The Digital Nomad Association Philippines is actively fostering a vibrant community for remote workers in the country. While their official website is under development, DNA PH maintains an active presence on social media platforms, regularly sharing updates, news, and events relevant to digital nomads.
DNA PH Goes To Taiwan
On June 7, 2025, the Taiwan Digital Nomad Association (TDNA) hosted Nomad Day at the Fubon National Conference Center in Taipei, bringing together remote work advocates, founders, and global changemakers from across Asia. Representing the Philippines, Orly T. Darnayla—founder of the Digital Nomad Association Philippines (DNA PH) and Baybayin Hub—delivered a compelling keynote on how the Philippines is building an inclusive digital nomad ecosystem using a hyperlocal approach.
In his talk, Orly shared the humble beginnings of DNA PH, which started during the height of the pandemic when his small hostel faced closure. With creativity and determination, he transformed the space into a coworking and coliving hub for stranded travelers, sparking what would become a nationwide movement. From that point, the mission evolved beyond business—into education, empowerment, and policy advocacy.
Highlighted within the event are the challenges of scaling digital innovation in a country of over 7,600 islands and 118 million people, many of whom lacked access to digital tools or even basic computer skills. His team focused on training locals in underserved provinces, respecting cultural differences, and partnering with small-town governments to pilot grassroots digital hubs. Central to the strategy was the concept of “local heroes”—community members who championed the mission on the ground after DNA PH moved on to other areas.
The talk also celebrated recent milestones, including the Philippine government’s rollout of the Digital Nomad Visa under Executive Order No. 86, a major policy win for the movement. Orly emphasized that true progress comes from collaboration, adaptability, and listening to the needs of the community. With no external funding and only a seven-person team, DNA PH has proven that purpose-driven work, when rooted in local context, can reshape a nation’s place in the global remote work landscape.
Orly’s presentation resonated with the audience at Nomad Day, reinforcing the idea that digital nomadism isn’t just about travel or tech—it’s a powerful tool for social and economic inclusion. The Philippines, through DNA PH’s efforts, is now seen as a rising model in Asia for building digital-ready communities from the ground up.