By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat
IWG, the leading flexible workspace provider with brands such as Regus and Spaces, has signed a franchise partnership agreement with Davao-based property developer Damosa Land, Inc. (DLI) to build 8 new flexible workspace centers across Mindanao.
Under the agreement, DLI will develop the first IWG franchised workspace in the Mindanao region. The two organizations marked the occasion with a ceremonial signing event that was part of the topping off ceremony of DLI’s Diamond Tower, the most anticipated 15-story landmark in Davao City, where the first Regus franchise center will be located.
The first IWG franchise center from DLI will be located at the Diamond Tower, which is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2020.
Under the franchise partnership agreement, DLI will be granted the exclusivity to develop and operate eight IWG centers across Mindanao in the cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos.
In Davao, IWG will still manage its existing centers, the Regus Damosa Topaz Tower (opened in 2016) and Regus Felcris Centrale (opened in 2018).
Lars Wittig, IWG Country Manager Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, South Korea, said, “IWG’s entry into Davao City in 2016 was also through a partnership with DLI. It resulted in the Regus Damosa Topaz Tower, our first center in the region and one of IWG’s most successful centers in the Philippines. Since then, we have witnessed the growth in the Mindanao region fueling demand for flexible workspaces from both local and multinational companies.”
Matthew James Kenley, Head of Partnership Growth IWG APAC, said it was truly an honor to return to the Philippines to sign a franchise partnership deal after the first agreement in Cebu City last month.
"We recognize the strong demand from Mindanao, and are pleased to offer this partnership in cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos to help the local economy create new jobs, stimulate business growth in the surrounding area and improve productivity for enterprises,” said Kenley.
Ricardo F. Lagdameo, First Vice President, said, “We are very excited to deepen our partnership with IWG. This franchise partnership will allow us to bring the world-class benefits of flexible working to the businesses and professionals in Mindanao. Our first Regus workspace has been a great success, and we aim to replicate this in our future franchise centers.”
As an IWG franchise partner, DLI’s workspaces will become part of the globally recognized IWG brand and benefit from its 30 years’ experience as an industry leader. IWG brands, which include Regus, SPACES and HQ, serve the workspace needs of more than 2.5 million entrepreneurs, multi-million dollar individuals and corporations daily.
Rowena B. Natividad, IWG head of partnership growth, cited the solid relationship with DLI which was built on shared values and drive to succeed.
“With value propositions such as IWG’s global brand equity, resilient business model, and DLI’s proven track record, we are confident that our partnership will strengthen our footprint in Mindanao and accelerate our growth in the Philippines,” said Natividad.
IWG’s entry into Davao City in 2016 was also through a partnership with DLI. It resulted in the Regus Damosa Topaz Tower, the first center in the region and one of IWG’s most successful centers in the Philippines.