At the 4th meeting of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Education and Jobs Sector Group in Malacañang on April 8, officials endorsed a package of measures aimed at protecting employment, sustaining business activity, and preparing the workforce for longer-term shifts in the global economy.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the discussions reflected strong alignment between the government and industry.
Rapid job matching, redeployment
Central to the plan is the rapid absorption of workers who may be displaced by global volatility.
PSAC proposed expanding nationwide job fairs and accelerating hiring across both public and private sectors. It also called for the immediate restart of infrastructure and school construction projects to create employment opportunities.
For overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who may be affected by disruptions abroad, the group recommended faster redeployment processes, targeted skills training, and expanded support for entrepreneurship and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“Our focus is twofold: immediate job preservation and long-term workforce transformation,” said Sabin Aboitiz, PSAC lead convener and CEO of Aboitiz Group, in a statement. “By investing in skills and supporting enterprises, we can ensure Filipinos remain productive despite global headwinds.”
Cost pressures and mobility support
With rising fuel prices expected to drive up operating costs, PSAC also recommended targeted subsidies delivered through digital platforms, as well as the possible extension of tax incentives for export-oriented firms.
To support workers who rely on public transportation, the council proposed financial assistance for public utility vehicle operators to keep jeepneys and buses running.
It also underscored the need to accelerate digital infrastructure rollout to enable remote work and reduce dependence on physical mobility, particularly during periods of economic disruption.
AI upskilling as a safety net
A key pillar of the strategy is “AIUDA” (AI Upskilling para sa Digital Asenso), a rapid reskilling initiative designed to transition workers into digital and remote roles within weeks.
The program outlines tiered training pathways—from basic AI-assisted tasks to more advanced digital work—covering areas such as data annotation, virtual assistance, analytics, and online entrepreneurship.
The initiative builds on private sector efforts like the Aboitiz Foundation’s Elevate AIDA program, which equips Filipino women with AI-related skills and connects them to digital job opportunities.
PSAC also proposed reforms to make learning systems more flexible, including faster release of subsidies and regulatory adjustments that would allow training institutions to adapt quickly to shifting labor demands.
Taken together, the recommendations reflect what officials described as a “whole-of-nation” approach—combining public policy, private sector action, and digital transformation—to cushion immediate shocks while strengthening long-term workforce resilience. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
