DICT Pushes for Growth and Formalization of Online Freelancers
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is placing renewed emphasis on the growth and formalization of the online freelance sector across the Philippines. Speaking at the 8th leg of the Philippine Online Freelancers Conference (POFCON) in Iloilo City, officials argued that the country’s vast talent pool extends well beyond the major urban centers, and that online freelancing can be a powerful driver of local and national economic development.
“Talent Isn’t Confined to Major Cities”
Emmy Lou Versoza-Delfin, director of the ICT Industry Development Bureau, underscored the countrywide reach of online freelancing opportunities. “We believe there’s talent all over the country and there’s jobs outside the major cities,” she said, emphasizing that the digital economy can tap diverse skills from regions that may be overlooked by traditional employment models.
Economic Benefits: Jobs at Home, Dollars at Work
During the conference, Delfin highlighted a compelling advantage of online freelancing: Filipinos can work near home while earning in U.S. dollars or other stable currencies. This model not only preserves family life and community ties but also contributes to the national economy through remittances of online earnings, potentially reducing the outflow of talent to overseas employment just for survival income.
Understanding the Talent Pool Across Regions
Jhino Ilano, assistant director for the ICT Industry Development Bureau, framed online freelancing as a reflective measure of a region’s IT and BPO talent. He explained that a robust pool of local freelancers signals the readiness of communities to participate in higher-value digital work, which can attract investments and even the establishment of formal operations by BPO companies in regional hubs.
Debunking Misconceptions: Freelancers and BPO
Ilano also addressed common concerns that online freelancers compete with traditional BPO firms. He argued the opposite: a thriving freelancer ecosystem can complement and expand the local digital economy. When BPO companies recognize strong regional talent, they may choose to locate or expand in areas like Iloilo City, creating a synergy that broadens employment and development opportunities for the region.
Formalizing the Freelance Workforce
Regional discussions, including those led by DICT Western Visayas Regional Director Reynaldo Sy, stressed the need to treat freelancers as a legitimate component of the workforce rather than informal labor. Formal recognition would enable better protections, access to benefits, and more accurate labor statistics—data that policymakers and investors can rely on to shape programs and incentives.
Calling for Better Data: PSA Breakdowns Needed
Sy noted a gap in national data: while the country has a general survey on online freelance workers, the breakdown by region, province, or city has not yet been released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). He expressed the urgency of releasing granular statistics to illuminate the true scope of the industry and to guide targeted interventions that support freelancers where they live and work.
Looking Ahead: A Coordinated Path Forward
The conference served as a platform for outlining actionable steps to grow and formalize the online freelancing sector. Key priorities include improving digital infrastructure, expanding training and certification for freelancers, facilitating access to local and international clients, and ensuring policy clarity that protects both freelancers and their clients. By recognizing the online freelance economy as a legitimate and scalable sector, DICT aims to unlock opportunities across the archipelago and capitalize on regional strengths.
Conclusion
As the Philippines charts a course for a more inclusive digital economy, the online freelance sector stands out as a catalyst for regional development, talent recognition, and economic resilience. With stronger data, formal recognition, and collaborative efforts between government, industry, and freelancers themselves, the national goal of a robust, homegrown digital workforce becomes increasingly attainable.
