Viable BCP Sites Outside Metro Manila

BCP stands for Business Continuity Plan. Its a strategic framework that outlines how a company will continue to operate during and after disruption such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, or major system failures. While Metro Manila has been the primary choice of business operators, a lot of the BPOs have established their operations outside to establish their BCPs. Companies such as JP Morgan & Chase, Accenture, IBM, and QBE Insurance have expanded their operations to key provinces while maintaining their main offices in Metro Manila. The good news is that there are numerous viable options available that provide the same infrastructure, talent pool, and safety as the capital.

1. DAVAO CITY

Current BPO Locators: Teleperformance, iQor, VXI, Sutherland Global Services

Davao City, the largest city in the Philippines by land area and the most populous in Mindanao, is a rising star in the country’s business landscape. Recognized as a “Center of Excellence” for IT-BPM by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Davao has become a preferred destination for BPOs, shared services, and regional headquarters seeking scalability, cost-efficiency, and operational resilience. Economic and Infrastructure Profile

Davao is the economic powerhouse of Mindanao, serving as a major hub for trade, agriculture, logistics, and services. It boasts a diversified economy supported by agribusiness, real estate, tourism, and outsourcing. The city is also a key player in the Mindanao Development Corridor, with infrastructure investments such as the Davao City Bypass Road, Davao Coastal Road, and the Mindanao Railway Project enhancing connectivity and investor confidence.

The presence of Davao International Airport, one of the busiest in the country, and a modern seaport further strengthens its position as a logistics and business gateway in southern Philippines. Demographics and Talent Pool

With a population of over 1.6 million, Davao City offers a large, young, and educated workforce. The labor force participation rate stands at 55%, with an employment rate of 82%, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. The city is home to top universities such as Ateneo de Davao University, University of Mindanao, and University of Southeastern Philippines, producing thousands of graduates annually in business, IT, healthcare, and engineering.

Davao’s workforce is known for its English proficiency, cultural compatibility with Western markets, and low attrition rates, making it ideal for customer service, content moderation, and back-office operations

2. CAVITE

Current Locators: Teleperformance, Sitel Group, TaskUs, iQor, Alorica, MicroSourcing

Cavite, a key province in the CALABARZON region, is rapidly transforming into a strategic business and industrial hub just south of Metro Manila. Traditionally known for its manufacturing zones and residential developments, Cavite is now attracting attention for office expansion, particularly in Imus, Dasmariñas, General Trias, and Trece Martires. While the office market is still emerging, the province’s proximity to NCR, improving infrastructure, and cost advantages make it a viable location for BPOs, shared services, and regional operations.

Office developments are typically integrated within mixed-use townships and economic zones, offering flexible space options and access to a growing consumer base. Rental rates remain competitive, and the availability of large land parcels allows for scalable build-to-suit opportunities. Economic and Infrastructure Profile

Cavite is one of the most economically dynamic provinces in the Philippines. It is home to over 60 economic zones, including Cavite Economic Zone (CEZ) in Rosario and First Cavite Industrial Estate (FCIE) in Dasmariñas. These zones support a wide range of industries—from electronics and automotive to logistics and IT-BPM.

The province benefits from major infrastructure projects such as the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), and the upcoming LRT-1 Cavite Extension, which will significantly improve connectivity to Metro Manila. The planned Sangley Point International Airport is also expected to boost Cavite’s appeal as a logistics and business gateway. Demographics and Talent Pool

With a population of over 4.3 million, Cavite is one of the most populous provinces in the country. It has a young, growing, and urbanizing workforce, many of whom commute to Metro Manila but are increasingly seeking employment closer to home.

Cavite is home to several higher education institutions, including De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, Cavite State University, and Far Eastern University – Cavite, producing graduates in business, IT, engineering, and healthcare. The province’s bilingual and tech-savvy talent pool makes it attractive for outsourcing and support services.

3. CLARK

Current Locators: CloudStaff, Convergys, VXI, iQor, Alorica, TaskUs, Sutherland Global Services, SFA Semicon

Clark, located in Pampanga within Central Luzon, has rapidly evolved into one of the Philippines’ most dynamic business districts outside Metro Manila. As a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Clark offers a compelling mix of fiscal incentives, modern infrastructure, and strategic accessibility, making it a preferred destination for multinational companies, BPOs, and logistics firms. It is home to Clark Freeport Zone, Clark Global City, Clark International Airport, and New Clark City—each contributing to a diversified and future-ready business ecosystem.

Economic and Infrastructure Highlights

Clark’s economic momentum is fueled by its inclusion in the government’s Build Build Build program. Major infrastructure projects such as the Clark International Airport expansion, the North-South Commuter Railway, and the Subic-Clark Railway are transforming the region into a logistics and business powerhouse. The airport alone is expected to handle 8 million passengers annually, while the railway will cut travel time from Manila to Clark to just one hour.

New Clark City, a 9,450-hectare smart and green metropolis, is being developed as a backup administrative capital and a model for sustainable urban planning. It already houses government offices, sports facilities, and is attracting interest from global investors.

Demographics and Talent Pool

Clark benefits from its location in Central Luzon, a region with over 12 million residents, 59% of whom are part of the labor force. The area produces approximately 80,000 graduates annually from over 200 educational institutions, offering a multilingual, tech-savvy, and globally competitive workforce. The availability of skilled labor, combined with lower attrition rates compared to Metro Manila, makes Clark an ideal site for BPOs and shared service centers.

4. LAGUNA

Current Locators: iQor, Teletech, Conduit Global, IBM, Kyocera, AFNI Philippines

Laguna, a key province in the CALABARZON region, is rapidly evolving into a strategic business hub just south of Metro Manila. Known for its industrial estates, PEZA-accredited zones, and proximity to NCR, Laguna is attracting a growing number of shared service centers, BPO firms, and regional headquarters.

Economic and Industrial Strength

Laguna’s economy is a powerhouse at the provincial level. With a GDP surpassing ₱1 trillion in 2023 — the highest among all Philippine provinces — the local economy is driven by manufacturing, electronics, logistics, agribusiness, and a growing IT-BPM sector. It is home to major industrial zones like Laguna Technopark, Carmelray, and Light Industry & Science Park, hosting hundreds of multinational tenants and exporters. Infrastructure continues to boost investor confidence, especially with the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), CALAX, and the upcoming North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) further improving connectivity. Office space developments have been spearheaded by the country's leading developers--Ayala Land, Vistaland, Greenfield, and SM Prime. Demographics and Talent Pool

As of 2024, Laguna has a population of over 3.6 million, with approximately 2.4 million in the working-age bracket. The labor force is well-educated and predominantly bilingual, drawing strength from a strong academic ecosystem. Top educational institutions include the University of the Philippines – Los Baños, De La Salle University – Biñan, Lyceum of the Philippines – Laguna, and Malayan Colleges Laguna. These schools produce a steady stream of graduates in engineering, IT, business, healthcare, and the sciences — ideal for both back-office and tech-centric roles.

5. BULACAN

Current BPO Locators: TaskUs, Sterling Global Call Center TeleWorkPH

Bulacan, located just north of Metro Manila, is rapidly emerging as a strategic business location due to its proximity to the capital, improving infrastructure, and lower operational costs. While still in the early stages of office market development compared to cities like Iloilo or Bacolod, Bulacan is gaining traction as a viable site for business continuity planning (BCP) and shared service operations.

Economic and Demographic Profile

Population: Over 3.7 million (2020 Census), making it one of the most populous provinces in the Philippines

Annual Revenue: ₱15.6 billion (2023), ranking it among the top 10 provinces in terms of income

Key Industries: Manufacturing, logistics, agribusiness, and increasingly, IT-BPM

Strategic Location: Connected to Metro Manila via NLEX, Skyway Stage 3, and soon, the North-South Railway

Development Pipeline: Expected to grow with the completion of North-South Commuter Railway and New Manila International Airport (Bulacan Airport) Talent Pool and Education

Bulacan benefits from a large, young, and educated workforce, with access to universities such as: Bulacan State University, La Consolacion University Philippines, and Centro Escolar University – Malolos

The province produces thousands of graduates annually in business, IT, engineering, and healthcare, making it a strong contender for outsourcing and support services. Workforce is largely bilingual, with strong English proficiency and a growing number of tech-savvy professionals. The total population as of 2020 is 3.7 million, where 2.5 million are labelled as 15+ or workforce participants.

6. ILOILO

Current BPO Locators: Nearsol, Reed Elsevier (RELX), iQor, Teletech, Hinduja Global Solutions

Iloilo City, the regional capital of Western Visayas (Region VI), is rapidly positioning itself as a prime destination for IT-BPM firms, knowledge process outsourcing (KPO), and regional headquarters. With its modern infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and vibrant urban renewal, Iloilo is attracting national developers and multinational tenants alike. Office Stock Growth: Iloilo is expected to deliver 38,200.00 sqm of new office space annually from 2022 to 2024, with Mandurriao District accounting for nearly 80% of this supply. Economic and Infrastructure Highlights

Population: Over 457,000 residents in the city proper, with a broader metro population exceeding 1 million

Infrastructure: Iloilo Business Park, Iloilo Convention Center, and the Iloilo International Airport support business growth

Investment Climate: Recognized for ease of doing business, with strong support from the Iloilo City Investment and Promotions Board

Talent Pool and Education

Iloilo boasts a high literacy rate and a steady stream of graduates from top institutions such as: University of the Philippines Visayas, Central Philippine University, West Visayas State University, and Iloilo Science and Technology University.

These schools produce thousands of graduates annually in IT, business, healthcare, and engineering, making Iloilo a reliable talent hub for outsourcing and shared services.

7. BACOLOD

Current BPO Locators: iQor, Teleperformance, Teletech

Bacolod City, known as the City of Smiles, is fast emerging as a key regional hub for business process outsourcing (BPO) and shared services in the Philippines. With its strategic location in Western Visayas, competitive costs, and a growing pool of skilled professionals, Bacolod is attracting both local and international investors seeking expansion outside Metro Manila. Bacolod’s office stock is projected to reach 212,000 sqm by 2024. Demand is largely driven by outsourcing firms, with an estimated annual net take-up of 10,000 sqm between 2022 and 2026. Despite a temporary spike in vacancy due to new supply, the market is expected to stabilize as traditional and IT-BPM firms continue to expand

Economic and Demographic Strengths

Population: Over 600,000 residents, making it one of the most populous cities in the Visayas

Employment Rate: A robust 93.38%, reflecting a healthy labor market

Economic Drivers: BPO, agribusiness, tourism, and retail

Infrastructure Growth: Major projects like the Bacolod-Negros Economic Highway and airport road expansion are enhancing connectivity and investor confidence

Talent Pool and Education

In 2023, Bacolod produced 7,236 graduates, primarily in business and IT-related fields. The city is home to reputable institutions such as University of St. La Salle, Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, and STI West Negros University, ensuring a steady pipeline of English-proficient, tech-savvy professionals. Over 34,000 full-time jobs have been created in the BPO sector alone, underscoring the city’s capacity to support large-scale operations

8. CEBU

Current Locators: TOA Global, JP Morgan & Chase, Optum, Accenture, IBM Cebu City, the economic heart of the Visayas, has firmly established itself as the top provincial destination for outsourcing and multinational firms in the Philippines. With a mature office market, modern infrastructure, and a deep talent pool, Cebu continues to attract IT-BPM firms, shared service centers, and regional headquarters. As of 2023, Cebu accounted for over 54% of provincial office transactions, with net absorption reaching 65,800 sqm, underscoring its dominance outside Metro Manila. Economic and Infrastructure Profile

Cebu’s economy is anchored in trade, tourism, real estate, and outsourcing, with a growing presence in logistics and healthcare. The city benefits from a robust infrastructure network, including Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), and ongoing port expansions. These developments enhance Cebu’s role as a logistics and business gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao.

The city’s urban core is supported by mixed-use townships, such as Cebu Exchange, Central Bloc, and Filinvest Cyberzone, which integrate office, retail, and residential components—ideal for hybrid work environments.

Demographics and Talent Pool

With a metro population exceeding 3 million, Cebu offers a large, young, and educated workforce. The city is home to top universities like University of San Carlos, University of the Philippines Cebu, and Cebu Institute of Technology – University, producing thousands of graduates annually in IT, business, engineering, and healthcare.

Cebu’s workforce is known for its English fluency, cultural adaptability, and low attrition rates, making it a preferred site for customer service, finance, and tech support operations. The presence of flexible workspace providers like Regus, BPOSeats, and Avant Offices also supports startups and remote teams

--- In conclusion, the Philippines’ key provinces have undergone remarkable transformation, emerging not only as residential and industrial hubs but as fully capable business destinations. With the continued rollout of major infrastructure projects—such as expressways, airports, and rail lines—connectivity to and within these regions has improved dramatically. Yet the most compelling advantage may lie in the quality of their human capital. They offer access to the same caliber of talent traditionally found in Metro Manila—educated, English-proficient, and digitally adept. These locations are home to top-tier universities, growing tech communities, and a workforce eager for local employment opportunities. This convergence of infrastructure and talent makes these cities not just alternatives, but strategic choices for business continuity planning (BCP).

Establishing a BCP site in any of these regions doesn’t just mitigate risk—it positions a company for resilience, operational scalability, and cost efficiency. In short, the provinces are no longer on the fringe of business strategy—they're right at the center of it.

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