Press Release
MANILA, July 24, 2025 — What does a digital future mean for Filipinos? For the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), it means sustainable, meaningful employment that empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and drives national growt
At the center of this vision is the “Trabahong Digital” initiative, launched by the DICT to create 8 million digital jobs by 2028. More than just a policy roadmap, “Trabahong Digital” is a national call to action: build a future where every Filipino has the opportunity to thrive in the digital economy. The initiative seeks to expand access to digital infrastructure, equip Filipinos with future-ready skills, support homegrown innovation, and foster a regulatory environment that is responsive and inclusive.
This bold and far-reaching vision took center stage during a landmark public seminar on July 24, organized in partnership with a regional think-tank, the Tech for Good Institute (TFGI). The event followed the release of TFGI’s 2024 report, “The Evolution of Tech Governance in Southeast Asia-6,” which maps out how regulatory frameworks can foster sustainable tech-driven growth across the region.
“To fully harness the impact of technology, we must strike a careful balance between promoting the digital economy and protecting the digital society
We are grateful for our collaboration with DICT, which champions forward-thinking approaches that put people and progress at the center of digital transformation.”
Citra Nasruddin
Programme Director of the Tech for Good Institute.
For the Philippines, the report emphasises the importance of aligning global best practices with local realities, ensuring that tech governance empowers, rather than excludes, the Filipino people.
“Tech governance will continue to evolve. While we learn from international best practices, it is crucial to carefully consider the Philippines local context in shaping effective, relevant and future-ready policies,”
Keith Detros
TFGI Programme Lead.
DICT Assistant Secretary Celine Dee meanwhile placed importance to the human impact of this transformation. “The dynamism of the Philippines’ digital landscape lies in the resilience and creativity of Filipinos. With the right support systems, this entrepreneurial spirit can be a catalyst for nationwide economic growth,” she said.
Leveraging the Unique DNA of the Philippines’ Digital Ecosystem
A major enabler of the digital shift is the Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry, which has played a pivotal role in shaping a globally competitive and digitally skilled workforce over the last 30 years.
“The IT-BPM sector has long trained Filipino talent for success in global service delivery
This legacy gives us a solid foundation to lead not only in outsourcing, but in tech entrepreneurship, digital content creation, and platform-driven services.”
Jay Fajardo
Managing Director of LaunchGarage
Other experts echoed the importance of tailoring digital transformation to the Philippines context. InnovationPH Chairman Anton Mauricio pointed to the limitations of fully importing models like the Silicon Valley blueprint. Instead, he advocated for policy and ecosystem approaches rooted in ground realities, such as ensuring capital access for Filipino founders, creating localized innovation hubs, and institutionalizing government support for digital MSMEs.
“Our approach has to reflect the needs of Filipino communities
We have to make it easier for people to launch digital businesses in their own barangays, and for local startups to get the visibility and backing they need.”
Anton Mauricio
InnovationPH Chairman
In addition, digital platforms play a crucial role in driving meaningful impact, particularly in the digital jobs sector. These platforms offer flexible opportunities that provide additional sources of income. Gio Tingson, Head of Public Affairs at Grab Philippines, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working with the Philippine government to support the growth of digital jobs in the country.
“Platforms like Grab are committed to fostering meaningful and productive participation of Filipinos. We are also keen to continue working with the Philippine government to ensure that social protection mechanisms are in place
Together, we can expand economic opportunities and support Filipino workers in the digital age.”
Gio Tingson
Head of Public Affairs at Grab Philippines
Tech governance for sustainable, economic growth
The seminar concluded that public-private partnership is not a nice-to-have, but an essential component of tech governance. From infrastructure rollout to policy experimentation and skills development, collaboration between government, businesses, and civil societies will determine whether the Philippines can truly become a digital-first nation.
The July 24 seminar was part of a four-part engagement series hosted by TFGI from July 23 to 24 at Makati Diamond Residences. In addition to the public seminar, the series featured a roundtable discussion on the future of work, a policy workshop focused on leveraging digital platforms for improved government service delivery, and a youth roundtable that explored how to nurture the next generation of Filipino tech leaders.
Ultimately, “Trabahong Digital” is more than an employment programme. It represents a national movement to reimagine work, bridge the digital divide, and build a future where every Filipino can dream bigger, work smarter, and succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy
