MANILA – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is focusing on enhancing the digital skills of the Philippine workforce through strategic initiatives such as “imbedded digital training and development across the workforce”.
This is confirmed by DTI Secretary Fred Pascual during the Labor and Trade Partnership Session with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) last April 26, 2024.
According to Secretary Pascual, digital capabilities play a crucial role in elevating the Philippine workforce, as discussed during the session, and by implementing the DOLE-DTI initiative on Enterprise Development and Livelihood Assistance, established through a memorandum of agreement signed last May 8, 2023.
"We are steering our workforce towards high-value tasks that enable them to climb the ladder of value creation," Pascual stated, outlining collaborative priorities with DOLE.
"This is especially crucial in the field of digital technology, which does not require extensive machinery but focuses on intellectual and creative skills," he added
According to DTI, the session explored “strategic initiatives to embed digital training and development across the workforce, aiming to create at least 45 million green and high-quality jobs through the Trabaho Para Sa Bayan Act.”
Pascual also mentioned DTI’s initiative to transform Negosyo Centers into digital learning hubs with the aim of providing Filipinos with the skills needed to thrive in the global market.
"By advancing the digital skills of Filipino workers, we are not only enhancing their capabilities but also ensuring they contribute significantly to our nation's economic growth," said the DTI chief.
Pascual also stressed the importance of “adapting to technological advancements and leveraging digital platforms” to create more innovative and sustainable employment opportunities.
The session was attended by key officials of DTI, headed by Secretary Pascual, DTI Undersectary for Interntional Trade Policy Group Allan Gepty, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, and with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO), represented by ILO Country Director Khalid Hassan.
