The Philippines is seeing stronger demand for global capability centers (GCCs) as multinational companies expand into higher-value and technology-led services. The GCC workforce is expected to reach around 289,000 professionals in 2026.
A white paper by Colliers, the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), and ZMG Ward Howell estimates that around 270,000 professionals will work across roughly 200 GCCs in 2025, marking an increase in the sector.
Everest Group ranks the Philippines as the world’s 2nd-largest GCC delivery location.
Global companies are increasingly using GCCs for strategic functions rather than traditional outsourcing alone. These areas include finance and accounting, risk and compliance, data and analytics, cybersecurity, engineering, healthcare and digital operations.
“The Philippines has moved beyond being primarily a cost-efficient services destination,” said Kevin Jara, director and head of office services – tenant representation at Colliers Philippines.
Jara said multinational companies are increasingly setting up “strategic and enterprise-critical functions” in the country, supported by its talent pool, office markets and mature business ecosystem.
The global GCC market is expected to grow from about $100 billion in 2024 to $155 billion by 2027, creating significant opportunities. However, competition for specialised talent could limit further growth.
ZMG Ward Howell found that business analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) roles were among the hardest positions to fill. ML and AI engineers had the lowest candidate-to-job ratio across locations, making them particularly difficult to hire.
The report said hiring challenges in some areas may reflect qualification gaps rather than simply a shortage of workers.
AI adoption is also increasing among GCCs. About half of Philippine GCCs were experimenting with or deploying generative AI in production as of 2025. However, the report considers the “human-plus-AI” model more viable, with technology supporting professional capabilities rather than replacing workers.
To sustain growth, the report urged the government, industry and academia to expand training in data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud, AI, healthcare technology, finance transformation, risk and compliance, and other specialised fields.
Office infrastructure will also remain important. Metro Manila continues to be the main entry point for GCCs, while Tier 1 provincial locations are expected to gain a larger role as companies seek geographic diversification, business continuity and lower operating costs.
The wider IT-BPM industry employed 1.89 million professionals and generated $40.3 billion in revenue in 2025.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.