Philippines’ Private Sector Advisory Council Proposes National AI Task Force to Drive Future-Ready Workforce
Manila, The Gulf Observer: The Philippines’ Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) has recommended the establishment of a National AI Implementation Task Force to accelerate the country’s readiness for the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence (AI), aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of equipping Filipinos with future-ready skills.
The proposal was presented during the fifth joint meeting of the PSAC’s Education and Jobs Sector and Digital Infrastructure Sector at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday. The discussions focused on translating the Philippines’ National AI Strategy into practical initiatives that will enhance education, strengthen workforce upskilling, create quality employment opportunities, and boost the country’s global competitiveness.
PSAC Strategic Convenor and Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer Sabin Aboitiz emphasized that while the Philippines already has a National AI Strategy in place, the priority now is ensuring its effective implementation.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer a technology of the future—it is already transforming how people work, learn, and do business today. Our priority is to ensure every Filipino benefits from AI by creating better jobs, developing new skills, and strengthening industries that will support long-term economic growth,” Aboitiz said.
According to the proposal, the National AI Implementation Task Force would serve as a central coordinating body to address the fragmented implementation of AI initiatives. It would bring together government agencies, private sector leaders, academic institutions, and other stakeholders under a whole-of-nation approach.
The proposed body would focus on three key areas: education and workforce development, technology and research, and policy and governance, with the aim of accelerating AI adoption while promoting responsible innovation and generating high-quality employment.
In support of AI education, PSAC also proposed the release of PHP650 million from the Higher Education Development Fund to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) beginning next year. The funding would support AI upskilling programs in colleges and universities, helping prepare students and professionals for the rapidly evolving digital economy.
The meeting also reviewed progress on the country’s semiconductor and electronics industry roadmap, digital skills development initiatives, and strategies to strengthen collaboration among government, industry, and academic institutions to address the persistent jobs-skills mismatch.
According to the Presidential Palace, these initiatives form part of the Marcos administration’s broader agenda to prepare more Filipinos for emerging industries, enhance the nation’s innovation capacity, improve global competitiveness, and create more quality employment opportunities.
Established by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in 2022, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) comprises leading business executives and industry experts who provide policy recommendations to support the administration’s economic development priorities.
