AI seen to unlock $79.3-billion productive capacity in Philippines, says DTI exec

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is seen to unlock billions of dollars worth of productive capacity in the Philippines, an official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Friday.

Citing a study, Trade Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) Rafaelita Aldaba said, citing a study, that generative AI —artificial intelligence capable of generating text, photos, videos, codes, data, among others— "can unlock $79.3 billion in productive capacity in the Philippines."

Aldaba said 54% of the potential economy-wide gains would come from manufacturing and wholesale and retail trade.

Moreover, she said that 54% of Philippine workers will potentially use generative AI between 5% to 20% of their regular work activities.

“Generative AI will change the focus within jobs, rather than replace them entirely,” the DTI official said, noting that the private sector as well as the government are working on reskilling and up-skilling the country’s workforce to better adapt to AI.

In particular, a study by London-based public policy consultancy Access Partnership said that generative Al could unleash nearly $75 billion of production capacity in the country, which is equivalent to one-fifth of the Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022.

Access Partnership said that policymakers will need to ensure that there is a clear national vision for Al and that it focuses on preparing its workforce and establishing an enabling policy environment for Al adoption.

The consultancy firm, in its study, said that the country’s local workforce use of generative Al could vary according to the nature of work for specific occupations.

“Almost every worker could use generative Al to some degree - although the level of adoption by businesses will vary in the short term. Importantly, more than half (56%) of the workforce could incorporate generative Al in 5-20% of their work activities.

It is estimated that only 1% of the Philippines workforce would see generative Al used for more than 20% of their work,” Access Partnership said. —NB, GMA Integrated News