Written by Marco Palacio and Jhoemir Miran, (SIT, BSCpE)
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through its Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR) office, successfully held a seminar entitled “Freelancing for Starters: How to Build a Career from What You Already Know?” on November 15, 2025. Organized by George Jr Gaddang, Jhoemir Miran, Marco Palacio, Natasha Cuaresma, Chareal Manzano, and Nehmiryll Sumalet from the Department of SIT under the guidance of Ms. Junamil Zamora, alongside the collaboration of the DICT, the seminar was designed to orient and upskill the local workforce about the digital gig economy using freelancing, emphasizing the national “Trabahong Digital” initiative that aims to create millions of jobs.
The activity gathered 213 participants, including 195 students joined by 8 faculty members, 5 employees, and 5 freelancers. While the majority of participants were from UB, the activity also welcomed attendees from other institutions and locations. Their combined active participation also created a collaborative learning environment that not only enriched the discussion on building a freelancing career but also increased engagement with the topic in a fun environment.
The program began firstly proceeded with a talk by Mr. Boaz G. Moldez, a Freelance Digital Marketing Specialist, who advised attendees on the essential initial steps in his session, “Before You Go Freelancing: What You Need to Know and Prepare Before Joining the Freelancing World.” Building on the theme of career transition, Mr. Christian Andre Rafols, Founder of UBRAM Online, discussed how to successfully shift from traditional employment in his session, “Corporate to Freelancing: How to Align Current Skills to Freelancing.”
The focus then shifted to the DICT’s strategic initiatives. Ms. Katherine Aguilar, ENGR III and Focal Person, presented the government’s major program, DICT 8M Jobs: Trabahong Digital, followed by Ms. Jing Berry Nino, Regional Focal Person, who detailed the DICT SPARK Program (Strengthening the Philippine Workforce Through Adaptive and Responsive Digital Knowledge).
Practical sessions resumed with Ms. Xianne Raven, a Social Media Manager, who demonstrated how to transform existing competencies in her session, “How to Turn Your Existing Skills into Marketable Social Media Services?” Addressing the future job market, Mr. Gerald Cacho discussed “Local Job Applications and Future Jobs Radar,” and finally, Ms. Donna Lacdao, CEO of Coconut VA, offered strategic insights in her talk, “Remote Work Trends for 2026.”
Central to the discussion was the DICT’s proactive measure to strengthen the digital workforce through the SPARK Program. This initiative focuses explicitly on enhancing the workforce in rural areas by offering upskilling and reskilling opportunities that target vulnerable and marginalized groups, including women, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and Micro, Small, and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs). The immediate impact of this focus is
underscored by global recognition, as the Philippines ranked 1st in the Top 10 Fastest Growing Freelancing Countries in the Payoneer Gig Economy Index 2019.
By providing a seminar to enhance individuals’ abilities to secure ICT-related careers, the event supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), specifically the goal of substantially increasing the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship. The seminar also aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by emphasizing the creation of digital work, supporting MSMEs, and fostering a growing ecosystem of digital professionals which promotes full and productive employment and decent work for all.
As the Department of Information and Communications Technology aims to produce innovative and competent professionals, this seminar was an enlightening activity for the participants through interactive discussions and sharing of experiences. The accomplishment of this program contributes to the DICT’s agenda to equip the students and workforce with future-ready skills and values that align with the demands of the modern economy. It also served as a call to action to register for the Online Freelancers and Digital Agency Owners Registry, a free initiative to connect and empower local digital professionals with access to exclusive opportunities like training, mentorship, and funding.
