Philippines advances future-ready workforce agenda at APEC HRDWG

The Philippines has strengthened its regional workforce agenda through discussions on future-ready skills, lifelong learning and inclusive employment at the 51st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Human Resources Development Working Group (HRDWG) in Nanjing, China.

The week-long meeting brought together APEC member economies to exchange policies and practices on preparing workers and institutions for changes driven by artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, demographic shifts and the transition towards greener economies.

Representing Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, the Philippine delegation was led by DOLE Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres. It included representatives from the Employees’ Compensation Commission, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns, Professional Regulation Commission, Bureau of Local Employment and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The delegation highlighted the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen future-ready skills, quality employment, lifelong learning, employment facilitation and inclusive workforce development.

The country’s participation was anchored on the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2023–2028 and Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan 2025–2034.

These frameworks focus on improving employability, addressing skills mismatches, strengthening employment services, supporting young people’s transition into work and preparing workers for technological and environmental changes.

Discussions at the HRDWG examined how APEC economies can keep human resources development aligned with changing labour-market requirements. AI and digitalisation featured alongside demographic change and the shift towards greener economies as key factors reshaping workforce needs.

The Philippine delegation also took part in discussions under the HRDWG’s Capacity Building Network and Labor and Social Protection Network. These sessions covered skills development, vocational training, labour-market transformation, employment services and social protection.

Through the HRDWG, APEC economies reaffirmed the role of practical cooperation, knowledge exchange and capacity building in preparing workers for emerging economic and technological opportunities.

The Philippines said it would continue contributing to regional cooperation aimed at placing workers and people at the centre of economic transformation, with a focus on ensuring that investments in skills and human capital lead to productive, decent and sustainable employment.