When global companies look for the right outsourcing location, three things matter most: cost-efficiency, talent, and reliability. The Philippines has long ranked among the top destinations globally, and for good reasons.
While Metro Manila led the early wave of BPO success, Cebu has quietly emerged as a game-changer, offering all the advantages of Manila, plus a few more that set it apart.
Here's why Cebu might just be the smartest place to grow your call center operations.
Cebu at a Glance
Cebu, located in Central Visayas, is a thriving economic hub made up of an island and surrounding islets. At its center is Cebu City, "The Queen City of the South," the oldest city in the Philippines and the anchor of the country's second-largest metropolitan area.
Beyond its rich history, Cebu today is a modern powerhouse in BPO, IT, manufacturing, and tourism. With international access via Mactan-Cebu International Airport and business hubs like Cebu IT Park, it's fully equipped for global operations.
How Cebu Became a Global BPO Hub
Cebu's BPO story began in the early 2000s, when global firms noticed its deep talent pool, business-friendly climate, and growing infrastructure.
By 2008, Cebu topped the Global Services-Tholons list of emerging outsourcing destinations. In 2013, it ranked among the top 10 in the world.
As of Q1 2025, Colliers Philippines reports that Cebu now accounts for over 36% of all office expansions outside Metro Manila, a strong signal of its increasing influence.
Today, Cebu is home to companies like IBM, JP Morgan Chase, and other leading call centers in the Philippines serving industries such as customer service, healthcare, information technology, and finance.
Why Cebu is the Best Location for Call Center Outsourcing in the Philippines
Much like Manila, Cebu delivers essential advantages for global companies, but stands out in several areas that make it an even smarter option for outsourcing.
Cost-Efficient Business Environment
Cebu boasts lower lease rates than Metro Manila. Additionally, call center agents' salaries in Cebu City are about 13% lower. For businesses looking to expand or set up call center services in the Philippines, these savings allow them to reinvest in areas that matter, like technology, innovation, and customer experience.
Educated and Workforce-Ready Population
Cebu draws talent from top regional universities, producing a workforce that's not only educated but also globally competitive. Many professionals are fluent in English and trained in customer service, IT, healthcare, and finance.
Infrastructure and Lifestyle Advantages
Cebu offers a modern and connected business environment. With reliable power and internet, plus well-planned business districts, companies benefit from efficient operations. The city's balanced lifestyle, shorter commutes, and fewer natural disruptions also support workforce productivity and long-term growth.
Cebu's Momentum for the Future
Cebu continues to build its momentum through strategic events like the BPO Expo & Talent Connect, which link employers with skilled professionals.
The province's outsourcing sector benefits from strong government support and consistent private sector investment.
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Board of Investments (BOI) provide generous incentives. Registered companies receive attractive offerings such as income tax holidays, reduced corporate tax rates, and duty-free imports of essential equipment. They also experience expedited customs processing and exemptions from various local taxes, fostering a strong business climate.
Moreover, BOI registration provides access to special visas and government programs that enhance infrastructure and workforce training. This support not only helps businesses expand efficiently but also ensures they stay competitive in the global market.
For global companies seeking stability and value, Cebu remains one of the smartest choices for call center outsourcing in the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outsourcing in Cebu
1. Why choose Cebu over Metro Manila for outsourcing?
Cebu offers the same high-quality talent at a lower cost, plus fewer disruptions, shorter commutes, and easy access to outdoor activities and beaches in and around the province. The average commute in Manila takes about one to two hours, even for short distances. Since Cebu is less congested, it usually takes less than an hour.
2. Is Cebu's infrastructure reliable?
Yes. Cebu boasts modern IT parks, a major international airport only minutes away, and stable power and telecom services fit for global operations.
3. Can Cebu support large-scale outsourcing operations?
Absolutely. Cebu has a scalable talent pool and commercial infrastructure to meet the needs of growing global businesses. JP Morgan Chase started its global center in Cebu in 2010 and now employs around 5,000 BPO workers. Amazon also has thousands of employees in the province.
4. Is the workforce in Cebu trained for global operations?
Yes. Cebu's graduates are fluent in English and trained across industries like customer service, tech, healthcare, and finance.
Select VoiceCom: Your Trusted Outsourcing Partner in Cebu, Philippines
Select VoiceCom (SVC) is a trusted name among Philippine outsourcing companies, operating from Cebu IT Park, Cebu City and Poblacion District, Davao City. With 1,500+ seats and a proven track record, SVC helps global businesses scale faster and serve customers better.
Our highly trained, college-educated agents are equipped with the tools and technology to deliver results in customer support, appointment setting, lead generation, and more.
Ready to explore what Cebu can offer your business? Partner with Select VoiceCom and discover the difference. Contact us today for a free consultation.