BPO recovery for PEZA buildings: Robinsons’ Cybergate Galleria Cebu now PEZA accredited

The outsourcing sector has consistently remained a driver for growth for the Philippine office market, occupying an annual average of 450,000 square meters between 2016 to 2019. Despite the economic slowdown due to the pandemic, the IT-BPM industry has been a stable driver for the office market with a 37% share to the total office transactions across the Philippines (515,000 sqm) since March 2020. Colliers has recorded a 38% (28,000sqm) growth in the IT-BPM office transactions across the Philippines from 2H 2020 to 1H 2021. According to its report, the trend will become stronger as vaccination picks up and confidence in returning to the office increases. 

During 1H 2021, Colliers has observed that 85% (87,600sqm) of the total IT-BPM office transactions across the Philippines are in PEZA ecozones.  With the trend showing that outsourcing locators are still likely to register with PEZA and thus take spaces in PEZA-registered buildings, Cybergate Galleria in Cebu is a likely choice for BPOs who are on a lookout for viable sites in the province of Cebu. “We anticipate that locating in PEZA ecozones will still be a top consideration for the IT-BPM sector due to the agency’s professionalism and one-stop shop nature,” Jericho Go, Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) Senior Vice President and Office Buildings General Manager, said.

IT-BPM companies who are looking for new and PEZA-registered office spaces in Cebu may now sign-up to lease spaces in Cybergate Galleria. The building, which was recently declared as an IT building, is now ready to be turned over to tenants for their fit-out activities. More importantly, pursuant to a Presidential Proclamation issued last April 8, 2021, Cybergate Galleria in Cebu is now a PEZA-certified special economic zone.

 “Locating in a new building like Cybergate Galleria in Cebu ensures that huge investments being made by tenants on fit-out and IT infrastructure may be recovered. Companies could sign-up long-term leases and/or have multiple lease renewals in newer buildings,” further states Mr. Go. He also adds that you worry less on equipment breakdown and enjoy a fresh look for your leased premises and common areas.

Strategically located within the Robinsons Galleria Cebu mixed-use complex, the 13-storey Cybergate Galleria Cebu has 9 office floors, which are now ready for occupancy.  It covers a total gross leasable area of 19,500 square meters. The building has large and efficient floor plates of about 2,100 square meters, which will provide tenants with increased flexibility in designing their workspaces. Future occupants of the building need not go far since Cybergate Galleria in Cebu will house food and service operators, and is right next to the world-class Robinsons Galleria Cebu mall. Aside from this, it also offers numerous indoor parking spaces and ample space for a recruitment center. 

The building is designed to operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. It is equipped with 100 percent back-up power and has multiple telecom providers. Mr. Go also stressed that tenants can be assured of their safety and security inside the office building. “Cybergate Galleria Cebu has round-the-clock CCTV surveillance and security, supported by fire alarm detection system (FDAS), fire sprinklers, and smoke detectors.” It likewise features four (4) high-speed elevators for ease of vertical transport, and a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air-conditioning system that allows tenants to save on electricity costs. As part of the sustainability thrust of Robinsons Land, Cybergate Galleria Cebu is designed with green and sustainable building features, such as LED lighting and water-efficient fixtures.

Mr. Go highlighted that Cybergate Galleria Cebu is strategically situated in close proximity to residential communities, schools, hospitals, hotels, commercial and lifestyle centers, and is easily accessible to public transportation. It is also just 12 kilometers away from the Mactan International Airport.

Within the mixed-use complex is the 66,000-square meter Robinsons Galleria Cebu, a lifestyle center offering a world of convenience and leisure outlets. It hosts a wide selection of retail, service, entertainment, and dining options including Robinsons Selections, Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Movieworld, Robinsons Appliances, True Value and a food hall. In addition, right beside Cybergate Galleria Cebu is the 220-room Summit Hotel and the upcoming 3-tower Galleria Residences Cebu. For those wishing to reside within the complex, the adjacent Galleria Residences Cebu will give future employees the ultimate in convenience and comfort. Future employees can become residents at Galleria Residences Cebu, saving them commute time and effort on a daily basis. All of these are within the 5-hectare mixed-use complex along General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City.

“Robinsons Land is passionate about creating mixed-use complexes in the provinces. We believe that doing so gives our countrymen equal opportunities to be employed where they live,” said Go.

He added that, “We envision that the good paying jobs coming from IT-BPM companies will help keep families together as job opportunities are created in their cities. Cebuanos will no longer have to leave their families behind to look for jobs in Metro Manila or in another country. They now have a viable employment alternative here.”

ADVT.