EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) Philippines is celebrating a significant milestone for its operations in the Visayas. Its Cebu delivery center has officially marked two years of successful operations, signaling a strong and growing commitment to the region's technology and professional services landscape.
From Humble Start to Strategic Hub
In just 24 months, the Cebu center has transformed dramatically. It began with a small core team and has rapidly expanded into a thriving hub employing more than 300 professionals. A significant portion of this workforce is dedicated to supporting high-value consulting services for EY's global clientele. The center has successfully replicated many of the key technology competencies found in EY's larger global delivery locations.
Ajay Anand, EY GDS Global Vice Chair, emphasized the center's strategic importance. He stated that Cebu's remarkable growth underscores the strength of EY's delivery model and the region's deep talent pool. "Cebu is developing as a strategic hub for technology-enabled services," Anand said, highlighting its role in driving innovation and delivering enhanced solutions worldwide. He reaffirmed EY's commitment to investing in the region, fostering career paths, and supporting professionals in the digital economy.
Building a Sustainable Talent Ecosystem
A cornerstone of EY GDS Cebu's strategy is its deep collaboration with the local academic community. The organization maintains strong partnerships with Cebu Institute of Technology University (CIT-U) and the University of San Carlos (USC). These alliances are designed to shape a talent pipeline that meets the specific demands of the IT-BPM and professional services sectors.
The center has also established itself as a thought leader, actively participating in events organized by the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and the Cebu IT-BPM Organization (CIB.O). Notable initiatives include mentoring student teams through the "Can You HackIT" program pilot with IBPAP and having Raymond Go, EY GDS Philippines Consulting Leader, speak at the CIB.O Transformation Summit in September.
Ambitious Growth and Future Plans
The vision for the coming years is one of substantial expansion. EY GDS plans to grow its Cebu workforce to approximately 1,350 professionals, solidifying the city's status as a premier destination for high-end, technology-driven talent. This growth plan involves scaling all consulting competencies within the next two to three years while simultaneously building out the center's assurance capabilities.
Dench Decino, EY GDS Philippines Location Leader, credited the journey's success to collaboration. "Our journey in Cebu has been fueled by collaboration with universities, industry partners and the local community," Decino shared. The focus remains on creating a sustainable talent ecosystem that serves global business needs and empowers Cebuano professionals. "This is more than growth; it’s about shaping a future where Cebu also stands out as a center of excellence for professional services," he added.
This expansion will necessitate a move to a permanent headquarters in 2026 to accommodate the growing team. EY GDS also plans to deepen collaborations with CIB.O and partner universities, fostering an ecosystem centered on industry-relevant learning.
To nurture future talent, EY GDS Cebu has launched specialized learning programs like EY GDS Academia – Risk Consulting and EY GDS Academia – Cybersecurity. These initiatives offer participants practical skills through mentorship and exposure to real-world project environments.
As it enters its third year, the EY GDS Philippines Cebu center moves forward with a clear mandate: to continue being a vital catalyst for talent development in the Visayas and a key player in the region's IT-BPM and professional services industry, bringing innovation and opportunity to the Queen City of the South.
