According to Manila Bulletin , the Calabarzon region has surpassed Metro Manila to become the Philippines' top startup hub, driven by a surge in tech innovation and investment outside the capital.
The shift highlights the growing decentralization of the country's startup ecosystem, with Calabarzon offering lower costs and improved infrastructure. Key cities like Laguna and Cavite have seen increased incubator activity and venture capital inflows.
Industry observers attribute the change to aggressive local government support and the rise of remote work, enabling startups to thrive outside Metro Manila. The region's proximity to the capital remains an advantage for networking and talent access.