The findings come from Gig Life PH: Understanding the Realities and Preferences of Filipino Gig Workers, a new Ipsos Strategy3 study, which showed that many earn more without giving up full-time jobs, though monthly earnings fluctuate by 10 percent to more than 30 percent.
Alongside flexibility, workers said they want a safety net, with 64 percent prioritizing retirement planning and 58 percent seeking access to healthcare.
“The gig economy is growing fast in the Philippines—platforms have reshaped how we work, granting autonomy and helping households stay financially resilient—but gig workers still face volatile earnings, pay discrepancies, and limited social protection,” said Christine Dugay, Ipsos Strategy3 in the Philippines principal.
“Gig workers value flexibility and the opportunity to increase their income, yet they also clearly want fair pay standards and comprehensive, portable benefits,” she added.
Upbeat despite unstable pay
Still, 78 percent of respondents said they are satisfied with the freedom and potential that gig work offers. Flexibility remains the strongest appeal, with 47 percent citing control over their hours and 35 percent favoring the ability to work from different locations.
Extra income is another driver, with 59 percent of workers saying they pursue gig jobs mainly to supplement earnings from full-time work or business ventures. Many also prefer to manage their own social benefits to match personal needs.
“We find that there are significant opportunities for government and platforms to further support gig workers in building a balanced ecosystem that powers growth and drives labor market transformation in the country,” Dugay said.
Who’s driving the gig boom
The study also revealed demographic divides, with 25- to 34-year-olds making up the largest share of gig workers. Women dominate non-location-based digital gigs, while men account for most physically demanding location-based jobs.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said government programs will be critical to sustaining growth in the sector.
“The data, insights, and findings from the ‘Gig Life PH’ study of Ipsos Strategy3 are invaluable to us, as these help frame the realities of the gig workers of the Philippines,” said Dir. Jhino B. Ilano, DICT Bureau Director III for ICT Industry Development.
“By understanding the realities and preferences of Filipino gig workers, the ICT Industry Development Bureau of DICT can effectively design, continuously implement, and encourage multi-stakeholders’ approach in initiatives like the EDGE PH Program, ASCEND, and even ILCDB’s SPARK to support a sustainable and future-ready gig ecosystem for all Filipinos,” he added.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
