RLC’s mall-based BPO spaces available in Luzon, Mindanao

ROBINSONS Cybergate Davao has 2,700 sq m of leasable office space.

For anybody who wants to do business in a country, there are a number of factors to consider.

Aside from the availability of skilled workforce and a steady economy, investors are always on the lookout for potential sites that could give them the cheapest lease or office rental rates and thus, yield lower operational costs.

This, according to CB Richard Ellis Philippines, is the reason the country continues to enjoy the confidence of most investors, as evident, for instance, in the remarkable growth of the BPO [business process outsourcing] industry, among others.

CBRE Philippines had said that the Philippines is touted as one of the most cost-effective real estate markets in Asia, as it is significantly less expensive than Hong Kong and Singapore.

It is not surprising to note then that this year’s projected office takeup has been estimated between 330,000 and 360,000 square meters in new spaces, which would be quite large compared to Singapore’s 150,000 sqm a year.

To keep up with the demand, local property developers are now venturing in the so-called “next wave cities” or locations that are outside the traditional central business districts in Metro Manila, but which are deemed most suitable for BPO operations.

Completion

Take for instance the case of Robinsons Land Corp., which recently revealed the company’s completion of mall-based BPO spaces in both Luzon and Mindanao.

“With BPO companies expanding out to next wave cities and other key urban areas, Robinsons Land has completed mall-based BPO spaces in Luzon and Mindanao that are ready to receive tenants,” the company explained.

“Robinsons Land has already completed office spaces (ideal for BPOs) for lease in its malls in Paco in Manila, Tarlac City and Davao City,” said Arlene Magtibay, business unit general manager of commercial centers division at Robinsons Land.

Magtibay added that the company’s mall complexes in both Tacloban and Dumaguete also have available spaces for the construction of an office building, if ever a need from the market will arise.

“The three malls (Manila, Tarlac and Davao) have a total of over 21,000 square meters of available office area for lease, while the size of the Tacloban and Dumaguete BPO buildings will depend on the prospective tenants’ specifications,” Magtibay explained.

And in preparation for increasing demand for office spaces over the next several years—as determined by real demand and strong macroeconomic fundamentals—Robinsons Land said it will continue to expand its portfolio across the country.

2 more buildings

“Construction is already underway for two more Robinsons Land BPO buildings in the Ortigas Business Center, which will add a total of 80,000 square meters to its office leasing portfolio, making it one of the top BPO lessors in the country,” noted Henry Yap, business unit-general manager for office buildings division.

Meanwhile, Magtibay cited several factors that make Robinsons Land BPO offices a top-of-the-mind choice among investors.

According to Magtibay, the company’s BPO spaces are accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority and are equipped with 100-percent back-up power and support facilities that would enable it to operate round the clock.

Robinsons Otis in Paco, Manila, has three levels of office spaces above the mall with a total leasable area of around 11,000 sqm.

Aside from the convenience of the mall below, the area is also near the University Belt area, which houses or is near to some 40 colleges that will make it easy to recruit personnel. The City of Manila still has a large untapped labor pool that can service BPO requirements, Magtibay noted.

Available BPO spaces

Robinsons Luisita in Tarlac City has over 5,000 sqm of available space in two levels, which are ideal for the business process outsourcing sector—whether it is for the voice or nonvoice segment. This BPO space is strategically located between northern and southern Luzon and is accessible via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and McArthur Highway.

It is the only commercial center with BPO space in Tarlac, according to company officials.

Meanwhile, Robinsons Cybergate Davao has 2,700 sqm of leasable office space located at the second level of the mall. Davao has scored the highest among the top 10 Next Wave Cities, according to the Business Processing Association of the Philippines. This means the province is a highly suitable location where companies can do business.