IT-BPM companies explore Hub & Spoke model: RLC grows its office portfolio in the provinces.

THE world came to a standstill last year as COVID-19 struck and for the first time since World War II, work, schooling and all aspects of living came to a halt.

For many multinational companies, this disruption came at a huge cost because of operational losses, decline in productivity, and a drop in profits.

But many are heeding the lessons well. Companies are now considering the Hub & Spoke model by looking for provincial sites as growth centers and/ or disaster recovery centers (DRCs),  while maintaining their base of operations in Metro Manila, according to JP Balboa, RLC’s VP & Head of Office Leasing.

For many companies, the possibility of imposing strict quarantine measures and lockdown in specific areas of the country needs to be managed well.  This can mean the death or survival of a business.

IT-BPM players, for instance, have realized the importance of these DRCs to ensure work continuity in case another pandemic strikes or another disaster happens in the future.  As a major backend support sector of multinational giants, this industry needs to be operational 24/7, 365 days a year.

Well aware of the need for companies to expand outside Metro Manila, Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) continues to provide employment and growth opportunities in the provinces. RLC led the way in bringing IT-BPM companies to the provinces, where competition for talent is less and employee retention rates are high.

Over the years, RLC has built several office developments in various provincial growth areas including Cebu, Davao, Naga, Bacolod, Tarlac and Ilocos.

This year, the company is set to complete three more office buildings in Visayas, namely Cybergate Galleria Cebu, Cybergate Iloilo Tower 1,  and Cybergate Bacolod 2.

Companies also need to establish greater presence in key locations where the labor force is, which is why operating in the provinces is wise, efficient and cost-effective.

In general, companies prefer that their employees physically report to the office for various reasons, including productivity and data privacy. The IT-BPM industry which continue to exhibit resilience amid the ongoing pandemic, is especially particular and highly sensitive when it comes to protecting data and intellectual property.

RLC’s office developments in the provinces cater to this growing demand for offices in prime locations that are easily accessible to the workforce. Its buildings are strategically situated in key growth areas and business districts, and have spacious layouts that meet the requirements of IT-BPM companies, as well as other businesses. In addition, these office towers provide reliable internet connectivity and are equipped with 100% back-up power.

RLC seeks to continue what it has started, bringing BPOs to the provinces through strategic expansions that are in line with its social commitment to bring jobs closer to where people live. This way, the Company provides opportunities for Filipinos to be with their families, while they work for a living.

Looking at the bigger picture, this will also help decongest Metro Manila, which is already at the risk of becoming overpopulated and severely strained in terms of resources, such as transportation, electricity, and water.

RLC’s towering office developments create growth centers, bringing a wealth of opportunities to where the people are, instead of them migrating all the way to Metro Manila to seek for greener pastures. Indeed, as a responsible corporate citizen, RLC provides options for both companies and employees alike by boosting economies in the provinces.

ADVT