Government, business and education leaders called for stronger investment in Filipino workers as artificial intelligence reshapes the country’s labor market.

The call was made during the 2026 Future of Work Forum held by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) on 6 August at Dusit Thani Manila. The forum focused on advancing workforce excellence in the era of AI.

ECCP treasurer and Human Capital Committee co-chair Albert Perez said preparing for the future of work requires cooperation among government, schools, businesses and international partners.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority deputy director general Galo B. Glino III said TESDA aims to equip one million Filipino workers with AI skills through micro-credentials, enterprise-based training and online learning.

TESDA has allocated P641 million to support 35,000 learners in AI and data skills training, while around 90,000 enrollments in AI-related online courses had been recorded as of July 2026.

Sherwin Pelayo, executive director of the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines, said 95 percent of Philippine organizations are already using AI, but only 12 percent are developing homegrown AI capabilities.

Meanwhile, International Labour Organization Country Director Khalid Hassan said 12.7 million jobs in the Philippines have potential exposure to AI, particularly in services, clerical and administrative work, finance, and IT-BPM.

He stressed that exposure does not necessarily mean job loss, but job transformation.

The forum also highlighted industry-led micro-credentials, flexible learning and stronger support for micro, small and medium enterprises and workers outside Metro Manila.

ECCP Human Capital Committee Co-Chair Eliseo “Jon” Zuñiga said technology will continue to evolve, but people’s ability to adapt, collaborate and invest in human capital will determine the country’s success.