Freelance online jobs are increasing in the Philippines, as more Filipinos are attracted by flexibility and time management benefits, according to a study by freelance talent marketplace Upwork.
Upwork Philippines country manager Ron Cirujano said a new breed of independent professionals were now earning in foreign currencies at home.
“These online freelancers are not only bringing profits to their doorstep; they also get to enjoy growth in their careers and personal lives thanks to the greater freedom they have to pursue their desired lifestyles,” he said.
He said the success of online work in the Philippines rested not only on Filipinos’ proficiency in English but also on their hard work and dedication, along with their ability to communicate with companies from around the globe.
“With Internet connectivity becoming more and more available nationwide, it has become possible for Filipino talents to find career opportunities no matter where they are in the country,” he said.
Upwork said talented Filipinos could now find income opportunities without having to relocate to another city, which had long been the case in the Philippines.
It said for talents in the provinces, online freelancing was a means to receive the same income that workers enjoyed in cities.
This also helps reduce unemployment rates by immediately connecting skilled independent professionals to potential clients abroad, it said.
Cirujano said online freelancing had the potential to bring global opportunities to any place in the world, including areas where work was scarce.
According to 2015 data culled by Upwork, some of the top cities in the Philippines in terms of freelancer earnings include Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and other locations beyond Metro Manila.
Customer service category is among the leading categories for online work in these locations.
“With the current Internet infrastructure still below standard, policy makers and municipalities are urged to support the development of communications technology not only to allow more Filipinos to tap into global opportunities, but also to encourage more inclusive growth across the nation,” Cirujano said.
