Cebu remains top choice for global IT-BPM firms, says CIB.O
CEBU, PHILIPPINES — Cebu continues to solidify its position as a premier destination for global information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) players, attracting multinational firms despite global economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
In an interview with The Freeman, Cebu IT-BPM Organization (CIB.O) president Aseem Roy said the region’s resilient talent pipeline and stable operating environment make it a compelling choice for companies expanding or sustaining their presence in the Philippines.
Global firms see Cebu as a strategic hub
Roy emphasized that major international operators, including Amazon, JP Morgan, and other shared-services players, have Cebu “firmly on the radar” as part of broader diversification strategies.
“Despite all the disruptions you see on TV, we can boldly say our services remain uninterrupted,” Roy said.
The city’s ability to avoid large-scale operational downtime has allowed companies to maintain consistent output even amid recent volatility. This factor has strengthened investor confidence in Cebu as a reliable IT-BPM hub.
Talent advantage keeps Cebu competitive
One of Cebu’s standout advantages, Roy noted, is its “robust talent supply.”
“Constant replenishment of highly skilled talent—technically strong, fluent in English, and capable of supporting both traditional and high-value services,” he highlighted, talking about the city’s access to top-tier universities.
Cebu’s English proficiency remains a key differentiator compared to other emerging outsourcing destinations. The sector has also shown steady expansion, reflecting national IT-BPM growth that hovers around 8 percent annually.
“Cebu is more or less on the same trajectory—active, resilient, and competitive,” Roy said.
CIB.O expects the city to continue attracting foreign investors seeking cost-efficient, skill-rich locations outside Metro Manila, particularly in digital services, testing and quality assurance, fintech support, and customer experience operations.
“With global firms recalibrating their strategies, Cebu is positioned not just as an alternative hub, but as a strategic site in their long-term expansion plans,” Roy added.
