
Filipino virtual assistants are in high demand, with both small and big companies abroad attesting that the Philippines is the top place to look for qualified talent. But why is it so? And is hiring a VA who’s on the other side of the world truly worth it? Let’s find out.
1. Filipino VAs Have Strong English Proficiency
The Philippines has a long history of American influence, not to mention that its education system uses English in its textbooks. So, it’s unsurprising that its citizens are skilled English communicators. In fact, a Social Weather Station survey in 2023 found that:
- 80% can understand spoken English
- 80% can read in English
- 69% can write in English
- 55% can speak in English
- 47% can think in English
This goes to show that the language barrier becomes inconsequential when you work together with a Filipino VA. You’ll also be able to hand off tasks more easily and get feedback more smoothly.
2. Filipino VAs Have Outsourcing and Remote Work Experience
According to reports, 1.8 million are employed in the BPO sector, while 1.5 million Filipinos have freelancing gigs to supplement their income. This extensive working experience with foreign clients means you’re gaining a team member who’s already familiar with global business standards, workflows, and expectations.
Their ability to work long-term with foreign clients also shows they’re tech-savvy. They can swiftly adjust to new tools, software, and systems, helping you maintain efficiency and productivity without the need for extensive training.
3. Filipino VAs Are Exceptionally Adept and Capable
Filipinos are inherently resilient; naturally, that means they can thrive, adapt, and be resourceful wherever life puts them.
Such characteristics are useful to have in a workplace setting. Should your team encounter an unexpected situation, your Filipino VA will show initiative, improvise, and resolve problems before you can even ask for it.
Another thing is that they’re keen on upskilling. If you give them the proper training and support, they can assume larger roles or responsibilities within the team, allowing you to free up time, reduce your workload, and focus on other important business areas.
4. Filipino VAs Deliver Quality Results
Filipinos are known for being hardworking, dedicated, and loyal to their employers. The evidence is readily apparent in the excellent work they deliver, often going the extra mile to meet deadlines and exceed expectations.
So, you won’t lose at all by hiring a Filipino VA. Their strong work ethic and proactive attitude ensure they’ll get any job you want done 110% well.
5. Filipino VAs Fit Well Into Your Team
Growing up consuming Western media enables Filipinos to understand and be familiar with Western culture. From this perspective, they can establish rapport with your in-house team quickly.
Their strong sense of community and support, an inherent Filipino value, also plays a role here. They’ll ensure that they integrate seamlessly with the team dynamics so everyone can work better together, and minimal friction happens between team members.
6. Filipino VAs’ Salaries Are 70%–80% Lower than Local Counterparts
Hiring Filipino VAs is more cost-effective than hiring locally. You can acquire top talent with the same skill level and experience as an American, British, or Australian VA at competitive rates, cutting labour and operational costs by at least 70%.
Here’s a salary comparison to give you an idea:
Data Source: Salary Expert
*Figures converted to USD using the exchange rate on September 1, 2025
To learn about the salaries of other outsourcing roles in the Philippines, download our free salary guide.
7. Filipino VAs Respect Authority and Hierarchy
The Philippines is a hierarchical society, and so Filipinos have a high regard for people in authority. Being their employer, your VA will treat you with respect and follow your instructions.
However, this doesn’t equate to blind obedience or unquestioning respect. They will speak up, ask questions, or push back if they find something off, unfair, or misaligned with their views or responsibilities.
So, take care not to abuse this trait. You must reciprocate the respect they show you, like any decent person should.
Challenges of Hiring a Filipino VA and Ways to Overcome Them
Virtual assistants from the Philippines are indeed in great demand, but hiring them presents its own set of challenges. Let’s take a look at these and the ways you can resolve them.
1. Finding the Qualified, Trustworthy VA
There’s now an influx of VA candidates, making it difficult for you to identify the one who has the right skills and work ethic.
You don’t want to waste resources only to discover a huge discrepancy between what the candidate promised and what they delivered.
How to Address This
- Use verified and trusted hiring platforms to search for Filipino VA candidates. If you’re outsourcing, Logix BPO is a good company to partner with. If you’re considering a freelancer, consider sites like Upwork.
- Conduct interviews and skills assessment. Prepare questions and tests that enable you to understand the depth of the candidate’s qualifications.
- Check their references. Verifying their credentials can be challenging in remote work settings, but you can work around this by:
- Checking the client testimonials on their Upwork or LinkedIn profiles.
- Requiring them to provide a list of former colleagues in leadership roles whom you can contact for a reference.
2. Time Zone Differences Affect Real-Time Collaboration
The time difference is a cause for concern if you’re looking to collaborate in real time. The lag can slow down communication, which in turn disrupts the project’s execution.
How to Address This
- Clearly state your time zone requirements in your job post. The Filipino VAs who apply are those who are willing to work at your preferred time.
- Consider overlapping working hours. Sometimes, circumstances don’t allow you to work in the same time zone. But by making sure that you’re both online at the agreed time frame, you’re able to discuss important matters without delaying the project.
3. Natural Disasters Affect Power and Internet Connectivity
On average, the Philippines experiences 20 storms and typhoons and 100–150 earthquakes. So, power outages and internet disruptions are to be expected, which can impact the VA’s ability to work.
This won’t be much of an issue if the VA is from a BPO company like Logix, since it has a business continuity plan in place.
How to Address This
- Ask the Filipino VA if they have backup internet or power options available, such as using a nearby co-working space. If none, they must give you a heads-up so you can plan/prepare things on your end.
- Agree on a contingency plan. This is especially important if you two are working in real-time. One thing you can consider is to work asynchronously for the time being until the power and internet are good on their end.
4. Concerns Over Data Security and Confidentiality
It can’t be erased that remote work does pose risks to information management, especially when sensitive business information is shared over the internet.
How to Address This
- Hire only the most trustworthy Filipino VA. It should be someone who aligns with your values and shows an exceptional work ethic.
- Have them sign NDAs. Filipinos generally want to avoid lawsuits, as these can lead to financial burden and add a stain on their reputation.
- Use password managers and encryption tools. You may have to share your passwords, so using tools like these will add security to your accounts across different platforms.
5. Lack of Management Oversight
It’s hard to know what’s getting done when you’re not in the same office, more so if you don’t implement a streamlined delegation and communication process.
How to Address This
- Set clear KPIs. Let them know specifically what results they need to achieve by project end or for a given period.
- Make use of time-tracking or task tools. This is useful if you plan to hire a full-time remote VA employee, allowing you to keep track of their productivity.
- Schedule regular check-ins. Set a time during the day (or within the week) to catch up with them, asking what tasks they’re doing and have completed.
Elevate Your Operations with Logix BPO’s Top Filipino VAs
The growing demand for Filipino virtual assistants shows how skilled, reliable, and cost-effective they are and how well they work with diverse cultures. They’re becoming an essential part of helping businesses succeed in the digital age, especially now that more and more of them are turning to remote work and outsourcing.
If you’re looking for top-tier Filipino VAs, Logix BPO can help you connect with candidates who excel in various VA tasks. We aim for you to experience unparalleled support and efficiency, enabling you to remain competitive in the market.
FAQs
What tasks can a Filipino VA do for me?
A Filipino VA can help you with various tasks, including providing admin support, scheduling management, CRM management, and data entry.
Are there any factors that I need to consider before hiring a Filipino VA?
Yes. Consider the following:
- Project and productivity tools to use
- Nature of work they’ll do
- Whether onboarding training is needed, and if so, the person who’ll train them
- Whether they’ll be facing clients or other stakeholders
How can I effectively manage my team of Filipino VAs?
Understand first their culture that shapes their work ethics so you can cultivate a strong, respectful relationship with them. You must also show transparency, acknowledge their contributions, and ensure consistent communication with them.