RELX Celebrates 10 Years in Iloilo, shifting from publishing to tech focus

RELX | Reed Elsevier marks its 10th anniversary in Iloilo this year. Over the past decade, the company has shifted from traditional publishing services to technology-driven operations, reflecting broader changes in the company’s global strategy.

Starting with 400 employees in 2015, RELX | Reed Elsevier now employs close to 1,500 professionals in Iloilo, becoming a major employer in the region. As the first shared services organization in the city, RELX | Reed Elsevier helped establish Iloilo as a tech and business process outsourcing hub, with services spanning editorial work, customer support, risk solutions, tech operations, and sales and marketing.

“Our ten years in Iloilo represent a significant milestone for RELX | Reed Elsevier,” said Kat Ledesma, RELX | Reed Elsevier Iloilo Site Lead. “What began as a traditional publishing or editorial content operation has evolved alongside our global business into a technology-focused center. The talent and dedication of our Iloilo team have been instrumental to our office’s growth.”

The company chose Iloilo for its second Philippine location due to the city’s rich talent pool, available infrastructure at Iloilo Business Park, and supportive local government. These factors have created an ideal environment for RELX | Reed Elsevier to access quality talent, and establish co-beneficial relations in the community while maintaining operational efficiency

This pioneering investment has earned recognition from local government leaders.

“RELX | Reed Elsevier has been a pioneer in Iloilo’s shared services sector, creating a path for others to follow,” said Iloilo Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) Center Director Lea Lara, speaking on behalf of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas. “Their decade-long investment has strengthened our local economy and developed the skills of many Ilonggos. The City of Iloilo remains committed to supporting proactive business partners like RELX | Reed Elsevier who contribute significantly to our community’s growth.”

Beyond its economic contributions, the RELX | Reed Elsevier’s office maintains active involvement with the local community, with a long-standing commitment to the Friends of Cancer Kids Iloilo Foundation, Inc. (FCKIFI) spanning nearly ten years. Their fundraising activities have directly supported children and families undergoing cancer treatments.

The company has also developed a strong partnership with the Red Cross, consistently holding blood donation drives to benefit FCKIFI and others in need. Beyond these specific initiatives, RELX | Reed Elsevier supports various other NGOs and local government programs to help improve lives in the Iloilo community.

As RELX | Reed Elsevier looks ahead, the Iloilo office is expected to play an important role in the company’s operations with its growing pool of talent in the tech field, building on its decade-long presence in the region.