Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have propped up real estate in the country, and are expected to continue doing so, according to property consultancy firm JLL Philippines.

Local news outlet BusinessWorld reported that the firm’s Country Head Christophe Vicic, during a roundtable discussion, stressed that much of the investment in POGOs was coming from China, and helped offset a drop in the growth of business process outsourcing (BPO) firms in the country.m

“We cannot forget that the investment from China is critical to this country at any level, residential, commercial, construction, infrastructure… The Chinese money is important to this country, it’s part of the GDP [gross domestic product] growth,” Vicic said.

Chinese nationals were said to be increasing in the Manila Bay Area, with POGOs hiring them. This has not only raised demand in commercial space, but also in residential developments.