Naga city: A total of 1,222 digital-related jobs are available to jobseekers at the first Trabahang Digital Job Fair in Naga City, which opened Thursday, according to a Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) 5 (Bicol) official.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cyryl Montales, head of DICT-5's Information, Strategic Communication and Creatives Unit, stated that 1,500 pre-registered jobseekers are seeking opportunities in digital and digitally-enabled roles such as software development, cybersecurity, digital marketing, multimedia design, customer service, accounting, marketing, and sales.
During the opening ceremony, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda highlighted the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the labor market, emphasizing the importance of creating more employment opportunities to counter potential job losses due to technological advancements. "When AI came, we were worried that others might lose their jobs. So, the President said, find a solution... not only did jobs increase, but revenue per headcount also increased," Aguda remarked.
Aguda noted that the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry currently employs about 2 million workers and is expected to add around 80,000 jobs in 2025 and another 80,000 by mid-2026. The broader aim is to generate more digital and digitally-enabled employment opportunities outside the BPO sector, including remote work accessible to individuals with internet access and proper training.
He further explained that the DICT initiative aims to help Filipinos build digital skills, secure employment, and advance their careers in the digital age. Virtual assistant training is one of the widely offered DICT programs designed to equip Filipinos with essential digital skills.
The Trabahang Digital Job Fair, a two-day event under the Trabahang Digital Initiative, aims to connect jobseekers, students, freelancers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), riders, and entrepreneurs with employers offering digital and digitally enabled jobs. The event also features learning sessions on MSME digital platforms, financial security and literacy, digital skills, Google Workspace, cybersecurity, and online work in the AI era.
Aguda also visited schools in Naga City to assess Wi-Fi connectivity, with plans to extend these visits to public markets. Given Naga City's status as a popular tourist destination and the significance of tourism to the local economy, DICT is committed to enhancing connectivity at tourism spots via Wi-Fi or fiber internet.
