Surge Freelancing Marketplace

Surge Marketplace is a Philippine-based virtual assistant (VA) training and freelancing platform founded in 2016 by Julmar Grace and Jay Locsin—originally called Filipino Virtual Assistance (FVA)—and now registered as FVA Business Consultancy Corporatio. Based in Davao City, this tech social empowerment enterprise strives to enhance quality of life, commerce, and sustainability through freelancing.Surge positions itself as the Philippines’ first “one-stop freelancing marketplace,” offering a seamless ecosystem for training, services, and job referrals. Its core mission—“A better world, better people through freelancing”—reflects its vision of global freelancing leadership and its values—Family, Relevance, Equality, Excellence, Delight, Optimism, Meaning (FREE DOM).Surge provides over 40 comprehensive courses and programs, both online and in-person—such as the flagship Masterclass Virtual Assistant (MVA) certification, administrative VA training, digital marketing (social media, SEO, Facebook Ads, TikTok), Google Ads, transcription, bookkeeping with QuickBooks or Xero, AI tools, Go High Level, and VA agency startup coaching.In September 2024, Surge launched its first training center in Metro Manila (QC South), offering free workshops during its inauguration week—including sessions on Facebook Ads, freelancing meet-and-greets, and hands-on training from industry professionals—all part of its “Training to Hiring” program that has helped over 100,000 graduates land clients worldwide.

Learners generally view Surge’s training programs positively:“The course provided a comprehensive curriculum … hands-on approach … gained the confident to be a professional VA.” “Surge MVA Virtual Assistant training has taught me everything I need to succeed—from essential administrative tasks to digital marketing, automation, and client management.” However, some users expressed concerns, particularly about apprenticeship programs:“I paid for the 2-week training and 2-week apprenticeship program… sobrang sayang… Non-refundable daw apprenticeship.” “Okay naman Surge Courses nila. Pero pag Apprenticeship hanap ka na lang clients on your own…”