Cebu remains top choice for global IT-BPM players

CEBU, Philippines —   Cebu’s information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector continues to attract multinational firms despite global headwinds, supported by a resilient talent pipeline and a stable operating environment, according to Cebu IT-BPM Organization (CIB.O) president Aseem Roy.

Roy said Cebu remains firmly on the radar of major global operators—including Amazon, JP Morgan, and other multinational shared-services players—who are expanding or sustaining their Philippine footprint as part of broader diversification strategies.

“Despite all the disruptions you see on TV, we can boldly say our services remain uninterrupted,” Roy said.

He added that Cebu has avoided large-scale operational downtime even amid recent geopolitical and economic volatility, allowing companies to maintain consistent output.

Roy, who is the current head of international operations and country head for the Philippines of Wipro, noted that one of Cebu’s key advantages is its robust talent supply.

“We are blessed with some of the finest universities in the country. That means a constant replenishment of highly skilled talent—technically strong, fluent in English, and capable of supporting both traditional and high-value services,” he said.

Cebu’s English proficiency, he added, remains a differentiator versus other emerging outsourcing destinations.

The sector has posted steady expansion, with national IT-BPM growth hovering around 8 percent annually. “Cebu is more or less on the same trajectory—active, resilient, and competitive,” Roy said.

CIB.O expects Cebu to continue drawing foreign investors seeking cost-efficient, skill-rich locations outside Metro Manila, particularly for 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,” he said.