The public sector also supports the ecosystem with grants. The amendment aims to encourage global SMEs to set up fully-owned businesses in the country. Another public sector initiative is a recent amendment to the Foreign Investment Act. Under this act, three types of visas are set to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and startup employees. The public sector is creating a regulatory framework through the Innovative Startup Act to empower early stage startups. KMC, the largest co-working chain in the country, along with several startup incubation programs, are also supporting the Philippines’ startup ecosystem. The country has dozens of government programs to encourage entrepreneurs, including the QBO Innovation Hub and the P3 Program. Its attractiveness to foreign entrepreneurs and digital nomads, and the massive knowledge that local remote workers have gained while working in international startups, should allow for successful ecosystem growth, provided more of the local population embraces entrepreneurship.

The country enjoys a talented English speaking population, with many already working remotely for international startups.

The Philippines is making progress toward becoming a formidable startup ecosystem in the Asia Pacific region.

Map of philippines with global city