Forum on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work in the Philippines

The Critical Futures Program of the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies convened a timely and forward-looking forum titled Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work in the Philippines held on June 23, 2025 at the UPCIDS Conference Hall. The event brought together key stakeholders from the academe, government, business, and civil society to examine how AI is transforming the Philippine labor landscape.

The forum was opened by University of the Philippines President Angelo Jimenez, while Dr. William Emmanuel Yu, Chief Technology Officer of Novare Technologies, served as a reactor.

Dr. Emmanuel C. Lallana, Professorial Fellow and Convenor of the Critical Futures Program, discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world of work both globally and in the Philippines. AI offers benefits such as personalized services and solutions to complex problems, but as a General-Purpose Technology (GPT), it can also lead to job losses and lower wages while boosting productivity and innovation.

In the Philippines, the BPO industry is highly at risk from AI, with many tasks more likely to be replaced than improved, threatening a key sector that contributes greatly to the economy. Gig and freelance workers, known as the “precariat,” face a similar mix of pros and cons—AI-powered platforms give them more flexible work opportunities, but also expose them to falling pay, little to no social protection, and tougher competition from workers worldwide.

The report emphasizes that while AI offers big economic opportunities, the country must invest in education, skills training, and strong policies to prevent inequality and make sure the benefits are shared by all.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Rosalie Arcala Hall, Executive Director of UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies.