Over the weekend, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan delivered a keynote speech on artificial intelligence (AI) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) commencement exercises. The event marked UPLB’s 51st year as an autonomous UP campus. It is important to note that UPLB has been a full university since 1972, no longer just the UP College of Agriculture.
AI has become a growing concern for today’s young graduates as they enter the labor market. There is a widespread fear that AI technology will lead to job loss for both the current and future workforce. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to explore the various AI tools available for download on your smart devices with the help of a tech expert. Personally, I have been experimenting with ChatGPT and it has not only assisted me in research but has even composed a few haikus to honor a retiring Japanese colleague. This leads us to the question of whether machine learning can replicate human creativity, threatening jobs that require ingenuity and minimal human involvement.
Should we be worried about a future where most humans are rendered insignificant and poverty becomes widespread? In the Philippines, business process outsourcing (BPO) has been a significant contributor to job creation and income generation, often serving as a viable option for many college graduates. However, AI is now reshaping this sector at a faster pace than anticipated, particularly with conversational AI tools like ChatGPT. This is evident from a message my tech-savvy son-in-law received from a friend in the customer support industry, who shared a significant reduction in their support team due to the implementation of an AI chatbot. While this change has resulted in faster response times and cost reduction, there is a pressing question: Will AI eliminate a significant number of BPO jobs in the Philippines? Will it make it harder for graduates to find employment?
Before we succumb to dystopian scenarios, it is crucial to remember that AI is merely a tool developed and guided by humans. Its purpose is to automate repetitive tasks, allowing space for more complex and creative roles that capitalize on human intellect and emotional intelligence. The jobs currently at risk of being replaced by AI are not those that fully utilize the unique capabilities and qualities of the Filipino workforce, including creativity, resourcefulness, and compassion. These qualities, coupled with an inherent resilience, will ensure that Filipinos can adapt and thrive in the face of evolving technology.
Instead of fearing AI, new graduates should view it as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation, striving to become a better version of themselves. New roles are emerging in AI ethics, data analysis, AI programming, AI management, and other fields indirectly linked to AI. It is crucial that we equip our workforce with the necessary skills through upskilling and reskilling programs to embrace these opportunities. While it is true that some roles will be affected and job loss may occur, history has shown that humanity has always managed to tap into new opportunities despite initial fears of societal collapse caused by disruptive technological changes. It is the Filipino resilience that will help us navigate the evolving landscape.
To ensure a smooth transition, it is imperative that the government, private sector, and academic institutions collaborate closely. Education programs need to incorporate digital literacy and AI-specific skills, companies should foster a culture of continuous learning, and the government must create the right regulatory environment. Together, we can navigate the shifting landscape brought by AI without sacrificing Filipino jobs.
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