A recent report from the Washington-based International Monetary Fund estimates that 36 percent of jobs in the Philippines are “highly exposed” to artificial intelligence, which can either replace human workers or complement tasks to boost the efficiency of employees.
More than half of those jobs highly impacted by AI are rated as “highly complementary” where AI can augment rather than take over the tasks performed by the worker. However, that means 14 percent of the total workforce in the country are at risk of being replaced by AI.
The IMF warned that the business process outsourcing sector might experience shifts amid recent advances in such a technology. IT specifically noted the proliferation of AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants that now handle more customer service tasks.
It estimated that roles such as technicians, services and sales, and clerical support have large exposures to AI. At the same time, those positions may also see the highest risk of job displacement due to the low potential for AI to just provide support to – and not replace – the workers in those occupations.
On the flip side, there are a lot of opportunities for AI to augment the tasks of managers, professionals, and machine operators. Workers in craft and trades, skilled agriculture, and elementary occupations were the least impacted by AI.
The IMF also said that AI exposure varies by gender in the Philippines, estimating that approximately half of all jobs held by women were highly exposed to the disruptions, compared to a quarter of the men.
Given the Philippines’ service-based economy, the IMF said the government would need to invest in digital infrastructure and education to ensure that the gains from AI “are widely shared.” It also urged local authorities to “strengthen the social safety net” for workers that will be replaced by AI.
It also hopes that joint efforts between the private sector and government agencies to modernize education curriculums, along with greater training for teachers at all levels and use of digitalization, will improve education outcomes.
The IMF said that AI will have a potential impact on the global labor market, citing many studies predicting the likelihood that jobs will be replaced by it, but in many cases will likely complement human work.
Whether we like it or not, artificial intelligence has become a part of life and work. The countries that accept the challenge by bolstering safety nets for vulnerable sectors, while upgrading education and training so future workers can coexist with advances in technology, will be the ones to benefit the most while mitigating any negative impacts that are expected. The degree at which we protect those that could be replaced, while training those whose jobs can benefit from AI is going to be key in ensuring that our workforce and AI can work well together.*
