5 Reasons Why Sto. Tomas is the Ideal Location for Your Business
Sto. Tomas in Batangas offers several strategic advantages for businesses due to its location, infrastructure, and access to resources. Below are the key benefits of doing business in this area:
Sto. Tomas is located roughly 60 kilometers south of Metro Manila, making it accessible to the capital. The city is connected via the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the STAR Tollway, providing businesses easy access to major markets, suppliers, and customers.
Sto. Tomas also serves as the gateway to Southern Luzon and is the ideal hub for any business interested in expanding to the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) region. Calabarzon is one of the most industrialized and economically active areas in the Philippines.
It is also accessible via the Batangas International Port, a gateway to international trade and shipping, following the Port of Manila and Port of Cebu on the list of major ports in the country.
2. Growing Economy
Sto. Tomas is experiencing rapid growth in both commercial and residential developments.
In fact, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the value of the economy of the region breached the Php 3-trillion barrier in 2023 and it continues to be the second-largest contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) at 14.7 percent last year. This economic expansion makes the city attractive for businesses in retail, real estate, and services, as it brings more people and potential consumers to the area.
3. Access to Skilled Labor
Batangas, including Sto. Tomas, has a large and growing pool of skilled and English-proficient labor. Many businesses, especially industrial parks, employ workers with technical skills and specialized skills. It is important to note that the region is home to 9 tertiary educational institutions, including St. Bridget’s College, University of Batangas, Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU)–Batangas, Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas, and Batangas State University. Over the years, courses offered have grown to more than 50 degree and non-degree programs, associate programs, and graduate programs. University of Batangas and LPU-Batangas obtained ISO 9001:2008 accreditations and were also granted ‘autonomous’ status by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). University of Batangas was granted Level IV-accreditation status by CHED. It has likewise earned the distinction of consistently delivering 100% passing rates in government licensure examinations for engineering courses. Batangas State University has ten campuses in the province and is considered one of the leading mechanical engineering schools in the country.
4. Presence of Industrial Parks
Sto. Tomas hosts several industrial parks, including the First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), which houses numerous multinational companies. Being in these Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) accredited zones, industrial parks provide companies with significant advantages:
- They offer a complete ecosystem for manufacturing, assembly, and logistics operations, helping companies achieve supply chain efficiency.
- They provide fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, such as income tax holidays, tax exemptions on imports, and streamlined import-export procedures.
- They support business growth through streamlined processes for business registration, permits, and incentives for investors. The city’s government works closely with PEZA and other agencies to foster a conducive environment for investors.
- They provide reliable power supply, centralized water supply and wastewater treatment, logistics support, and telecommunication technology. With these high quality infrastructure and utilities, locator companies are able to focus on the success of their core business
5. Access to Natural Resources
Batangas is known for its agricultural and industrial products, giving food production or agricultural businesses in Sto. Tomas easy access to raw materials for processing or manufacturing. It reduces transportation costs and improves supply chain efficiency.
The nearby Batangas port also facilitates import-export activities, making it ideal for businesses engaged in international trade. For businesses focusing on sustainability, access to natural resources in a responsible manner is crucial. Renewable energy, sustainable farming practices, and eco-tourism can thrive in Santo Tomas due to its abundant natural surroundings.
Doing business in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, offers a combination of strategic location, access to skilled labor and resources, business support, and proximity to both local and international markets. These factors make it an ideal location for a range of industries, including manufacturing, food production, IT, and logistics.
