Top 5 Areas for Industrial Investments in PH

In spite of the aftermaths of disasters and some roadblocks to progress, the Philippines achieved an above-average growth rate this past quarter, making it one of the best performers in Asian economy. It's all set to become a big investment hub in Asia. With highly trainable and skilled workers, the country provides top labor quality in various industries. Its strategic location and rich natural resources provide great opportunities for trade in the ASEAN market. The cost as well as the ease of doing business here is also top rated, with special tax credits, investor-friendly business policies, and topnotch business locations, residential options, and leisure hubs. Although Manila is still a prime destination for MICE, BPO services, and foreign investments, industrial investments in the Philippines aren't just limited to the metropolis. Cities and towns in various parts of the country are also being developed as top investment destinations.

Cebu

Cebu isn't only known for its beautiful islands, 5-star hotels and resorts, and top-rated tourist spots. The top island destination has been transformed into a topnotch BPO location and investment destination. Cebu has several mixed-use economic zones and dynamic business districts that cater to various industries such as business process outsourcing, IT, software development, telecommunications, and engineering research. Real estate in Cebu is also booming. On-going and future development projects include high-tech offices, retail centers, residential towers and villages, and leisure facilities. With its central geographic location and accessibility through extensive port facilities and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Cebu has lured in not just tourists but also more investments. A good number of multinational companies have set up their offices and manufacturing plants in the most developed province in Visayas. Not only is Cebu rich with natural resources, but it's also a viable source of skilled labor and a large pool of English-speaking workers.

Clark Freeport Zone

The former US Air Force facility has taken a new shape. Not only is it a hub of tourist spots, with various parts of the Clark Freeport Zone teeming with restaurants, bars, gaming centers, and leisure establishments, but it's also now a key destination for business opportunities and foreign investments. Hundreds of foreign and local companies have set up their manufacturing facilities, industrial plants, and their headquarters and branches here in Clark. Billions of pesos' worth of investments have been funneled into the Clark Freeport Zone, which has been a center for Asian operations of some medium-size and large companies. Over the years, Clark has further been developed as a top-rated information and communication technology hub, catering to various call center offices and outsourcing companies. Clark has become a viable economic option for a number of reasons: tax breaks and other incentives, high-quality skilled workforce, master-planned real estate projects, well-maintained business infrastructure, and key transportation links. Clark is home to various office locations and warehouse options, customized ICT facilities, housing projects, master-planned communities, and mixed-use urban developments. Major thoroughfares and transportation links have made Clark more accessible. The drive from Metro Manila will take just 1 and ½ hours through North Luzon Expressway. The Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway also links Clark to other nearby locations, while the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport facilitates domestic travels as well as international flights to Asia, Europe, Middle East, and North America.

Bacolod City

Bacolod City's proximity to Cebu and its links to other provinces and islands make it an attractive investment destination and BPO location. Now that Bacolod City is being converted into an ICT hub and prime location for investments, there's a lot going in this city than its thriving sugar industry. Its extensive communication facilities, utility services, and transportation infrastructure have played a significant role in its vibrant economy. Over the years, Bacolod City has become a highly urbanized city, one that's clean and green and pleasant to live in. Aside from its abundant natural resources, a lot of projects and developments in the city have built the needed facilities for investments and trade. The city provides opportunities in various industries such as information technology, agriculture, manufacturing, metalwork, travel services, eco-tourism, and furniture making. With its well-developed road networks and linkages to other cities, towns, and provinces, it has maintained good trade relations with other locations in the country, which creates great potentials for investments. The city is just 55 minutes away from Manila via air and just 18 hours away via cruise. It's a take-off point for various passenger transport and cargo vessels.

Sta. Rosa, Laguna

With the economic activities happening in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, the first-class city is known as Makati of the South. The Investment Capital of South Luzon has been transformed from being a quiet town of Laguna into a top location for various industries. Sta. Rosa, Laguna is home to manufacturing facilities of some food and beverage giants and automobile manufacturers. Numerous companies have chosen the city to become the site for their industrial plants. As a next wave city, Sta. Rosa has also been shaping up as a top information technology hub in the south, with more and more call centers and outsourcing companies setting up their operations here. Because of its proximity to Manila as well as the incentives given by the government, small multinational companies and numerous businesses have been established here, prompting the development of the city into an industrial investment zone. Just 38 km. away from south of Manila via the South Luzon Expressway, Sta. Rosa, Laguna has been a preferential alternative to the metropolis as a business location and investment destination. Mixed-use urban blocks and various housing projects have been developed in various areas in the city. Functional living space designs and greener surroundings have been incorporated in many of its real estate developments.

Davao

Davao is seen as a viable location for BPOs and other industries and investments. It ranks high in the list because of the relevant infrastructure that's been established here as well as its good business environment and risk management. Davao is not yet saturated, making it a great alternative to Manila and other BPO locations in the country. A good number of BPO firms and some multinational companies have already branched out to this province in Mindanao. It is, after all, a good choice for a back office or for further investments in the country because of its relatively low environmental risk and good peace and order situation. The province generally has a good climate and low geophysical risks. It's not a common target for natural disasters and environmental threats such as earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions. A good number of PEZA-accredited cyber parks have already been established in Davao, along with other urban developments and residential real estate projects. The local government focuses on expanding Davao's investment potentials.