In July 2022, AMS took a pivotal step in expanding its global delivery capabilities by launching a dedicated operations hub in Cebu, Philippines. This strategic move was more than just geographical expansion – it was a clear response to the evolving global demand for flexible, high-quality talent acquisition and outsourcing solutions.
Now, three years later, the AMS Cebu office stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation, excellence, agility and global total talent strategy. The journey of AMS in Cebu underscores the rationale behind our investment and defines a clear vision for continued growth and people powered impact in the region.
Photo: AMS Cebu opening, July 2022
Strategic Expansion to Meet Global Talent Needs
As organizations around the world continue to navigate economic uncertainty, digital transformation, and evolving workforce expectations, the demand for adaptive, scalable, and efficient talent solutions has never been greater. The war for talent is no longer confined to borders – it is global.
AMS has been in the forefront of this evolution, successfully implementing Global Capability Centres that deliver high-quality services across time zones, sectors, and client profiles. To date AMS have established key delivery centres and hubs in Shanghai, Wuhan, Hongkong, Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney, Pune, Manila and Cebu in Asia Pacific alone.
The decision to extend AMS presence in Cebu was rooted in our mission to build a future-ready, globally distributed service delivery model. Cebu hub enhances AMS’s existing 24×5 support model, building on the strong foundation already established in Makati and Alabang offices.
From day one, the Cebu office has not only contributed to business continuity but has also delivered expert service in supporting different disciplines of recruitment while maintaining our hallmark standards of client service and operational excellence.
Central Visayas: A Region on the Rise
Cebu, located in Central Visayas, is uniquely positioned as a vibrant economic and technological hub in the Philippines. The decision to invest in this region was informed by both its business ecosystem and macroeconomic performance.
1According to the Department of Economy, Planning and Development, Central Visayas was the fastest-growing region in the Philippines in 2023, posting a 7.3% growth in Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). This economic strength has translated into an increasingly favorable environment for investment and business operations.
Government initiatives, combined with an expanding infrastructure network and robust labor market, make Cebu a strategic choice for global firms seeking operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Cebu’s combination of economic dynamism and a young, educated population provides a fertile ground for companies like AMS to grow high-performing teams capable of supporting international delivery processes and services.
Why Cebu? The Strategic Advantage
AMS’s commitment to Cebu is underpinned by several key factors that support its potential as a global delivery hub.
1. Strong IT-BPM Industry
2Cebu is one of the Philippines’ strongest performers in the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector. As of 2024, the Visayas region accounts for approximately 34% of the country’s 1.82 million full-time IT-BPM professionals – with Cebu alone hosting over 160,000 of them. This substantial talent base offers the experience, technical know-how, and service orientation needed to support diverse sectoral and regional profiles of our AMS clients.
2. Mature Industry Ecosystem
3Over 300 IT-BPM companies operate in Cebu, creating a thriving ecosystem that drives innovation, skill development, and collaboration. This ecosystem not only raises the collective competence of the workforce but also ensures a continual exchange of best practices – helping AMS deliver on its promise of excellence and agility.
3. Strategic Talent Access
Cebu’s geographically strategic location enables access to talent not just within the island itself but across nearby urban cities and centres, provinces and islands. With approximately 13,000 professionals active on LinkedIn in the region and an estimated 32,000 college graduates entering the workforce annually, AMS has access to a continuously renewing talent pipeline – essential for meeting the evolving needs of global clients.
Our Journey: Building a High-Performing Delivery Center
Since opening its doors in 2022, the AMS Cebu office has grown into a core location in our global delivery network. As of Q1 2025, the center is home to more than 50 full-time professionals and is on track to scale significantly in the coming months. Operating with true 24×5 support capabilities, the Cebu team supports a variety of regions including North America, EMEA, UKI and Asia Pacific.
AMS Cebu teams are entrusted with high-impact responsibilities across multiple business functions:
- Sourcing – Search, identification, assessment and endorsement of quality candidates across different career levels to our clients for their global talent demand
- Administration – encompasses candidate engagement and administrative tasks associated with the recruitment process from point of raising requisition up to candidate onboarding
- Early Careers & Campus Recruitment – focuses on attracting emerging talent from college and university campuses, filling entry-level positions and internships
- Business Intelligence & Insights – provides analytics and research to help deliver impactful business outcomes and support strategic decision making.
Moreover, the Cebu hub currently serves over 20 AMS client partners – each with unique needs, goals, and delivery expectations. The consistent, high-quality service provided by the Cebu team has made it a trusted hub for execution, innovation, and transformation.
Photo: Ron Salvador (Head of Recruitment Administration)) hosting Global Admin Day in Cebu, May 2025
People at the Core of Our Success
Behind the Cebu office’s achievements are its people – professionals whose dedication, adaptability, and client-focus have turned a strategic idea into a thriving success story. At AMS, we believe in cultivating inclusive and growth-oriented environments, and Cebu has become a blueprint for what’s possible when talent is nurtured and empowered.
We celebrate our employees not only for their performance but for their passion for learning, collaboration, and resilience. Whether a team member is leading a complex sourcing initiative or supporting a new client implementation, their contribution is integral to AMS’s global delivery excellence.
Photo: Chet Calupitan (Head of Centre) and Patty Sianghio (Country HR) hosting Cebu midyear townhall, May 2025
In the words of Chet Calupitan, Head of Centre, Philippines – Global Capability Centre
“What began as a bold step to expand our APAC footprint in 2022 has since evolved into a thriving hub of talent, innovation, and purpose.
Three years ago, we opened our Cebu office with a clear vision: to build a strong presence in one of the Philippines’ most dynamic and strategic locations. Cebu’s vibrant talent pool made it the perfect home for our growing operations.
Today, our Cebu team stands as a testament to what is possible when you combine passionate people with meaningful work. From our first day of operations, our team has brought both skill and expertise and a unique energy that reflects the city itself — warm, resilient, and full of heart.
The past three years have not been without challenges, but the journey has been deeply rewarding. We have welcomed new clients, navigated shifting market demands, scaled capabilities, and built a culture grounded in collaboration and hard work. We have deepened our commitment to Cebu by supporting local communities, nurturing careers, and creating a workplace where people truly belong. “
Looking Forward: Scaling with Purpose
AMS Cebu’s third anniversary is not just a reflection point – it’s a launchpad. As we look ahead, our ambition is clear: to scale our Cebu operations with purpose, sustainability, and innovation at the core.
We are actively targeting an expansion of our workforce to 200 headcount in the foreseeable future, enabling us to serve more clients, add new service lines, and increase operational depth. This planned growth will also be accompanied by investments in technology, leadership development, and infrastructure to ensure that we continue to meet and exceed client expectations.
Additionally, we are committed to deepening our community engagement in Cebu – through partnerships with local universities, upskilling initiatives, and social responsibility programs that align with our global values.
Photo: Global Day of Giving September 2024, AMS Cebu team visited Everlasting Hope as joined by Manila based Senior Manager for Early Careers and Campus, Chris Paz. Everlasting Hope is a charity institution that supports and cares for Cancer patients and their families in the Visayas region.
Photo: Globay Day of Giving June 2025, AMS Cebu team spent their CSR day in animal rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing compound in Sapangdaku Cebu – Mayari Animal Rescue Organization.
Conclusion
AMS Cebu represents more than just a regional delivery center – it symbolizes a strategic commitment to building a future where global talent can be harnessed effectively, equitably, and sustainably. Over the past three years, this office has proven its value as a driver of innovation, resilience, and business impact.
As we mark this milestone, we do so with gratitude to our teams, our clients, and the broader Cebu community. The future is bright, and together, we will continue to shape the future of work – one total talent solution at a time.
References:
- Department of Economy, Planning and Development. Central Visayas Is PH’s Fastest-Growing Economy in 2023. https://dro7.depdev.gov.ph/central-visayas-is-phs-fastest-growing-economy-in-2023/
- SunStar Cebu. Cebu Solidifies Lead in IT-BPM Boom. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/cebu-solidifies-lead-in-it-bpm-boom
- Cebu IT/BPM Organization. https://www.cib.org.ph/
