronger as vaccination picks up and confidence in returning to the office increases.

During the first half of 2021, Colliers has observed that 85 percent (87,600sqm) of the total IT-BPM office transactions across the Philippines are in PEZA ecozones. With the trend showing that outsourcing locators are still likely to register with PEZA and thus take spaces in PEZA-registered buildings.

As part of the sustainability thrust of Robinsons Land, Cybergate Galleria Cebu is designed with green and sustainable building features, such as LED lighting and water-efficient fixtures.

Within the mixed-use complex is the 66,000-square meter Robinsons Galleria Cebu, a lifestyle center offering a world of convenience and leisure outlets. It hosts a wide selection of retail, service, entertainment, and dining options including Robinsons Selections, Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Movieworld, Robinsons Appliances, True Value and a food hall.