Dubbed as the “Queen City of the South,” Cebu City is undeniably royal when it comes to the charm and allure. It’s one of the few places in the country where, one minute, anyone can enjoy the convenience and vibrant energy of urban life, and the next, the unparalleled beauty of nature.
After all, this marvelous city has plenty of accessible natural attractions, from mountainous hideaways and waterfalls to pristine beaches and world-class diving spots. It’s no wonder Cebu City welcomed close to 3 million international tourists in 2019 alone, besting all other Philippine destinations, including Boracay Island.
The Oldest City in the Philippines is not only popular among travelers but job seekers as well. Thanks to its thriving economy and energetic atmosphere, many young professionals from all parts of the country are now exploring Cebu jobs instead of merely looking for opportunities in Metro Manila. However, its economy is not the only reason enticing individuals to find work in the Queen City. If you are also searching for suitable employment, you may be interested to know some of the other characteristics of Cebu City that make it a perfect place for job seekers.
Healthy Labor Market
Despite the economic challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the employment rate of Central Visayas (where Cebu City is located) is still much higher than that of the national average. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the region is currently already recovering as it records an employment rate of 92.9 percent in January 2021 from 83.3 percent in 2020. This number is almost 2 percent higher than the national estimate and employment rate of the National Capital Region (NCR). The Central Visayas Region also has a lower unemployment rate (7.1 percent) in 2021 than NCR (8.8 percent).
It is worth noting that these figures could have been much better if not for the pandemic. Nonetheless, the employment and unemployment rates in Cebu Province and Central Visayas region indicate a healthy labor market. That means employment opportunities are available—even more than Metro Manila. Job seekers like you can readily find positions in various industries currently thriving in the city, such as real estate, manufacturing, tourism, and many others.
Booming BPO and IT Industries
Another quality that makes Cebu City an attractive place for job seekers is its flourishing business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology (IT) sectors. Perhaps, there are no other sectors that generate as many job opportunities as BPO and IT industries combined. Companies in these industries employ hundreds of thousands of people and continue to recruit and train new employees daily.
Cebu City’s BPO and IT industries have proven to be among the most resilient and strongest sectors as they continue to grow and create more jobs even during the surge of the COVID-19 global health crisis. The city also remains a top outsourcing destination outside Metro Manila due to its accessibility, cost of doing business, and availability of infrastructure. In fact, the Queen City of the South already sealed significant office deals from more BPO firms, like Nokia and 27-7 Intouch Philippines, in the first quarter of 2021 alone. That means job seekers could count on more employment opportunities than ever before.
Fast-Growing Creative Sector
If you are looking for a career in the arts or creative industry, you know full well how challenging it is to land a job in this sector. Building a notable art career is not an easy feat, especially if you do not come from a family of prominent artists or influential people. Sadly, creative pursuits are often undervalued in the Philippines—but not in Cebu City.
The Queen City of the South is home to world-renowned creative talents, such as fashion designer Monique Lhuillier and furniture designers Kenneth Cobonpue and Vito Selma. It is also he only city in the country included in the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Network of Creative Cities under the design category.
Even the content creations sector is stepping up and working to make Cebu a top animation provider in Southeast Asia. Apparently, the recently produced Netflix animated series Trese attracted the interest of international producers, increasing the demand for original content from the Philippines. Both the UNESCO design recognition and the surge in demand for animation professionals mean more employment opportunities for job seekers wishing to hone their craft and make a name in the artistic and creative field.
Perfect Blend of Urban and Natural Attractions
Job seekers are not only interested in Cebu City because of the career opportunities. Many of them, particularly the young and adventurous ones, are attracted to what the place has to offer—the convenience and amenities of the city and the laid-back vibe of a tropical paradise.
When you work in Manila, you have limited options to relieve stress and enjoy a work-life balance. Perhaps, you will have drinks with friends or watch a movie after office hours. Whatever you decide, you will most likely end up inside an air-conditioned building. But, when you are in Cebu City, you can do so much more. You can shop to your heart’s content during payday at enormous shopping malls, explore the city’s rich history, and try different outdoor activities.
More importantly, you will be within a short distance from some of the most gorgeous and pristine beaches in the country. You can even swim with whale sharks at Oslob during the weekend and be back on your desk by Monday morning. Where else can you experience such exciting adventures?
Considering the things above, it is clear why people from different parts of the country are becoming more and more interested in seeking employment opportunities in Cebu City. Essentially, it has practically every good thing Manila has to offer—and more. So, the next time you browse a job search website, why don’t you explore career opportunities in Cebu? Perhaps, the perfect career is waiting for you there.
