Technology and digital platforms are shaping the rise of the gig economy in the Philippines, according to a new study by market research firm Ipsos, which is expanding its presence in the country.
Ipsos’ nationwide survey, Gig Life PH: Understanding the Realities and Preferences of Filipino Gig Workers, found that the pandemic sped up the shift toward flexible work, with technology enabling both location-based and online opportunities.
“The Philippine gig economy provides workers with a flexible and empowering source of income, presenting a dynamic avenue for economic growth,” said Christine Dugay, principal of Ipsos Strategy3 in the Philippines, during a recent media briefing.
Digital platforms such as Grab and local players have built ecosystems that make it easier for Filipinos to take on flexible work. Smartphones and online platforms have lowered entry barriers, giving workers access to freelancing, tutoring, content creation, and virtual assistance with just a few clicks.
The study also classified gig workers as location-based, which requires workers to be physically present to perform tasks, and non-location-based or remote-based workers.
Dugay said this flexibility is especially attractive to young Filipinos aged 25 to 34, who view these platforms as career tools.
“Gig workers want freedom of work, but at the same time they want a safety net with retirement savings and health first,” she said.
The study also found that platforms are going beyond job matching by offering digital credentials, training resources, and tools for skill development. Some provide dashboards for tracking earnings, flexible benefits, and ways to monetize skills, which are helping gig work become a more structured career option.
Six of ten respondents said they believe gig work is a strategic choice and a viable long-term career path. Many view flexible arrangements as a way to achieve broader financial and personal goals rather than just a quick income source. The survey also showed that 30% of respondents have no plans to stop doing gig work.
Despite these developments, most Filipinos see gig work as a secondary income source. The survey showed that 61% of respondents engage in gig work part-time to add to their income from full-time jobs or businesses.