Recognizing these challenges, BPI/MS Insurance Corp. (BPI MS) gathered about 200 freelancers, gig workers, content creators and aspiring solopreneurs at its Freelancer Wellness Summit, where discussions centered on building financially secure, sustainable and resilient careers beyond conventional employment.
The event highlighted the growing need for freelancers to manage responsibilities such as irregular income, tax compliance, healthcare and financial protection on their own as more Filipinos embrace flexible work arrangements.
Growing workforce
Speaking at the summit, BPI MS president and CEO Noriyuki Kobayashi said freelancing provides greater independence but also requires individuals to take stronger ownership of their long-term financial well-being.
"With the right support, the right tools, and the right protection, one person's talent can unfold into many opportunities—for growth, independence, income, and a better future," Kobayashi said.
BPI consumer banking head Ginbee Go said in a statement freelancers are becoming an increasingly important part of the Philippine economy, underscoring the need for financial institutions and other organizations to develop services tailored to their unique needs.
"The future of work is already here. It is more digital, more flexible, more independent, and more entrepreneurial. Our challenge is to make sure it is also more inclusive, more protected, and more humane," Go said.
Practical support
Throughout the summit, participants attended discussions on financial management, tax compliance, personal wellness, emerging technologies and sustainable career development.
The sessions emphasized that succeeding as an independent professional requires more than technical expertise.
Freelancers also need financial literacy, access to support networks and tools that help them navigate an evolving work environment.
The event was organized by BPI MS in partnership with BPI, NEXT by BPI Preferred, BPI Housing Loan, BPI Auto Loan and BPI Motorcycle Loan.
It also received support from the Asian Institute of Management, Basecamp by Power Mac Center, Healthway Clinics and Philips.
Insurance solution
As part of its efforts to serve the expanding freelance sector, BPI MS and BPI introduced BPI Freelancer, a personal accident insurance product designed specifically for self-employed and independent professionals.
Unlike traditional employees, many freelancers do not receive employer-sponsored insurance or workplace benefits.
The product seeks to fill that gap by providing accidental death and permanent disability coverage, daily hospitalization cash assistance, utility bills assistance and motorcycle accident coverage.
Interested freelancers may purchase the insurance through freelancer.bpims.com or with assistance from any BPI branch nationwide.
Long-term commitment
Kobayashi said supporting the country's growing freelance community requires continuous engagement beyond offering insurance products.
He said BPI MS intends to strengthen its relationship with freelancers by creating more opportunities for learning, dialogue and collaboration, allowing the company to better understand the sector's evolving needs and develop more relevant solutions.
As freelancing continues to reshape the Philippine workforce, BPI MS said it remains committed to supporting independent professionals through financial education, wellness initiatives, community-building activities and protection products designed to help them build secure and sustainable careers. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
