Upskilling, ease of doing business remain businessmen’s top concerns

MANILA, Philippines — Upskilling the workforce in light of technological developments and improving the ease of doing business are important concerns for businesses that need to be addressed, according to the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP).

“We’re very concerned about job generation and the future of the Filipino workforce. Why? Because we have no choice. The world is changing so fast,” MAP president Rene Almendras told reporters on the sidelines of the business group’s general membership meeting yesterday, citing new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).

“If we do not upskill the Filipino workforce, if we do not provide appropriate training, even at the basic education level, then they’re not going to be able to find good, productive jobs in the future,” he said.

A survey conducted by MAP and PwC Philippines released in September showed that 71 percent of CEOs believe generative AI (Gen AI) will bring significant changes to the way companies create, deliver and capture values.

Despite this, only 39 percent of respondents have adopted the use of Gen AI.

Almendras said initiatives to improve ease of doing business will also need to be pursued.

He said a survey conducted last year showed that ease of doing business was the second top concern of MAP members next to corruption.

“I am very happy to note that in this year’s survey, the ease of doing business has slid down to number six instead of number two. I’d like to take this as an indication that there has been an improvement in the ease of doing business,” he said.

Almendras is hopeful that the next leadership of MAP will continue the initiatives that were started this year.

Beyond a workforce that is equipped with the necessary skills to adapt to new technologies, he said that an environment conducive for investments is also important in improving the country’s competitiveness.

“Most important to business is consistency and regularity of policy. I am hoping that that will continue to be and will be emphasized as we go through these politically challenging times. We need to show the world that we are still consistent and we still have the regular business as usual situation,” he said.

Almendras pointed out that the sentiment of local and international business is interconnected.

“If there is a group of people that need to have a positive sentiment about our country, it should be us, because the foreigners are looking at us and look at us before they make investments here,” he said.