The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) – Jobs and Education Sector met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to propose recommendations aimed at preparing the Filipino workforce for future challenges, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and educational reforms.
A key proposal from PSAC is the National AI Upskilling Roadmap, an initiative designed to equip Filipinos with the necessary skills for an AI-powered world.
PSAC called for its immediate implementation, with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Analytics & AI Association of the Philippines (AAP) suggested as co-leads.
“Our goal is simple—create real opportunities for Filipinos to thrive in a fast-changing world. Through stronger collaboration between the private sector and government, we can turn our shared vision into action,” said Sabin Aboitiz, PSAC strategic lead convenor and Aboitiz Group president and chief executive.
The roadmap aims for inclusive access, offering everything from basic digital literacy for the general public to advanced AI training for professionals.
It is intended to be a core component of the National AI Strategy, developed and led by the Department of Science and Technology, and will also be integrated into the Education Commission 2 (EDCOM 2)’s National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan).
PSAC recommended that the President issue an executive order to establish a Cabinet Cluster for Education, comprising the Department of Education (DepEd), CHED, and TESDA.
This cluster would ensure close coordination among education agencies in implementing EDCOM 2’s reform recommendations, particularly the NatPlan, aligning with a concurrent resolution jointly passed by the Senate and House of Representatives on June 11, 2025.
To bolster the country’s growing industrial sectors, PSAC advocated for a “One-Stop Shop”. The initiative would involve the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other relevant agencies working together to address regulatory hurdles and enhance the ease of doing business in high-potential industries such as semiconductors, electronics, and smart manufacturing.
The council also provided updates on the enhanced work immersion mini-pilot program for DepEd and Private Sector Jobs and Skills Corporation (PCORP) Senior High School (SHS) students. Following a successful mini-pilot with a 96% completion rate, a full pilot is set to launch in the 2025-2026 school year.
PSAC cited ongoing initiatives, including the SM J.O.B.S. (Job Opportunities Building Skills) program, a partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). This program has facilitated immediate employment opportunities, reaching over 32,000 job seekers and resulting in nearly 5,000 on-the-spot hires at 48 simultaneous job fairs nationwide on Labor Day and Independence Day.
“The AI tsunami is no longer coming — it is already here,” said Fred Ayala, PSAC Education and Jobs Committee co-lead.
“And in a country where millions risk being left behind by automation, misinformation, and digital exclusion, the National AI Upskilling Roadmap is an urgent necessity,” he said.
“This is about empowering every Filipino, regardless of age or background, with the skills and confidence to survive, thrive, and lead in an AI-driven world. We cannot afford to wait. The time to act, with the leadership of the government and the active participation of the private sector, is now,” Ayala said.
