MANILA – The Philippine government has announced plans to create 1 million digital jobs by 2028, an initiative expected to generate PHP24 billion to support public services and infrastructure projects.
According to Philippines News Agency, who shared the goal in a Facebook post on Saturday, this effort follows discussions with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) at Malacañang, where they reviewed the Digital Infrastructure Work Plans. "With PSAC, we're aligning training programs with market demands, preparing our workforce, and opening doors to digital innovation and economic growth in the country," Marcos stated.
PSAC revealed on Sunday that during their meeting, President Marcos ordered a strategic focus on this job creation target. He also emphasized the role of the Inter-Agency Council for Development and Competitiveness of the Philippine Digital Workforce, which is pivotal in spearheading public-private partnerships for skill development and training tailored to the digital economy. This council operates under the mandate of the recently enacted "Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act."
A key project discussed was the "10,000 Digital Civil Servants" initiative, starting with foundational training for about 40 participants in Singapore, who will subsequently lead a broader training program in the Philippines to enhance the government's digital service capabilities.
The meeting also addressed expanding internet coverage to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) to help close the digital divide. Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla introduced a program focused on securing submarine cables and transmission lines critical for uninterrupted digital connectivity.
Additionally, PSAC committed to developing a comprehensive proposal for nationwide digital connectivity to support the infrastructure needed for these expansions. "With these government-endorsed initiatives, we are set to transform the Philippine digital infrastructure, ensuring competitiveness in the global digital economy and fostering digital inclusivity for all Filipinos," said PSAC Digital Infrastructure Sector Lead and UnionDigital President and CEO Henry Aguda.
The PSAC, created by Marcos in July 2022, comprises leaders and experts from six key sectors, including agriculture, digital infrastructure, jobs, healthcare, infrastructure development, and tourism, providing guidance on achieving the country’s economic goals.