Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has convened the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to discuss targeted interventions to safeguard workers' rights and create quality jobs, as tensions in the Middle East put pressure on fuel markets, supply chains, and employment.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a meeting at Malaca±an Palace in Manila, the PSAC proposed various strategies to mitigate the impact of global volatility on Filipino workers and enterprises. President Marcos expressed agreement with the private sector advisors on necessary actions to address the effects of the Middle East situation.
In a subsequent statement, the PSAC emphasized recommendations such as rapid job matching, workforce redeployment, and accelerated project execution to support displaced workers. The council advocated for expanded job fairs, quick hiring, and the resumption of infrastructure and school construction projects to absorb workforce disruptions.
To address potential displacement among overseas Filipino workers, the PSAC suggested streamlined redeployment processes, micro-credential training in key industries, and enhanced support for entrepreneurship and micro, small, and medium enterprises. Sabin Aboitiz, PSAC Lead Convener and Aboitiz Group president, highlighted the importance of investing in skills and supporting enterprises to maintain productivity and competitiveness amid global challenges.
The PSAC also recommended digital distribution of targeted subsidies and potential extension of tax incentives for export-oriented firms, considering the rising fuel prices affecting operating costs. It called for continued subsidies for public utility vehicle operations to ensure uninterrupted public transport services and emphasized the need for accelerated digital infrastructure rollout to facilitate remote work.
Another significant proposal from the PSAC is the introduction of AI Upskilling para sa Digital Asenso (AIUDA), a rapid re-skilling initiative aimed at transitioning workers into digital and remote roles swiftly. The program outlines tiered pathways for employment in areas like data annotation, virtual assistance, analytics, and online entrepreneurship, building on private sector-led efforts such as the Aboitiz Foundation's Elevate AIDA program.
Meanwhile, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for her perceived lack of awareness of government interventions addressing the Middle East tensions' impact on the Philippines. Castro emphasized that Duterte's criticisms do not contribute to resolving the crisis and called for a focus on constructive work rather than spreading negativity.
