DOLE prepares for impact of AI automation in workplaces

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has started preparing for the possible impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the future of the labor force in Central Visayas.

AI is a computer program that does tasks faster than human workers and might render many skills redundant and obsolete.

DOLE Regional Director Lilia Estillore urged everyone to prepare for the big impact it would bring about in workplaces and jobs.

“As employment facilitators, let us be predictive. Let us begin introducing AI and what it truly is in our career guidance program whereby high school and college students will be guided on what types of professions are vulnerable to automation and AI. By doing it, we are helping them arrive at informed career decisions,” Estillore said during a lecture held at the regional office recently.

Jalilo dela Torre, former DOLE labor attaché who gave a talk on AI, underscored the importance of establishing a set of guiding principles on the development and deployment of AI.

“The key is to make sure that the transition to an AI-driven job market will not be too disruptive for workers. This can be done by upskilling, retraining and a modified career guidance counseling for incoming workers and youths still in school,” said Dela Torre.

Quoting Emad Mostaque, founder and CEO of Stability AI, Dela Torre said, “In the short term, workers will not be replaced by AI, but workers with AI skills will replace workers without AI skills.”

DOLE-Region 7 said it will continue to collaborate with the academe, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other partner-agencies to help the members of the labor force in the age of AI.

“I would like to enjoin everyone to make use of their heart at work. When things are done from the heart, it is very difficult for the AI to duplicate it. It is something that AI cannot do,” Estillore said, noting the need for the workforce to develop soft skills which cannot be automated such as problem-solving, empathy and creativity, to name a few.