The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) on Artificial Intelligence for Digital Novice MSMEs on May 21-23, 2025 to enhance the capacity of NWPC and Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) in designing and delivering AI-integrated training programs that cater to the needs of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The activity, conducted under the United Nations Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive, and Responsible Digital Philippines (Digital PINAS), aims to develop a pool of well-equipped trainers from NWPC and RTWPBs who can teach MSMEs in using AI applications to boost enterprise productivity.

In her opening remarks, NWPC Executive Director Maria Criselda R. Sy underscored the importance of applying the learnings from the training to further improve the work of NWPC and RTWPBs for the benefit of enterprise owners and workers.

“We know the good and the bad side of technology. It is important for us to have discernment how we will use this to improve the way we deliver our functions. Let us embrace technology for the benefit of our work. Together, we can explore how to champion AI (Artificial Intelligence) for MSMEs,” she said.

Ms. Katherine Brimon, ILO program officer for the Joint Programme Digital PINAS, emphasized the role of trainers as a “pep squad,” encouraging enterprise owners and workers by showing that neither age nor level of education is a barrier to learning and using technology.

“When we ease the fears of enterprise owners and workers about AI, we empower them to take that step forward — and that’s when real progress begins. That’s why the joint program was created—to promote and champion the use of technology among MSMEs,” Ms. Brimon said.

Ms. Brimon said the program seeks to provide digital tools and training to at least 15,000 small businesses in underserved communities in the Philippines.

ILO Enterprise Development Specialist Hideki Kagohashi served as the resource person for the three-day training. He was joined by Robert Rodelas, Maybelle Frianeza, and Monica Sanchez. The training covered AI services on mobile apps, understanding customers and markets, improving marketing funnel performance for microenterprises, addressing risks and mitigation measures for MSMEs, and related topics.

Officials and staff from NWPC, RTWPBs of NCR, III, and CALABARZON participated in the training and committed to implement projects in relation to the insights and lessons that they learned from the program.