The Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is strengthening its policy research capabilities and exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support evidence-based labour and employment recommendations amid changes in the world of work.
The department held a closed-door discussion on emerging labour and employment issues for inclusive human capital development last week, as part of the 24th Development Policy Research Month.
ILS Executive Director Jeanette T. Damo said research plays a central role in informing policy discussions, supporting government decision-making and improving outcomes for Filipino workers and their families.
PIDS President Philip Arnold P. Tuaño highlighted the importance of institutions that can strengthen workers’ capabilities and expand opportunities as the nature of work changes.
AI and the changing workforce
Alexis Antoniades, professor, director and chair of international economics at Georgetown University Qatar, addressed the impact of AI on the workforce during the discussion.
He said understanding AI’s impact on work requires looking beyond technology to its implications for workers and economic opportunities.
The discussion examined potential job displacement alongside the broader implications of integrating AI into government processes and services.
Participants also considered how workers interact with AI-enabled government services and how the technology could affect micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs).
Calls for AI training and safeguards
The roundtable also raised questions around the need to expand AI training opportunities for workers as organisations adopt the technology.
Participants discussed transparency and human accountability in AI-assisted processes, as well as the limitations of AI systems and the need for safeguards and appropriate governance mechanisms.
The discussions reflect growing policy attention on how governments and employers can manage AI adoption while protecting workers and supporting businesses through the transition.
DOLE said the initiative forms part of its efforts to strengthen labour and employment research and bridge research, policy and practice as the Philippine workforce adapts to a rapidly changing economy.
The roundtable was organised by DOLE’s Institute for Labor Studies (ILS), its policy research and advocacy arm, in partnership with the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).