Philippines leads in flexible workspaces; IWG unveils bold expansion plans

January 24, 2025
12:42PM PHT

“The Philippines absolutely rocks,” declared by Lars Wittig, Philippine country manager and senior vice president for the Asia-Pacific North (APAC North) at International Workplace Group (IWG), in reference to the country’s growing flexible workspaces market.

"The country is taking the lead in Southeast Asia in terms of growth," he noted during a recent media briefing in Manila.

IWG is the parent company of Regus and Spaces, leading global hybrid work solutions and workspace brands with 4,000 locations worldwide.

Spaces at the World Plaza, Bonifacio Global City/ Contributed photo

2025 PH expansion plans

 IWG is set to expand its footprint in the Philippines by over 50 percent this year, growing from 33 centers  in 2024. Recent launches include new locations in Cagayan de Oro, Baguio and Mandaluyong. 

Regus will open its first center for this year in Mabalacat, Pampanga by the end of January. Also slated for opening in early 2025 are locations in Carmona in Cavite, Lipa in Batangas and Makati. 

A strategic collaboration with Mabalacat Prime Land Realty and Development Corp., the Mabalacat center at Skytech IT Park, along McArthur Highway, features fully equipped private offices, collaborative coworking spaces, and state-of-the-art meeting rooms.

Lars Wittig 
IWG Philippine country manager and senior vice president for the Asia-Pacific North 

“We keep signing up new partnership deals,” said Wittig. ”We’ve now signed up center location number 58.”

Post pandemic growth

Wittig noted how the COVID-19 pandemic became an enormous accelerator as offices shifted from conventional office spaces to flexible arrangements. “From working from one place people began working hybrid,” he said. 

Despite companies rightsizing, he noted how the regional hubs in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are blooming “and coming out everywhere, which is great for inclusive growth.”

This development, he said further, augured well for IWG as they were in many of these locations already — a key part of their strategy of “having a nationwide network in the country.” 

Rowena Natividad, IWG head of partnership Growth, and Lars Wittig during the media briefing./Photo by Ramon C. Nocon

Increasing office vacancy rates

Wittig said the increase in office vacancies, which he attributes in part to the exit of POGOs, plays right into their business, describing it as a golden age for the industry.

“Rather than focusing on the saturated National Capital Region, businesses are now gravitating towards becoming more national,” he said. “This is driving demand for flexible workspaces.” —Ed: CSN

About the author
Ramon C. Nocon
Ramon C. Nocon

Features Reporter

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