By Raffy Gutierrez
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has launched an ambitious nationwide initiative called Trabahong Digital, with a bold target of generating eight million new digital jobs by 2028. It’s a sweeping vision that aligns with global workforce trends and recognizes the potential of the digital economy to reshape the employment landscape in the Philippines.
At first glance, it’s hard not to be inspired. The roadmap touches all the right buzzwords—digital inclusion, remote work, upskilling, e-commerce enablement, and public-private collaboration. It rightly acknowledges the shift from traditional employment toward flexible, tech-driven work and aims to position Filipinos at the forefront of this global transition.
To date, digital work already employs over 11 million Filipinos—a massive leap from just 6.2 million in 2018. If the DICT pulls this off, it would push the digital workforce close to 20 million strong, potentially rivaling our OFW labor force in size and remittance impact. That’s a game changer.
But here’s the catch: while the intent is progressive, the path to achieving eight million new jobs is not self-evident. There are crucial questions that need to be addressed if we want to turn this roadmap from a dream to a deliverable.
First off, what exactly qualifies as a “digital job”? Are we counting only full-time, long-term employment in tech? Or are short-term freelancing gigs, online selling, and app-based work also included? This matters—not just for the headline figures, but for understanding job quality, worker rights, and long-term sustainability.
Second, while the plan highlights skills development, there’s little clarity on how these training programs will be implemented nationwide—especially in rural areas where infrastructure and access remain weak. It’s one thing to offer free online modules, but without proper mentorship, certification, and follow-through, we risk creating a surplus of “trained” individuals with no job pipeline.
Third, internet connectivity remains uneven across the archipelago. For remote workers and freelancers to thrive, we need fast, stable, and affordable internet—not just in urban hubs but in the heart of the countryside. This isn’t just an infrastructure challenge—it’s a policy and budget one. And it must be tackled in parallel.
Fourth, the role of the private sector needs to be defined with more granularity. The roadmap mentions collaboration with companies and universities, but we need tangible commitments: internships, hiring quotas, incubators for digital MSMEs, even gig marketplaces. Without employer buy-in, we risk training people for jobs that don’t exist.
Fifth—and perhaps most critical—is job protection and platform trust. The digital world is rife with scams, data breaches, and predatory recruiters. If Trabahong Digital is to succeed, DICT must also take the lead in setting standards and safeguards: job verifications, ratings, escrow systems, and digital IDs.
There’s room for improvement—and this is where DICT can get creative. Why not develop a national “digital passport” that tracks credentials and experience across platforms? Or build regional training centers with bootcamps and employer matchmaking? Even digital job caravans—equipped buses that teach, test, and hire on the spot—could help reach far-flung areas.
Moreover, the initiative must integrate with ongoing digital economy programs such as E-Commerce Para sa Lahat, the PEMEDES logistics support system, and MSME digitalization drives. These ecosystems are fertile ground for job creation—if the right linkages are made.
In summary, Trabahong Digital is a welcome, forward-looking initiative that deserves full support. But ambition alone won’t get us there. Execution, inclusion, and innovation must go hand-in-hand. With the right coordination between government, academe, and industry—plus a laser focus on quality, not just quantity—we might just be able to realize the promise of eight million empowered, digitally skilled Filipinos by 2028.
It’s not just about jobs. It’s about dignity, opportunity, and the future of work. Let’s not waste the momentum we now have.
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Rafael “Raffy” Gutierrez is a Technology Trainer with over 25 years of experience in networking, systems design, and diverse computer technologies. He is also a popular social media blogger well-known for his real-talk, no-holds-barred outlook on religion, politics, and philosophy.
