DICT backs online freelance sector to strengthen regional economies
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is intensifying its push to grow and formalize the online freelance sector across the Philippines. At the 8th leg of the Philippine Online Freelancers Conference (POFCON) in Iloilo City, officials emphasized that talent abounds beyond Metro Manila, and with strategic support, online freelancers can drive local economic development while earning in foreign currencies.
Bringing talent closer to home while earning globally
Emmy Lou Versoza-Delfin, director of the ICT Industry Development Bureau, underscored the country’s broad talent pool and the potential for employment opportunities outside major urban hubs. “We believe there’s talent all over the country and there are jobs outside the major cities,” she said. The implication is clear: empowering freelancers in secondary cities and provinces can supplement livelihoods and stimulate local industries without forcing workers to migrate for foreign-dollar earnings.
Formalizing and recognizing online freelancing
At the event, Delfin also highlighted the need to formalize the sector so freelancers are acknowledged as legitimate workers rather than informal contributors. The DICT plans to collaborate with government agencies to improve data collection and policy support that reflects freelancers’ contributions to the economy.
Perceived roles of freelancers within the broader IT-BPO ecosystem
Jhino Ilano, assistant director for the ICT Industry Development Bureau, explained that online freelancing serves as a visible indicator of regional IT and BPO talent. He argued that far from competing with traditional BPO companies, a robust pool of freelancers can attract new investments. “If BPO companies see there are many talented and skilled freelancers, these companies might be interested to locate and invest in Iloilo City,” Ilano remarked.
Data and policy: building a clearer picture of the online freelancing landscape
Reynaldo Sy, DICT Western Visayas regional director, stressed the need for better data. While national statistics exist, he noted that a regional breakdown by province and city is not yet released. DICT has urged the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to publish a detailed survey breakdown of online freelance workers conducted last year. Having granular data would enable policymakers and industry players to map opportunities, identify gaps, and tailor programs that support freelancers’ growth.
Why this matters for Iloilo City and beyond
For Iloilo City and other regional centers, formal recognition of online freelancers could unlock new local infrastructure and service ecosystem developments. With government backing, freelancers can access training, certifications, and compliant platforms that ensure sustainable earnings in dollars while staying close to home. The conference serves as a platform for stakeholders—local government units, educators, tech hubs, and the private sector—to align on standards, incentives, and pathways for scalable freelance careers.
Looking ahead
As the Philippine online freelancing sector grows, the DICT’s strategy appears to be twofold: validate freelancers as formal workers and attract investment by demonstrating a reliable talent flow in regional hubs. If successful, this approach could diversify the economic base of provinces like Iloilo, creating resilient communities that export skills to global markets while preserving local livelihoods.
