The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has called upon newly appointed Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara to prioritize equipping students with critical information and communications technology (ICT) skills amid rapid digital transformation.
“As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, it is paramount that our students are prepared to thrive in the digital workforce. The government must prioritize honing their technical skills and providing the tools needed to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape,” PCCI president Enunina V. Mangio said.
Mangio emphasized that Angara’s legislative background, which includes authorship of bills such as the Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act and the National Digital Transformation Act, uniquely positions him to drive meaningful change within DepEd.
The PCCI’s appeal follows the release of the 2023 Coursera Global Skills Report, which revealed alarming statistics regarding the Philippines’ digital skills proficiency.
The country ranked 99th among 100 nations in technology, business, and data science skills, with technology proficiency plummeting from 29 percent to 5 percent and data science proficiency falling from 21 percent to a mere 1 percent.
“This significant decline in our competitiveness is a serious concern that demands immediate attention,” Mangio said.
She expressed confidence in Angara’s ability to implement necessary reforms, urging him to build upon the educational initiatives of Vice President Sara Duterte, such as expanding internet access in schools and promoting inclusive education.