Nathalie Mago, a 32-year-old virtual assistant from the Philippines, is among many Filipinos turning to remote work to support their families, earning five times more than her previous office job.
The virtual assistant sector has grown significantly, offering opportunities for better pay and flexibility, but it remains largely unregulated, leaving workers vulnerable to scams and legal uncertainties.
Despite the challenges, the industry’s rapid expansion is fueled by the country’s high English proficiency, with Filipino virtual assistants serving clients in markets like the US, UK, and Australia.
Experts estimate that around one million Filipinos work as virtual assistants, and the sector’s growth is expected to continue.
However, many workers, including Mago, agree that stronger legal protections are needed to ensure fair treatment and secure working conditions for this growing workforce.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 27, 2025
