Why the future lies in Batangas

Developers such as Rockwell Land are transforming Batangas into an exciting hub of new opportunities. —CONTRIBUTED

Once upon a time, most people visited places outside Metro Manila only for two reasons: for a vacation or for a quick work visit.

It was the people in the provinces who left in droves for city life. Metro Manila, after all, was the ultimate place to look for jobs, homes and opportunities.

Today, however, many city dwellers are leaving for the provinces—investing in new houses, businesses and developments. The province of Batangas, in particular, is experiencing a heavy influx of migrants. While the “Balik Probinsya” program of the government during the pandemic played a hand in this event, the migration of people toward the provinces remains significant until today.

What is it about the country life that is drawing us out to the provinces? Why is Batangas, in particular, an attractive destination for those looking to build new lives outside Metro Manila?

Let us explore the reasons why many people move to places like Batangas in search of a bright and hopeful future.

With infrastructure continuously being developed, the travel time to Batangas has been dramatically reduced in recent years. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Ideal environment

Picture this: you get to work on your deadlines on an open deck before a sunny, spectacular beach. Afterwards, you can either go for a quick swim with your loved ones or head to the nearby lush forest for a relaxing stroll. Could life get any better than this setup?

An ideal life is one reason why many people are leaving for the provinces.

In a place where both business processing outsourcing (BPO) companies and natural tourist destinations can be found, you’re practically guaranteed to have an easy work-life balance.

In Lipa, Batangas, for example, many outsourcing firms are helping boost the local economy by providing work opportunities. They allow locals to stay in the province and encourage residents from nearby areas to move in as well.

The presence of popular tourist destinations may also play a hand in encouraging people to stay in Lipa. Moreover, the place has one of the coolest climates near Metro Manila, and is less prone to floods due to nearby mountains acting as windbreakers.

Perhaps due to these factors, Lipa has become one of the Philippine provinces experiencing heavy migration nowadays.

The Lipa Cathedral is one of the must-see sites in the province.

Lower costs of living

Another reason why provinces appeal to city dwellers is because they offer lower costs of living.

With the abundance of fresh produce and livestock in the provinces, you can easily get quality and healthy food at a lower price compared to Metro Manila. Your peso can be stretched longer in the province without sacrificing your quality of life, health or dreams. Plus, you don’t have to endure traffic for long or suffer polluted air.

For instance, Batangas offers significantly lower costs of restaurant meals, house rentals and groceries compared to Metro Manila. Healthcare, transportation and other necessities also cost less, allowing you to take care of your family without worrying too much about expenses.

Rise of hybrid, remote working

With the rise of remote work and hybrid work setups, provinces in the Philippines are seeing less locals leaving for the city.

After all, if you could get paid doing what you love right at home, there’s no reason to leave at all. While many WFH workers get paid doing outsourced work, there are several forward-thinking local companies offering hybrid setups to their employees. Employers can save on operational costs, while employees get to enjoy more time at home.

Batangas, in particular, has seen the rise of these new types of workers in their population. Employees from the metro can easily travel to and from work even if they live in Batangas. And with internet service providers having widespread coverage in the area, it’s no question why Batangas is becoming a hotspot for modern workers looking to make the most out of life.

Matabungkay Beach allows locals and tourists to enjoy white sand in Lipa, Batangas.

Promising developments

Lastly, infrastructure and real estate developments are on the rise as well.

Road networks, internet services and other utility services are rapidly being developed across the country, enabling faster travel routes and better services. With these improved facilities, large-scale developers are gradually making their way out of Manila to create exceptional communities in places like Batangas, Cebu and Bacolod.

Given all these exciting features, there’s really no question why people are now moving to the provinces for better opportunities. Places like Batangas offer a great life with a balanced environment, healthy cost of living, and modern infrastructure.

If you’re looking to build a new and exciting life outside Metro Manila, consider moving to a progressive province such as Batangas. Places like these offer unique benefits to your budget, health, and lifestyle. These destinations promise a bright future for you and your family if you’ll just give them a try.

Photo Sources: Ramon FVelasquez, Kimberly Kyle Mith Montes and LMP 2001 via Wikimedia Commons; https://e-rockwell.com

Ar. Vittoria Mawis-Aliston

A Filipino architect who has a Master's Degree in Interior Design of Commercial Spaces from IED Barcelona, Spain and with twelve years' worth of experience under the tutelage of Filipino architectural firms.