Outsourcing firms contribute to growth of Western Visayas

The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) said Western Visayas posted an 8.3% rise in gross regional domestic product in 2015, making it the second-fastest growing regional economy in the Philippines. Among the factors that contributed to the growth is the region’s robust business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. According to government data, Western Visayas is home to 46 BPO companies that employ about 20,000 workers. Western Visayas covers the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo, and the cities of Passi, Roxax, Capiz and Iloilo. The region remains the fifth largest contributor to the country’s GDP. Last year, Western Visayas registered P60 billion worth of investments, the second highest investment figure for all regions.