The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said Wednesday it released the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11927, or the Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act, following a series of consultations with government agencies, private sector representatives and other stakeholders.
It said the IRR was approved on Oct. 23, 2023 by the nine members of the Inter-Agency Council (IAC) for the Development and Competitiveness of the Philippine Digital Workforce — a council established under Section 5 of the said Republic Act.
“The strategic and thorough execution of the Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act will be vital for equipping the workforce with digital technologies and skills and fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem in the country,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said Wednesday.
The IRR outlines the establishment of the IAC, chaired by the NEDA and composed of eight other agencies including the Departments of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Trade and Industry, Information and Communications Technology, Science and Technology, Interior and Local Government and Education as well as the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
The council will serve as the primary planning, coordinating and implementing body in promoting, developing, and enhancing the competitiveness of the Philippine digital workforce.
The DOLE will serve as the secretariat to the IAC.
NEDA said the new law tasked the IAC to formulate the National Roadmap on Digital Technology and Digital Skills, which will serve as a basis for implementing programs to upskill, re-skill and train the digital workforce.
The council will also establish a centralized online portal to harmonize the existing portals of member agencies that contain information on training and skills development programs, certification, and scholarship programs.
NEDA said these programs aim to address the gaps identified in digital technology and digital skills mapping, ensuring that all Filipinos have access to and are equipped with the skills and competencies needed to navigate digital content, platforms, digital innovations, entrepreneurship and technology to meet the ever-evolving demands of the global labor market.