The IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) is calling for immediate action to prepare the country’s workforce for the opportunities and challenges brought by artificial intelligence (AI). The organization stresses that while AI may disrupt industries, it can also enhance productivity, improve services, and create new job opportunities if properly harnessed.
The Philippines, the world’s second-largest IT-BPM hub, anticipates closing 2024 with $38 billion in revenue and 1.82 million employees in the sector. IBPAP’s recent survey reveals that 67% of its member companies are already using AI technologies, boosting efficiency and delivering higher-value services. However, the group warns that the benefits of AI adoption must extend beyond the IT-BPM sector to prevent widespread job losses in other industries.
“AI is not a distant challenge; it is a present reality reshaping industries and economies globally,” Jack Madrid, president and CEO of IBPAP, said in a statement. “The IT-BPM sector has shown that early adoption of AI can create opportunities. However, we must not stop there. The Philippines must act decisively to prepare the broader workforce, leveraging our leadership in IT-BPM as a blueprint for other industries.”
The association is pushing for government support in funding AI-focused upskilling programs and integrating AI-related skills into education. Collaborations with the Department of Education and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) have laid the groundwork for large-scale training in fields such as data analytics and cybersecurity. Additionally, IBPAP’s Philippine Skills Framework aims to upskill 1 million workers by 2028.
IBPAP urges the government, private companies, and academic institutions to work together to future-proof the workforce. With collective action, the Philippines can maintain its leadership in IT-BPM while driving inclusive economic growth.
“AI is not a distant challenge; it is a present reality reshaping industries and economies globally,” said Jack Madrid, president and CEO of IBPAP. “The IT-BPM sector has shown that early adoption of AI can create opportunities. However, we must not stop there. The Philippines must act decisively to prepare the broader workforce, leveraging our leadership in IT-BPM as a blueprint for other industries.”
IBPAP urges the government, private sector, and academia to collaborate in this critical effort. It oted that by taking bold and proactive steps, the Philippines can maintain its position as a global IT-BPM leader while fostering inclusive economic growth.