QUEZON CITY — The NWPC conducted the 2024 National Productivity Conference (NPC) with the theme “Harnessing Technologies. Mainstreaming Productivity. Building the Future.” in Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City on 14 October 2024.

The conference gathered experts and industry practitioners who emphasized the crucial role of digital technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in enhancing the productivity, capacities and competitiveness of enterprises for progress and development.

In her welcome remarks, NWPC Executive Director Maria Criselda R. Sy highlighted the need to unlock AI’s potential for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as they require practical solutions to leverage the evolving digital landscape.

“There is significant potential for growth and further optimization of digital technology. However, we need more advocacies […] in our local industries. Our conference today seeks to contribute to this advocacy. I sincerely hope that the insights we gain will spark greater interest and democratize the use of AI and other innovative tools,” NWPC Executive Director Sy said.

“I encourage everyone to embrace technological innovation, not just as a trend, but as a practical tool to enhance productivity,” she added.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary and NWPC Chairperson Bienvenido E. Laguesma, in his keynote message, emphasized that AI will be beneficial if accompanied by competent human resources, with adequate knowledge in using technology in ethical and accountable manner.

“MSMEs persist because resilience, adaptability, creativity, innovation and the ability to continuously learn as they go are their inherent characteristics. This conference will help unlock the potential of MSMEs in the use of technology and artificial intelligence,” Secretary Laguesma said.

He also highlighted DOLE’s implementation of its Information Technology and Digitalization Plan which was approved by the Department of Information and Communications Technology. He mentioned that DOLE is redesigning its processes and service delivery systems to facilitate the integration of human functions with technology. This includes operationalizing online portals for submitting the annual establishment report on wages, registering unions, applying for alien employment permits, and facilitating job matching through PhilJobNet.

Five-part framework

The conference was divided into five segments: Approach, Awareness, Adoption, Application, and Action, each addressing different aspects of AI and technology.

Dr. Sebastian Ibañez, Deputy Chief AI and Data Officer of the Department of Trade and Industry Center for AI Research, and Dr. Eugene Rex Jalao, Professor of Industrial Engineering at the University of the Philippines, presented on the AI Roadmap and Infrastructure during the “Approach” session.

Ms. Mary Rose Ofianga, Program Manager at the Wadhwani Foundation, discussed the AI digital divide in the “Awareness” session.

Atty. Yves Gonzales, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google Philippines, and Mr. Jude Michael Teves, Senior Data Science Officer at the Asian Development Bank, addressed how AI adoption can transform MSMEs into game-changers during the “Adoption” session.

Mr. Gian Paulo Dela Rama, Chief Product Officer and Head at Sprout Solutions, presented AI’s role in human resources in the “Application” session.

Three enterprise leaders—Ms. Alma Rias (Go21 Logistics), Ms. Euri Villegas-Arce (Zaphira Digital Advertising Corporation), and Mr. Lord Wally Noveno (Beppo Inc.)—shared their positive experiences of AI in their business processes during the “Action” session. An open forum followed the presentations.

Real-world impact

Deputy Executive Director (DED) Pia Charmane O. De Jesus acknowledged concerns about AI job displacement but emphasized its potential for creating new roles.

“There will be job losses, but definitely new jobs will emerge. The demand in the market for jobs has been evolving and the skills are evolving, which makes it crucial for everyone to upskill and reskill. There is more value placed on lifelong learning and soft skills,” DED De Jesus said.

DED De Jesus also emphasized the need for inclusivity in AI development, ensuring that vulnerable sectors, including women, are involved as both beneficiaries and active participants.

In closing, Assistant Secretary Lennard Constantine C. Serrano reiterated Secretary Laguesma’s statement that integrating digital technologies into existing processes will positively impact organizations.

“By restructuring and upgrading the capabilities of our MSMEs, we can empower them and unlock new opportunities to drive sustainable economic growth,” Assistant Secretary Serrano said.

The NWPC also launched the 2025 Productivity Olympics as a strategy to raise national awareness and commitment to quality and productivity and to showcase successful productivity improvement programs and practices.

The NPC is one of the advocacy strategies and platforms of NWPC and RTWPBs to discuss trends and developments that affect the country’s productivity and competitiveness.