Why Choose the Philippines

The Foreign Service Institute has prepared a comprehensive discussion on the Philippine economy. The following only highlight certain economic features of the Philippines.

Ease of Doing Business
Business registration for startup and availment of incentives has been streamlined, with One-Stop Shops being operated by the relevant government agencies.  Individual law firms and consultancy groups are available to attend to all the details of starting a business.  Local government units are actively involved in promoting their cities or provinces as investment sites, and are willing to help investors register their enterprises with the minimum fuss.

Technological Infrastructure
The Philippine telecommunications infrastructure is first rate, with high quality, low cost bandwidth available.  Bandwidth costs have declined by 70 percent over the past five years, with dedicated IT parks available throughout the archipelago.   Six platforms are offered:

• fixed line
• cellular (mobile)
• cable TV
• OTA TV and radio
• VSAT system

Redundant international connectivity is available through fiber optic cable and satellite connections.



From BOI-BVT eServices 2006


Logistics Infrastructure
Liberalization efforts started in the late 80’s covering the sectors of telecommunications, banking, finance, insurance, retail trade and distribution have resulted in a dynamic, competitive environment.  Natural geographic advantage is being exploited by the presence of hubs, terminals, and depots of major courier and delivery companies.  The country is serviced by major airlines, linking the islands to all the key markets around the world.

The 7- to 15-hour time zone differential from the major markets also favors optimal turn-around times; or a maximum of 12 to 14 hours.  For medical transcription services, this means that by the time doctors and other personnel report for duty the next day, the records of the previous day are already available.  Call centers and other support services are also able to assure savings and quality while operating around the clock.



Source of original Map: http://www.intracen.org/atf/welcome.htm



Sound Financial System
The Philippine economy was the least affected by the Asian financial crisis of 1997.  The fiscal and monetary authorities have taken care over the years to preserve the stability of the financial system

Science Culture
The Philippine strength in science and technology may not be in Research and Development.  However, in areas which interest the population, acceptance and adoption of developments is very rapid.  Note how the Philippines is acknowledged as the “text capital of the world” referring to the usage of the short messaging service in prevailing GSM-based and other digital mobile networks.

This innovation on imported technology can also be shown in the speed that the mobile telephone networks are able to roll out value-added services, e.g., electronic cash wallets, multimedia messaging services, OTA and downloads of ringtones, wallpapers, etc

Diverse Competencies
The variety of the sectors selected for priority study by the PSC attests to the diversity of the skills and competencies of Filipinos in the service industries.  The sectors have vastly differing educational requirements; and demand varying levels of communication skills, technical skills, managerial skills, and creativity.