AI and the Future of Work: Implications for Skills, Jobs, and Public Sector Readiness

Introduction and Opening Remarks00:00:02

The webinar opens with an introduction by moderator Marvin Kabangunai and opening remarks by Dr. Philip Arnold Tuano from PIDS, highlighting the dual challenge of AI as both a driver of productivity and a source of labor displacement and inequality.

AI Skills and the Future of Work: A Global Perspective00:15:16

Professor Alexis Antonades discusses how AI is accelerating labor market shifts, emphasizing the transition from degree-based to skill-based hiring, the convergence of different occupations, and the critical need for continuous reskilling to avoid obsolescence.

Local Government Readiness for AI Adoption00:50:02

Dr. Francis Mark Kimba presents a PIDS study assessing the readiness of Philippine Local Government Units (LGUs). The findings indicate a low-to-moderate state of readiness, largely due to significant gaps in digital infrastructure, limited technical human capital, and the lack of dedicated ICT budgets.

Impact of AI on the Philippine Labor Market01:18:00

Chelsea Nicole Pineda details findings from a survey of Philippine employers and employees. While AI adoption improves productivity and job performance, workers expressed concerns regarding job security, workload increases due to accuracy verification, and data privacy.

Open Forum and Q&A01:44:39

The speakers address questions from the audience, focusing on the shrinking middle class due to AI, the transformation of education systems, and the need for soft skills—such as critical thinking and clear communication—as technical barriers to entry are lowered.