Filipino freelancers need financial tools that not only make it easy to receive payments but also lower transaction fees and offer competitive foreign exchange rates, empowering them to fully tap global opportunities.
This was highlighted in a roundtable discussion with the freelancer community, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and GCash, the country’s leading finance super app.
The industry launch, titled “Shaping the Future of Borderless Work: Enabling a Globally Competitive Filipino Gig Economy,” discussed how fintech players like GCash can work with the government to support freelancers, help Filipino talent thrive even more in the global market, and strengthen the country’s shift toward truly borderless work.
Addressing the Pain Points
Freelancers Louise Jen Manalo and Dana Krystelle Novales shared their pride in how Filipino talents are equipped with world-class skill sets—capabilities that empower them to confidently attract and work with clients from around the world.
However, the online remote workers pointed out that many Filipinos still struggle to navigate the freelance work setup because they lack access to the right digital financial tools. Such platforms can help them easily receive payments and settle transactions, especially from clients abroad.
“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,”
BSP bank officer IV Ailyn Lau noted that the government and private sector can leverage each other’s strengths to develop innovative financial tools that address users’ pain points. “Our responsibility is to ensure that all of these products and services have guardrails to ensure that they’re safe and efficient,” she said.
Lau also highlighted Project Nexus, an initiative designed to connect domestic instant payment systems to a cross-border payment platform for seamless global transfers. “Someday, hopefully, when you open your bank account or e-wallet, you just need to choose from a drop-down list of countries, and you will instantly be able to send money to another country,” she added.
Beyond payments, the government is intensifying efforts to upskill Filipino freelancers so they can stay competitive and access higher-value global opportunities.
DICT undersecretary Sarah Sison emphasized: “We are opening doors of opportunity for every Filipino, whether in rural communities or right here in Manila, through training, mentorship, and job-matching programs that prepare them for real participation in digital transformation.”
DTI’s Philippine Creative Industries Development Council Secretariat deputy executive director Paolo Federico Ramos said roadmaps are being developed to support the Philippines’ aspiration of becoming Asia’s premier creative hub. “It is the government’s duty to make sure that every sector is supported either financially or through capacity building and mentoring,” he said.
Supporting the Gig Economy
GCash expressed strong support for the rapidly growing cross-border freelance economy, participating in the government’s vision to generate 8 million digital jobs by 2028.
In line with this, GCash recently launched the Virtual US Account, enabling Filipino freelancers servicing US-based clients to receive payments directly into their GCash wallets without hidden charges. Powered by Meridian Payments US, the service addresses recurring freelancer pain points such as high transaction costs and poor forex rates.
The feature promises lower platform fees, competitive foreign exchange costs, and transparent transactions—allowing freelancers to retain more of their earnings.
“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 GCash International general manager Paul Albano.
Fully verified GCash users can open a Virtual US Account and receive funds from platforms such as PayPal, Payoneer, Wise, Gusto, Deel, Upwork, Freelancer.com, Fiverr, and Onlinejobs.ph.
This initiative is expected to boost the flow of US dollars into the country. BSP data shows that around 40% of total cash remittances from January to August this year came from the United States.
“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 concluded.
