I was fortunate to have been invited to this webinar called Qlitan by QBO Innovation Hub with the topic “Empowering the Gig Economy”. Or listen to the episode here (CLICK this link) >> Freelance Blend Podcast Ep. 192 In the first few 9:30 minutes of this episode, you will hear from Marella Ricketts of QBO who will talk about how QBO helps the startup community here in the Philippines. You’ll also get a chance to hear welcome remarks from QBO’s President himself, Butch Meily. Panelists Atty. Fatima Panontongan – Chief of Staff of Senator Sonny Angara of the Senate of the Philippines Jeff Sarmiento – Head of Business at Last Mile Inc, a digital logistics innovation company Marv de Leon – Freelance Blend, a platform that champions the Pinoy freelancer Joy Garingo – The Company Cebu (Moderator), a startup-friendly co-working space What We Discussed: The Gig Economy * What are the panelists’ respective roles in the gig economy* The benefits of the new bill for freelancers — The National Digital Careers Act by Senator Sonny Angara (Senate Bill 1469), which aims to promote the development of digital careers in the country and equip Filipinos with the skills needed to avail of these jobs* What are the vulnerabilities affecting freelancers* Why should freelancers pay taxes* What are the other ways that the bill can be improved to effectively empower the freelancers* The Freelancers Protection Act by Senator Villanueva* The first law that will be mentioning freelancers* How freelancers can protect themselves from non-payment by a client* Do we have a law or bill for non-tech freelancers?* What’s the future of employment once the lockdown ease Links and Resources * QBO Innovation Hub: https://www.qbo.com.ph/* Last Mile Inc: https://www.lastmile.ph/* The Company Cebu: https://thecompany.ph/* Apple Podcasts: http://www.freelanceblend.com/itunes* Spotify: http://www.freelanceblend.com/spotify* YouTube: http://www.freelanceblend.