A bill that plans to create the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has already passed on for third reading in the House of Representatives. The DICT bill or House Bill 4667 seeks to boost and improve the country’s IT facilities by being the agency tasked in developing and implementing IT policies and government programs.

Chairman of the House ICT Committee and Taguig 2^nd District Representative Freddie R. Tiñga, said that the approval of the bill would also be the answer for the country’s need for an agency responsible for IT and communication facilities.

Philippine real estate firm, KMC MAG Group has released its real estate market report Philippines or the real estate market research Manila for the Q3 of 2011.

The report contains summaries of the trends in commercial and residential real estate, as well as an office market overview in Metro Manila .

According to the report, the trend for the Q3 of 2011 are that rental rates of commercial spaces rose due to the increasing demand and low vacancy rates while the demand for residentials spaces surpassed the supply in the luxury residential market due to investments of the OFW and expat community. Also, the continuous construction of residential real estates has increased the overall vacancy rate in Metro Manila.

by: Yves De-Luis

1) Reduce costs

Real estate brokers know best when it comes to real estate market scenarios. What most tenants do not realize is that the possibility of a better deal somewhere always exists. Chances are, only qualified real estate brokers know exactly where to find them. Due to the increase in available office spaces, the current office leasing market favors the tenants more.  Compared to their current terms, tenants can reduce their real estate costs up to 50% easily if they only knew how to leverage on the market.  Hiring a qualified real estate brokerage company can help you understand the dynamics of the market and gain insights in order for you to get a better deal if not the best one.

By Yves De-Luis

There is increasing awareness and support to saving the planet. This makes LEED certification increasingly meaningful. LEED stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”

LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system,  providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built, using strategies aimed at improving performance; across energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.
To be able to be LEED certified, the building must adhere to a set of specific energy principles and features.  These include:

by: Jason dela Torre

Foreign and local companies setting up business operations in Makati City have a large number of full-serviced offices to choose from. Makati, widely regarded as the financial capital of the Philippines, is a thriving Central Business District (CBD) and one of the larger, and more industrialized cities in the Metro-Manila area. Serviced offices are a widely demanded convenience for many start-up companies doing business in the Philippines. These fully-furnished offices are equipped with everything than an offices needs to run smoothly, and they are equipped by a separate facility management company.The management company is responsible for purchasing individual desks, offices, and operating equipment, then renting these items out to client companies. Often referred to as executive suites, managed offices, business centers, or executive centers, these serviced offices are fully-equipped to include plug and play options, prominent business addresses as well as flexible short-term contracts.

Seat rentals are an ideal option for start-up BPO companies and call centers in the Philippines. Not only are they cost-efficient and user-friendly, seat rentals also enable companies to reduce capital expenditures, while focusing on the more important aspects of the enterprise. Seat rentals are purchased on a monthly basis and do not require prior contractual agreements. This makes it a convenient option for companies looking to set-up business operations within a short period of time, minus the legal hassle. As the Philippine BPO industry continues to grow and develop, the demand for seat rentals in business districts like Makati, Ortigas,Fort Bonifacio and Manila is increasing at a rapid rate. There are a large number of alternative seat rental options available to BPO companies and call centers in the Philippines, including plug and play solutions, desk and cubicle offices, and many others.

Serviced offices offer a much needed convenience to foreign and local companies setting up business in the Philippines. These offices usually come fully-furnished, and are equipped by a separate facility management company. The managing company purchases the individual desks, office space, and operating equipment, then rents them out to client companies. Also referred to as executive suites, managed offices, business centers, or executive centers, serviced offices boast a large number of benefits, including plug and play options, prominent business adresses, and flexible short term contracts. These types of offices often have more flexible rental terms, compared to conventional leased office space, which are subject to more restrictive leases. Additional office space is easily allocated within short notice, making it more convenient for client companies in general, should a particular business change in size. Serviced offices are also more cost-effective, owing to the fact that client companies do not require to set aside capital for start-up costs and solicitor’s fees.

Cebu is the oldest city in the Philippines and one of the foremost domestic shipping ports in the country. Rife with historical significance, the city is now home to the largest commercial center outside Manila and one of the fastest growing real-estate markets in the country. Hailed as the “Queen of the South”, Cebu is a developed metropolis with the idyllic charms of an exotic island destination. The city boasts a number of central business districts, IT Parks and special economic zones that have made it an ideal investment destination for foreign and local companies doing business in the Philippines.

Fort Bonifacio Office Space & Real Estate

Fort Bonifacio is just one of the many financial districts flourishing in the Philippines. From an old army post to a thriving potential financial capital, the Fort is proving its worth as a pot of gold for the local real estate market. As business prospers in the area, luxury residences and office buildings are rising up from the fields and empty lots.  Real estate developers and brokers are also expanding operations in the district to provide for the increasing housing demand. This has created an unprecedented boom for the Philippine real estate industry, as more and more foreign investors inject capital into Fort Bonifacio and the surrounding vicinity.

Office Space for Lease in Makati

Whether you choose the central business district (CBD) or a more affordable option, there are many office buildings located very close to public transportation and in very safe areas. These are perfect buildings for any call center, contact center, IT and other BPO company in Makati, Metro-Manila.

Selecting the appropriate commercial office space is important in any country, but even more so in Makati and Metro-Manila.   Major considerations are tax incentives with PEZA (which can depend on the geographic location of your office space) and employees. A desirable place of employment for your local employees is a must in the Philippines. The most desirable office space for Filipino young professionals is located in office buildings on Ayala Ave, Makati’s Central Business District.