Manila – Institute for Labor Studies Executive Director Ahmma Charisma Lobrin-Satumba was invited by DOLE Region XI to attend the 5th Regional Career Advocacy Congress (RCAC) last September 20, in NCCC Mall, Buhangin, Davao City.
The event which was spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment Region XI Office, carried the theme, “PH 4.0 Preparing the Digital Ready Workforce.” The said congress aimed to provide a venue for members of the Network Guidance of Counselors and various stakeholders in gathering and sharing insights on how to mold the minds of the youth and support them towards a successful entry towards the realm of work.
During the session, Executive Director Lobrin-Satumba discussed the Future of Work in the Philippine context through various scenarios and its possible implications. She cited technology, climate change, and demographics as the major drivers of change. As the country moves toward the 4th Industrial Revolution, Exec. Dir. Satumba said that, “Automation will impact and take away some jobs, but new jobs will be created. In effect, some of our current jobs will also be enhanced.”
Her presentation likewise provided scenarios where robots and other automated processes have slowly taken over manual labor in the agriculture, manufacturing, service industries. She was also quick to note that although technologies automate tasks, its feasibility does not automatically equate to economic viability.
She also mentioned ILO's framework that outlined several ways forward for the country to address these challenges such as increasing the country’s investment in people’s capabilities, continued investment in the institutions of work, and greater support in decent and sustainable work. These could be achieved through awareness, training, and cultivating life-long learning.
RCAC is a product of DOLE Region XI’s Career Guidance Advocacy Program which is geared towards addressing unemployment and underemployment issues through dissemination, in line with the labor market trends in the region.