Council seeks reskilling, upskilling of city’s manpower

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has requested the Department of Manpower Development and Placement to include in their training programs the “reskilling” and “upskilling” of the city’s manpower to meet the work demands of a technology-driven future.

The council also requested and strongly encouraged DMDP to forge partnership with the private sector through joint ventures since the latter has both the resources and expertise to help the city carry out its goal of ensuring full employment opportunities for all.

Councilor Alvin Dizon sponsored a resolution regarding the matter which was approved by the City Council.

Dizon said the COVID-19 pandemic has radically shifted businesses to go online or automation/digitization in order to cushion the economic impacts of the global health crisis.

He said while digitization would mean job displacement, it could also mean job creation in the Philippines, especially for Cebu City which is a primary economic hub.

“To prepare for this scenario, it is important for the government to prepare our workers for the future of work which is technology-driven in order to help equip our constituents with the needed skills and thus provide them better chances for decent and gainful employment,” said Dizon.

According to Southeast Asia McKinsey & Co., a global consultancy firm, over 19 million Filipino workers are feared to be displaced if the government is not quick enough to reskill and upskill them for new technologies in the digital world. —JMD (FREEMAN)