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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PBBM pushes AI, digital upskilling for 'jobs of the future'

PBBM pushes AI, digital upskilling for 'jobs of the future'

Published Aug 6, 2026 01:19 pm

At A Glance

  • President Marcos is pushing for expanded artificial intelligence (AI) and digital upskilling initiatives to prepare more Filipinos for the jobs of the future.
  • The government is also moving to strengthen cooperation with the private sector and academe to address the jobs-skills mismatch.
  • The President and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) also discussed the implementation of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry Roadmap and programs to expand employment, business, and skills development opportunities.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. convenes the fifth meeting of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Education and Jobs Sector Group at Malacañang on Aug. 5, 2026, to discuss initiatives on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital upskilling, workforce development, job creation, and the semiconductor and electronics industry. (PCO)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. convenes the fifth meeting of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Education and Jobs Sector Group at Malacañang on Aug. 5, 2026, to discuss initiatives on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital upskilling, workforce development, job creation, and the semiconductor and electronics industry. (PCO)
President Marcos is pushing for the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital upskilling initiatives as part of efforts to prepare more Filipinos for future jobs and strengthen the country's competitiveness in the modern economy.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the initiatives were among the key issues discussed during the President's fifth meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Education and Jobs Sector Group in Malacañan on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Aug. 6, Castro said the meeting focused on measures to improve education, workforce development, and job creation in the country.
She said the discussions emphasized the importance of expanding AI and digital upskilling to equip Filipino workers with the skills needed in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
“Iisa lang ang layunin ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. sa ganitong mga hakbang—ihanda ang mas maraming Pilipino sa mga trabahong kakailanganin sa hinaharap, palakasin ang kakayanan ng bansa sa inobasyon at pandaigdigang kompetisyon at lumikha ng mas marami at mas de-kalidad na oportunidad para sa bawat Pilipino (President Marcos Jr. has only one goal in pursuing these measures—to prepare more Filipinos for the jobs that will be needed in the future, strengthen the country's capacity for innovation and global competitiveness, and create more and better-quality opportunities for every Filipino),” Castro said.

Addressing jobs-skills mismatch

The meeting also tackled closer cooperation among the government, the private sector, and academe to address the jobs-skills mismatch and better align policies and programs with industry needs.
According to the PCO, stronger collaboration among the three sectors is intended to ensure that education and skills development initiatives respond to industry and the modern economy's requirements.
The administration said such coordination would help create more and better opportunities for Filipinos while developing a workforce equipped to meet changing labor-market demands.

Semiconductor industry roadmap

President Marcos and the PSAC also discussed the implementation of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry Roadmap as part of the government's broader workforce and economic development agenda.
The meeting likewise covered programs aimed at expanding opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and skills development among Filipinos.
The Palace said these initiatives are intended to strengthen the country's capacity for innovation and global competitiveness while creating more quality opportunities for Filipinos.

Related Tags

PSAC President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Claire Castro AI Semiconductors
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