Commentary urges Philippines to put jobs at the centre of ASEAN's AI agenda

A commentary published by Mindanao Times argues that the Philippines should use its hosting of the ASEAN Summit and related business meetings in November 2026 to push a regional agenda focused on employment and inclusion as artificial intelligence reshapes economies.

The writer argues that the bigger risk is not mass unemployment but the gradual erosion of entry-level jobs in customer support, administration, data processing and similar work that young Filipinos have traditionally used to gain experience. Citing a February 2026 International Labour Organization (ILO) brief, the piece notes that about 12.7 million Philippine jobs, more than a quarter of total employment, are exposed to generative AI, though only 3.6% fall in the highest-exposure category linked to elevated displacement risk. The same study found that women face twice the exposure rate of men.

On the IT-BPM industry, the commentary cites a November 2025 World Bank case study in which many surveyed workers and businesses viewed AI more as a coworker or coach than a competitor. The writer argues the sector should move towards higher-value services such as specialised technical support, cybersecurity, health-related services and AI-assisted business solutions.

The piece also raises concerns about uneven gains. It points to ILO estimates that around two in five jobs in the National Capital Region are exposed to generative AI, and argues that provincial cities and less-developed regions must not be shut out of new opportunities through gaps in connectivity, education and investment. It calls for affordable childcare, safer transport and secure flexible work to support women's participation.

Drawing on recent Asian Development Bank and World Bank research, the writer argues that adopting practical AI tools in sectors such as agribusiness and tourism may offer faster productivity gains than building advanced AI systems.

The commentary welcomes the conclusion of negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, confirmed by senior economic officials after a May 27–29 meeting in Manila, but argues that digital integration should be judged by whether it expands jobs and mobility. It suggests regional cooperation on qualifications recognition, common AI skills standards, support for small businesses and protection for affected workers, ahead of the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit on November 14–15, 2026.