The event — Shaping the Future of Borderless Work: Enabling a Globally Competitive Filipino Gig Economy — gathered the freelancer community, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Department of Trade and Industry, and GCash to discuss how fintech partnerships can help Filipino talent compete on a global scale.
Why it matters
Freelancers Louise Jen Manalo and Dana Krystelle Novales said Filipino remote workers are equipped with world-class skills but continue to struggle with reliable digital finance tools. These challenges, they noted, make it harder to receive payments and navigate tax and financial obligations.
"Hopefully, in the future, more technology innovations [will be available] for us freelancers so it would be easier to pay your taxes, to get your service payments from your client, and know where to put your money," Manalo said.
“It would be nice in the future of freelancing, borderless work to have a one-stop finance shop,” Novales added.
What officials are saying
BSP bank officer IV Ailyn Lau said the public and private sectors can jointly build innovative payment tools.
"Our responsibility is to ensure that all of these products and services have guardrails to ensure that they’re safe and efficient," she said, highlighting Project Nexus, an initiative connecting instant payment systems across countries for seamless cross-border transfers.
Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary Sarah Sison said the government is expanding training, mentorship, and job-matching to ensure freelancers remain competitive.
“The DICT remains firmly at the forefront, ensuring our freelancers and digital workers have the skills and support they need to seize the opportunities of the digital economy,” she said.
DTI’s Paolo Federico Ramos added that the agency continues to craft sectoral roadmaps to support the Philippines’ goal of becoming Asia’s premier creative hub.
Driving the ecosystem forward
GCash, supporting the government’s target of creating eight million digital jobs by 2028, rolled out its new Virtual US Account to help freelancers receive US payments directly into their e-wallets without hidden charges.
Powered by Meridian Payments US, the feature promises lower platform fees and competitive FX rates.
“Through our partnership with Meridian Payments US, we’re empowering Filipino freelancers with faster, more affordable, and more transparent ways to receive payments from the US,” said Paul Albano, GCash general manager for international.
Fully verified users can receive funds from platforms including PayPal, Payoneer, Wise, Deel, Upwork, and more.
With the US accounting for roughly 40 percent of cash remittances, the feature is expected to further boost dollar inflows.
“With the GCash Virtual US Account, we’re enabling Filipino freelancers to take full control of their hard-earned income, allowing them to maximize every peso they earn,” Albano said. —Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
