Press Release
Freelancing continues to redefine the way Filipinos work, offering flexibility, independence, and the opportunity to pursue meaningful careers on their own terms. But alongside these opportunities are realities many independent professionals must manage on their own, including irregular income, health and wellness concerns, tax obligations, and protection against life’s uncertainties.
To help address these needs, BPI/MS Insurance Corporation (BPI MS), the non-life insurance subsidiary of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, recently brought together around 200 freelancers, gig workers, content creators, and aspiring solopreneurs for the Freelancer Wellness Summit held at Makati Diamond Residences.
More than a learning event, the summit served as a platform for practical conversations on building independent careers that are not only productive and financially rewarding, but also resilient, sustainable, and prepared for the realities of freelance work.
Throughout the summit, participants explored key topics relevant to independent professionals, including financial management, tax compliance, personal wellness, emerging technologies, and sustainable career growth. The discussions underscored the importance of equipping freelancers not only with the skills to succeed, but also with the tools, knowledge, and support systems needed to navigate an increasingly dynamic work environment.
The Freelancer Wellness Summit was presented by BPI MS in partnership with BPI, NEXT by BPI Preferred, BPI Housing Loan, BPI Auto Loan, and BPI Motorcycle Loan. It was also supported by the Asian Institute of Management, Basecamp by Power Mac Center, Healthway Clinics, and Philips.
In his opening remarks, BPI MS President and CEO Noriyuki Kobayashi emphasized that while freelancing offers greater freedom and opportunity, it also calls for stronger ownership of one’s long-term well-being and financial security.
“With the right support, the right tools, and the right protection, one person’s talent can unfold into many opportunities—for growth, independence, income, and a better future,” Kobayashi said.
BPI MS Chief Governance Officer Katsuya Kobayashi, BPI MS President and CEO Noriyuki Kobayashi, BPI Consumer Banking Head Maria Cristina ‘Ginbee’ Go, BPI MS Chief Distribution Officer Yusuke Takamura, BPI MS Marketing Director Maya del Rosario
BPI Consumer Banking Head Ginbee Go likewise highlighted the growing role of freelancers in the Philippine economy and the need to build more inclusive systems that support this evolving segment of the workforce.
“The future of work is already here. It is more digital, more flexible, more independent, and more entrepreneurial. Our challenge is to make sure it is also more inclusive, more protected, and more humane,” Go said.
Recognizing the unique needs of freelancers and self-employed Filipinos, BPI MS and BPI introduced BPI Freelancer, a personal accident insurance product designed specifically for independent professionals. As more Filipinos pursue careers outside traditional employment, many do so without the benefits and safety nets typically provided by employers. BPI Freelancer was created to help address this gap through accessible protection that includes accidental death and permanent disability benefits, daily cash assistance during hospitalization, utility bills assistance, and motorcycle accident coverage. Through solutions such as BPI Freelancer, BPI MS aims to help independent professionals pursue opportunities with greater confidence while protecting the income, livelihood, and future they work hard to build. Freelancers may learn more about and conveniently purchase the product through freelancer.bpims.com or with assistance from any BPI branch nationwide.
Kobayashi noted that supporting the country’s growing freelance sector requires continued collaboration and a deeper understanding of its evolving needs. Beyond offering protection solutions, BPI MS hopes to strengthen its engagement with freelancers by creating opportunities for learning, listening, and meaningful dialogue that can help shape future initiatives for the community.
As freelancing continues to reshape the Philippine workforce, BPI MS remains committed to supporting independent professionals through initiatives that bring together financial education, wellness advocacy, community-building, and relevant protection solutions.
Through the Freelancer Wellness Summit and products such as BPI Freelancer, the company aims to help freelancers thrive—not only in their next project, but throughout every stage of their independent journey.
