Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

RECEIVED
pare 21 SEP 205

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‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

4227

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT FACILITIES IN KEY
PROVINCES AND CITIES, PROVIDING 24/7 INTERNET HUBS, TRAINING
PROGRAMS, AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT FOR REMOTE
WORKERS AND FREELANCERS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines has emerged as a global hub for virtual assistants (VAs), online
freelancers, and remote workers, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings and
providing flexible livelihood opportunities for Filipinos. With over 1.5 million registered
freelancers on various digital platforms and thousands more operating informally, the sector
has become one of the fastest-growing pillars of the Philippine digital economy. The country’s
English proficiency, cultural adaptability, work ethic, and competitive pricing have made
Filipino freelancers highly sought after by businesses worldwide.

However, despite this growth, the sector faces structural barriers that hinder its full
potential. Many online freelancers and VAs struggle with unreliable intemet connectivity,
frequent power interruptions, lack of affordable co-working spaces, and limited access to legal,
financial, and business support services. Rural communities in particular—where digital
freelancing could otherwise bridge geographic and economic inequalities—remain unable to
participate meaningfully due to the absence of dedicated facilities. Moreover, most freelancers
rely on self-learning, without access to structured training programs or skills certification that
would allow them to compete more effectively in global markets.

This bill seeks to address these challenges by establishing Virtual Assistance Support
Facilities (VASFs) across provinces and key cities. These facilities will provide reliable 24/7
internet access, affordable co-working hubs, skills development and certification programs, and
access to legal, financial, and business support. The Department of Information and
Communications Technology (DICT) will serve as the lead implementing agency, in
coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for


training and certification, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for worker
protection programs, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for entrepreneurship
support. Local government units (LGUs) will serve as partners in hosting and maintaining these
facilities to ensure nationwide reach, especially in rural and underserved areas.

The measure also envisions the integration of VASFs into the broader ecosystem of
innovation and rural development. By providing shared infrastructure and institutional support,
these facilities will help freelancers and VAs scale up from individual gig work to sustainable
microenterprises and service cooperatives. They will also strengthen the country’s
competitiveness in global outsourcing markets, diversify sources of foreign exchange, and
create a more inclusive pathway for Filipinos to participate in the future of work.

By passing this measure, Congress will not only expand economic opportunities for
Filipino workers but also position the Philippines as a global leader in digital freelancing and
virtual assistance services. It will ensure that the benefits of the digital economy are accessible
to workers across social classes and geographic locations. This bill represents a strategic
investment in rural development, skills upgrading, foreign exchange generation, and inclusive
participation in the rapidly evolving global digital economy

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

RAY! FAN E. SALCEDA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

4227

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT FACILITIES IN KEY

PROVINCES AND CITIES, PROVIDING 24/7 INTERNET HUBS, TRAINING
PROGRAMS, AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT FOR REMOTE
WORKERS AND FREELANCERS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Virtual Assistance and
Remote Work Support Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to support the growing sector
of virtual assistants, online freelancers, and remote workers by providing enabling
infrastructure, capacity building, and market access. The State recognizes that the virtual
assistance industry creates jobs, generates foreign exchange, and empowers Filipinos—
particularly in rural areas—to participate in the digital economy.

SEC. 3. Establishment of Virtual Assistance Support Facilities. The Department of
Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in partnership with local government
units (LGUs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs), shall establish Virtual Assistance
Support Facilities (VASFs) in provinces and key cities.

Each VASF shall:

(a) Provide 24/7 internet facilities with high-speed, stable connections;

(b) Offer co-working spaces with uninterrupted power supply, meeting rooms, and
security;

(©) Serve as a training and certification hub for virtual assistants, online freelancers,
and remote workers;


(d) Provide business development and legal support, including guidance on contracts,
taxation, and financial management; and

(©) Host incubation programs for local enterprises supporting the virtual assistant
industry.

SEC. 4. Training and Workforce Development. The Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA), in coordination with DICT and the Department of Labor
and Employment (DOLE), shall develop training curricula for virtual assistants, remote work
skills, digital freelancing, and related online business services. Graduates shall receive TESDA
certificates recognized by both domestic and international clients.

SEC. 5. Market Access and Promotion. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
shall promote Filipino virtual assistants and online freelancers in global markets, provide
access to platforms and international clients, and facilitate the participation of Filipino
freelancers in trade fairs, expos, and digital economy initiatives.

SEC. 6. Incentives for Local Government Units. LGUs hosting Virtual Assistance
Support Facilities shall be encouraged to provide counterpart funding, tax relief on facility
operations, and support for community-based digital workers’ cooperatives.

SEC. 7. Funding. The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be
charged against the current appropriations of the DICT, TESDA, and DTI. Thereafter, such
sums as may be necessary shall be included in their annual appropriations under the General
Appropriations Act.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations, Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DICT, TESDA, DTI, and DOLE shall jointly issue the implementing
rules and regulations of this Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional,
the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. All laws, executive orders, or regulations inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,