MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang acknowledged that while artificial intelligence (AI) poses risks of job displacement, the evolving technology could simultaneously open doors to new and potentially higher-paying employment opportunities for Filipinos.
The statement from the Palace on Friday followed the release of the latest Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) labor survey, which recorded a slight increase in the country’s unemployment rate.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro attributed part of the job market strain to a skills mismatch affecting young graduates.
Emphasizing the need for continuous learning, Castro noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is actively pushing for nationwide upskilling and reskilling initiatives to help the workforce adapt to the digital age.
“Hindi tayo maaari na manatiling kapos sa kaalaman. Kaya nga lagi pino-promote ang Pangulo na dapat tayo matuto kasi AI-era na tayo,” Castro said.
While noting that specific jobs may be vulnerable to automation, she expressed optimism about the long-term outlook for workers who upgrade their expertise.
“So may mga pagkakataon, hindi ko masasabi kung anong trabaho ang maaaring mawala, pero maaaring mag-open ito sa iba nating mga kababayan ng trabaho at trabahong mas maaaring malaki pa ang income. So, ang lahat ng tao ay dapat magpursige, mas magdagdag pa tayo ng kaalaman para mas makaagapay tayo sa bilis ng panahon,” she added.
To further bolster employment, the executive branch is rolling out targeted economic measures, including the introduction of the Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Industry Roadmap and the establishment of 46 special economic zones to support business growth.
Additionally, Castro shared that the administration is collaborating closely with Congress to ensure the swift passage of the 2027 national budget, aiming to accelerate government spending and stimulate localized job creation.