Freelancing boosts digital economy in Zamboanga
ZAMBOANGA CITY, PHILIPPINES — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) recently held the 2023 Philippine Online Freelancing Conference (POFCON) to strengthen Zamboanga City’s online freelancing industry and propel the Philippines’ digital economy.
Under the theme “Celebrating Filipino Freelancers Driving Digital Economy,” the event gathered industry stakeholders and freelancers. Participants delved into public and private initiatives and charted pathways from individual freelancing to launching BPOs (Business Process Outsourcing) and digital agencies.
DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy acknowledged the sector’s contribution to the country’s economy with an estimated value of $455 billion. He also pledged DICT’s commitment to support the industry via infrastructure and cybersecurity.
Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue highlighted that the Philippines is among the top 10 fastest-growing freelancer countries, boasting 1.5 million registered freelancers. She noted DICT’s ongoing policy and program development catering to the evolving sector.
Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa Camba stressed freelancing’s potential to transform lives and the economy, while Zamboanga First District Representative Khmer Adan Olaso discussed the Freelance Workers Protection Act and pledged to advocate for freelancers.
With its expanding talent pool and freelancing communities, Zamboanga City is hailed as one of the digital cities set to become a thriving IT-BPM hub.
