By Veronica Uy
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is calling on businesses in the Philippines to prepare for the future of work, with a focus on job creation in the green, digital, and care sectors. This message was delivered by Sangheon Lee, Director of the ILO’s Employment Policy, Job Creation and Livelihoods Department, at the 45th National Conference of Employers (NCE) held on 25-26 June 2024.
The conference, led by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), brought together employers and business leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological advancements and a changing global landscape.
ILO’s Lee emphasized the importance of leveraging megatrends for job creation and sustainability. He highlighted the potential of the green transition, including improving energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy, and electrifying transportation, which could create millions of new jobs globally.
Additionally, Lee pointed to the significant job growth potential in digitalization and the care economy.
While acknowledging the potential for job displacement through automation, Lee stressed that technology is more likely to augment jobs than eliminate them entirely. He urged employers to embrace technology and invest in upskilling and reskilling their workforce to ensure a smooth transition.
Lee also cautioned against leaving people behind during this transformation. He called for inclusive policies that prioritize job quality and support vulnerable groups, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and young people.
The conference echoed Lee’s call for continuous learning and collaboration. Rosemarie Rafael of the Women’s Business Council Philippines emphasized the need for lifelong learning and upskilling programs, especially for young people entering the workforce.
ECOP, the conference organizer, reiterated the importance of collaboration between businesses, workers, and governments. They stressed the need for a joint effort to promote decent work, invest in lifelong learning, and ensure a smooth transition to a technology-driven future.