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Also, the matters contained in the following were written in accordance with the law, rules, and jurisprudence prevailing at the time of writing and posting, and do not include any future developments on the subject matter under discussion.
AT A GLANCE:
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst towards digital transformation. During the height of the pandemic, the different digital platforms enabled the workforce group to safely and conveniently work in the comforts of their homes without being exposed to the health crisis.
On July 30, 2022, Republic Act No. 11927, also known as “The Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act” lapsed into law. The law recognizes the transformation in the world of work due to the rapid acceleration of digitalization and advances in technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation across a range of industries and sectors.
The law aims to enhance the skills and competitiveness of the Philippines in the human workforce, and digital technology and innovations. Furthermore, it shall ensure that all Filipino workers have access to and are provided with digital skills and competencies that are at par with global standards. It shall also encourage digital innovations and entrepreneurship.
The law calls for the establishment of an Inter-Agency Council which shall be the primary planning, coordinating, and implementing body in the promotion, development, enhancement, and competitiveness of the Philippine digital workforce. The said Council shall consult and collaborate with all stakeholders in the government, industry and labor sector in the development and implementation of a national roadmap on upskilling, re-skilling, and training of Filipino workforce to address the skills gaps, particularly in digital technology and digital entrepreneurship.
The Inter-Agency Council shall be chaired by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and shall be composed of the following government agencies as members: the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Science and Technology (DECS), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The Role of LGUs: All LGUs shall create local policies supporting and promoting the growth and development of digital technology, digital careers, and innovations in their respective communities, which may include providing incentives for technological innovations for agri-fishing industries and hospital care or public health services.
E-Readiness of LGUs: The DICT, The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and other relevant government agencies shall ensure universal access to high-speed, quality, and affordable internet by prioritizing and facilitating the development of Informations and Communications Technologies infrastructure.
Public-Private Partnership in Trainings and Skills Development: The Inter-Agency Council is hereby authorized to enter into public-private partnerships with experts, information technology-business process outsourcing industry associations, private companies and other stakeholders in the formulation and implementation training, skills development, and certification programs.
Digital Workforce Week: The third week of June shall be designated as Digital Workforce Week to coincide with the National Information and Communications Technology Month, to promote awareness on evolving jobs and skills requirements in digital technology and innovations, government assistance, training and certifications, and digital career and business opportunities.
Support Ecosystem: The DICT and the National Library of the Philippines shall promote the role of libraries in improving digital inclusion and transform these libraries as providers of digital access, trainings, including certifications, and support for the development and enhancement of digital skills and competencies of workers and future members of the workforce.
The DTI, in coordination with relevant government agencies and in partnership with the private sector, shall establish co-working or shared service facilities to support the development and enhancement of digital skills and competencies of workers and future members of the workforce.
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11927, July 30, 2022
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Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices specializes in business law and labor law consulting. For inquiries regarding legal services, you may reach us at info@alburolaw.com, or dial us at (02)7745-4391/ 0917-5772207/ 09778050020.
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