DICT Champions Growth of the Online Freelance Sector in Iloilo
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is actively promoting the growth and formalization of the online freelance sector across the Philippines, with a special emphasis on regional hubs like Iloilo City. The push aligns with the agency’s broader goal of tapping local talent outside the traditional metro centers and connecting it to global demand for digital services.
Speaking at the 8th leg of the Philippine Online Freelancers Conference (POFCON) in Iloilo City, Emmy Lou Versoza-Delfin, director of the ICT Industry Development Bureau, underscored the country’s rich pool of online talent. “There’s talent all over the country, and meaningful jobs exist outside the major cities,” she said, stressing that online work can supply steady income while keeping skilled workers closer to home.
Linking Local Talent to Global Opportunities
DICT’s message is clear: online freelancers can contribute significantly to the economy without necessarily relocating to large urban centers. Delfin highlighted that many Filipinos can earn in dollars through remote projects in software development, digital marketing, data work, and other IT-enabled services. This model not only enhances livelihoods but also distributes economic activity more evenly across regions.
Jhino Ilano, assistant director for the ICT Industry Development Bureau, explained that the online freelance sector serves as a signal of regional IT and BPO strengths. The presence of skilled freelancers demonstrates a vibrant talent pool, which could attract BPO companies to set up shop in Iloilo City. He emphasized that freelancers and traditional BPOs should be viewed as complementary elements of the same ecosystem rather than competitors. When larger firms recognize the capability in a region, they may invest, partner, or co-locate, amplifying job opportunities for locals.
Addressing Challenges and Formalizing Work
DICT regional leaders, including Western Visayas Regional Director Reynaldo Sy, framed POFCON as a platform to tackle the challenges faced by online freelancers. A major issue is elevating freelancers from informal or precarious status to formal workers with recognized rights and access to social protections. Formal recognition also feeds better data collection, which in turn informs policy decisions and program design.
To this end, DICT has urged the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to publish a detailed breakdown of the online freelance workforce by region, province, and city. While national data exists, a granular view is essential for understanding the actual size and distribution of the sector, identifying gaps, and targeting capacity-building efforts where they’re most needed. Reliable regional figures would help policymakers tailor training, certification, and support services to local realities.
What This Means for Iloilo and Beyond
The focus on Iloilo City reflects a broader strategy to decongest talent from over-saturated markets and create sustainable employment across the countryside. For freelancers, formal recognition can lead to improved access to credit, health insurance, and retirement provisions, while for clients and BPOs, a robust regional talent pool reduces talent migration pressures and supports nearshore collaborations.
As the dialogue continues, stakeholders anticipate practical steps such as skill certification programs aligned with industry standards, incentives for small and medium enterprises to engage regional freelancers, and clearer guidelines on taxation and social protection for independent workers. The ongoing collaboration among DICT, PSA, and regional authorities signals a shared commitment to a more inclusive digital economy where online freelancers contribute meaningfully to national growth.
Looking Ahead
POFCON in Iloilo serves as a barometer for what’s possible when government agencies, the freelance community, and business interests align. If the region’s online freelancing sector expands as planned, Iloilo City could emerge as a model for other provinces seeking to harness local IT and BPO talent, turning the online freelancing surge into a durable driver of regional development.
