February 13, 2025
THE business process outsourcing industry (BPO) will remain a key driver of Philippine economic growth despite US protectionism, the head of a real estate consultancy said, with projected workforce expansions expected to boost demand for office space.
Speaking at Manila Times economic forum on Thursday, Lobien Realty CEO Sheila Lobien projected that 160,000 new employees would join the BPO workforce this year, requiring companies to add an estimate 480,000 square meters of office space.
“These figures underscore the vital role of the BPO industry in driving demand for office space in the Philippines.’ She said “As one of the country’s leading economic contributors. It does not only generate significant employment opportunities but also stimulates the real estate sector through its substantial office space requirements.’ Lobien added.
She expressed optimism that outsourcing would continue to be a viable business despite US President Donald Trumps’s push to keep jobs in America.
American corporations will continue to outsource, Lobien claimed, adding that “they will make a decision based on profit, bottom line, and [will thus] have to outsource.’
She acknowledged that sector was saddled by high vacancy rates, but said that major real estate developers were adapting by slowing down on new office construction and balancing supply with market conditions.
The global outsourcing market continues to grow, Lobien said, with Philippines accounting for less than 10 percent, leaving significant room for expansion.
“There’s so much room for growth there. We’re not aspiring to be like India right away, which is like five times our size. Just a little bit of that.”
Article Link: https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/02/14/business/top-business/outsourcing-seen-growing-amid-uncertainties/2055527
[Amy Remo - Writing Editor, Property Section at Philippine Daily Inquirer] Cautious recovery, innovation, and resilience are expected to define the Philippine real estate landscape in 2025.
Developers are seen to continue recalibrating to meet shifting demands with suburban townships and sustainable horizontal developments, while unsold Metro Manila condominium inventories will likely temper new launches. The industrial and logistics sectors, buoyed by the e-commerce boom and decentralization, is seen to maintain their resilience.
AFTER facing several challenges in the first half of 2024, the country’s real estate sector is expected to bounce back in the second half of the year.
In its recent Mid - year Report of the Real Estate Industry, Lobien Realty Group, Inc. ( LRG) CEO Sheila Lobien said they are bullish in the second half because of the country’s resilient economy and the positive movements in transaction volume year- on- year ( YOY) across the real estate industry.
Lobien Realty Group is the No. 1 Realty Property Provider in the Philippines. We provide office and commercial spaces, lots and properties for sale/lease in the cities of Makati, Taguig, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Quezon, and Caloocan.