Google Philippines office is now open for business

Search giant Google has set up a local office in the Philippines, a move seen to "change" PH's internet landscape.

Manuel L. Quezon III, Undersecretary for Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning, who represented President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III at the company's launch said he is optimistic that Google Philippines' presence would lead to innovations.

"Filipino consumers are demanding more for their money and they are demanding every opportunity to do business to make their communications more efficient," he said.

"As the President’s message says it is a vote of confidence in the country and in the growing potential. If the market is due to expand by a 100 percent within three years, that’s really an explosive growth," he added.

During the interview with Yahoo! Southeast Asia, Quezon also emphasized that the opening of Google office in the Philippines is a market-driven sign that Filipinos value technology. He notes that Pinoy users must utilize the internet to improve their lives.

"We have to be good consumers. Study the different data plans. Study how you can get the most bang for your buck and also realize that access to the internet is viewed as an advantage. It makes you wiser, stronger and more efficient if you use it to improve yourself and not just to have fun," Quezon III added.

Google Country Manager Narciso Reyes meanwhile said they see Google as a part of Filipinos' everyday lives.

Reyes says in a press statement, ‘Our local team will be committed to providing better services to our Filipino users and to helping businesses – large and small – grow locally and globally, contributing to the growth of the Philippine economy.’

Officials reveal that the Google Philippines office is located in Makati City and will start hiring soon.