The Department of Labor and Employment highlights AI's potential to enhance workforce skills, elevate industries, and drive economic growth in the Philippines.
The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has expressed optimism about the role of artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing that it should be viewed as a strategic opportunity rather than a threat. Speaking at the HR&WorkTech Summit 2026 held in Quezon City, DOLE’s Monitoring and Evaluation Division chief, Hannah Gale Perea, stated that AI enables domestic industries to climb the global value chain by shifting toward higher-value services including AI system oversight, complex analytics, and advanced technical support.
Perea referenced a report from the World Economic Forum noting that AI and big data literacy are among the fastest-growing skills needed by 2030. She also highlighted that analytical thinking will be the most vital workplace skill by 2025. DOLE underscored that the impact of AI on jobs depends on how its integration is managed—whether it leads to displacement or workforce transformation.
“By augmenting human capabilities instead of merely replacing them, AI can boost productivity, raise wage potential, and improve working conditions,” said Perea.
The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that in 2025, the digital economy’s gross value added reached ₱2.74 trillion, equivalent to 9.8% of the country’s GDP. The sector employed over 10 million people, comprising 21.2% of the total workforce, underscoring the significant role of digital technologies in the nation’s economy.
DOLE’s positive stance reflects the government’s commitment to responsibly harness AI’s benefits for the Philippine labor market, with implications for upskilling the workforce and enhancing economic development.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1006063/dole-says-ai-not-a-threat-but-strategic-opportunity/story/
