 IBM established its initial presence in the Philippines in 1937.In 2007, IBM partnered with the Philippines Department of Science and Technology on the Philippine Intellectual Property Policy Strategy, Engineering Research & Development for Technology Program, and the National Technology Business Incubators Program.IBM Philippines Country General Manager James Velasquez said the company recognizes Cebu as the gateway both for its domestic clients in the Visayas and Mindanao, as well as overseas clients.