QUEZON CITY – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS), in partnership with the Philippine Institute for Development Studies – Socioeconomic Research Portal for the Philippines (PIDS–SERP-P), organized a public webinar on April 30 on how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping jobs, skills, and public sector readiness.

The online event, “AI and the Future of Work: Implications for Skills, Jobs, and Public Sector Readiness,” brought together global and local experts to discuss the opportunities and risks posed by AI for the labor market and governance.

On a global perspective, Professor Alexis Antoniades of Georgetown University in Qatar presented his perspectives on “AI, Skills, and the Future of (No) Work”, drawing from global datasets—including 1.5 billion online job vacancies and trends in AI-related investments. The presentation will explore how AI is reshaping labor markets worldwide and the broader implications for inequality, youth employment, and the future of work.

The webinar also highlighted Philippine-focused researches. A study by PIDS researchers led by Senior Research Fellow Francis Mark Quimba, Supervising Research Specialist Christopher Ed Caboverde, and former Research Analyst Alliah Mae Salazar assessed the readiness of local government units (LGUs) to adopt AI technologies. The study, “How Ready Are LGUs for AI Adoption?” noted that most LGUs face constraints in digital infrastructure, technical capacity, and investments in ICT and human capital.

Meanwhile, the ILS study “Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Labor Market” by DOLE-ILS Senior Labor and Employment Officer Chelsea Nicole P. Pineda examined how AI adoption is reshaping jobs, skills, and work arrangements across key sectors. The study highlights that while AI can enhance productivity and generate demand for new occupations, it also poses risks such as job displacement and skills mismatches—underscoring the need for coordinated policies on workforce development, reskilling, and responsible AI governance.

Attended by more than 1,000 Zoom participants and more then 500 Facebook Live viewers, the webinar provided a platform for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue on how the Philippines can harness the potential of AI while managing its risks to ensure inclusive and future-ready development.

The replay of the webinar can be accessed through https://bit.ly/pidslive043026.

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