CEBU, Philippines — Supporting Cebu’s bid to expand Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) employment opportunities to the countryside, Danao City is accelerating efforts to become an outsourcing hub in northern Cebu.
In an interview, Red Durano, former head of the Danao City Investment and Promotions Center (DCIPC), highlighted the city’s commitment to strengthening its IT-BPM sector. With over 2,000 graduates annually and a strong focus on talent development, Danao City is investing in workforce readiness.
A scholarship program, in partnership with a Call Center Academy (CCA), has been established to equip graduates with essential skills. Leading BPO firm Accenture is actively hiring from this talent pool, and more IT-BPM companies are expected to follow suit, Durano added.
To accommodate BPO firms, Danao City is retrofitting existing buildings, making it easier for companies to establish operations. While the city cannot provide direct incentives due to fiscal limitations, it is enhancing the ease of doing business by ensuring reliable infrastructure, connectivity, and digital access. Currently, all 42 barangays have internet access, supported by PLDT, Globe, and other service providers.
The city is set to host an IT/BPM Summit in partnership with CIB.O in the first quarter of 2025, aiming to position IT-BPM as a major dollar-earning industry for Danao.
In 2023, Danao City signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with CCA, Cebu Technological University-Danao City, Colegio de San Antonio de Padua, and the Ramon Nito Durano Family Foundation Inc. (RNDFFI) to offer free training programs for residents pursuing call center careers.
The IT/BPM Courses Scholarship Program, in partnership with CCA and the City of Danao, provides free training for aspiring IT-BPM workers, creating opportunities for residents who lack resources and institutional support. Under the MOA, CCA will provide scholarship slots for Danao City residents and constituents of partner organizations while handling candidate pre-screening.
CCA's intensive training programs, conducted under the TESDA-Training for Work Scholarship Program/Tulong Trabaho Scholarship Program, include mock interviews and phone simulations led by qualified trainers.
Additionally, the Danao City government is responsible for organizing job fairs, inviting IT-BPM companies, and providing other necessary support for scholars and CCA.
Beyond IT-BPM, Danao City is enhancing its business ecosystem by collaborating with the Danao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry and engaging schools, banks, retailers, and vendors to strengthen local commerce and attract investors.
With a population of 165,000 across 42 barangays, Danao City supplies 40% of Metro Cebu’s workforce. Recognizing its strategic role, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has designated Danao as a sustainable urban city, reinforcing its long-term development vision.
As the city continues to attract BPO firms, manufacturers, and green investments, it is poised to become one of Cebu’s fastest-growing economic centers—offering a business-friendly environment, a skilled workforce, and a commitment to sustainability.