The Negros Island Region (NIR) is poised for significant growth, primarily driven by its booming real estate and IT-BPM sectors, a recent report by Colliers Philippines said.
During an Investment Meetup hosted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in Bacolod City, Joey Roi Bondoc, Head of Research and Associate Director of Colliers Philippines, provided an update on the Bacolod market.
He highlighted the growing demand for commercial and residential properties and new opportunities within the office sector, largely fueled by IT-BPM locators.
Bondoc emphasized that a combination of strategic infrastructure upgrades, favorable demographics, and government incentives are positioning Bacolod and the wider NIR as prime areas for real estate investment.
Former DICT Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, convenor of the Philippine ICT Innovation Network, further emphasized how local stakeholders can leverage this to accelerate growth across both the real estate and ICT sectors within the NIR.
Bacolod is currently home to major BPO players, with some operating for nearly two decades.
She also recommended the creation of a tri-city loop to include Bacolod, Bago, and Talisay.
Batapa explained that this strategy would allow the accommodation of anticipated spillover of innovation hubs and residential spaces directly driven by the flourishing IT industry.
Batapa also underscored the need for Bacolod to step up in terms of economic dynamism, especially in the area of consolidating macroeconomic data.
DICT Negros Occidental, in a statement, expressed its commitment, saying: “As we navigate a future shaped by digital transformation and regional development, we remain committed to fostering meaningful dialogues and strategic collaborations that unlock opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.”
Bondoc also paid a courtesy visit to Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya on July 4 where they discussed the current business climate, significant ongoing and future development projects in the city including the Bacolod Negros Occidental Economic Highway (BANOCEH) and the Old Airport at Singcang, and strategic approaches to attract major players and investors across diverse industries.
Gastaya welcomed and listened to the recommendations and insights provided by Colliers Philippines.*