MANILA – The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) on Wednesday urged the government to provide incentives and subsidies for businesses that adopt advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and that upskill their workforce.
ECOP said incentives for training programs would help businesses equip their workers with relevant skills to adapt to new technologies.
This call is part of ECOP’s Conference Resolutions passed during the 45th National Conference of Employers (NCE) at The Manila Hotel on Wednesday.
ECOP said technologies such as AI and machine learning (ML) are reshaping workplace processes that need extensive reskilling of workers.
“(G)overnment must provide incentives and subsidies for businesses that adopt advanced technologies and sustainability mechanisms, providing training programs for their workers to acquire relevant skills,” ECOP said in its document.
It added that these technological advancements, combined with challenges like climate change and geopolitical shifts, require a coordinated effort to support both businesses and employees.
Moreover, ECOP outlined other key resolutions during the 45th NCE.
ECOP also called on the government, academe, and educational institutions to focus on developing essential life, technological, and soft skills, particularly for the youth and underserved sectors. This educational push is critical for preparing the workforce for future job demands, it said.
To address technological, climate, and geopolitical disruptions, ECOP is pushing for national resilience programs, social protection mechanisms, and transition strategies designed to support workers and employers during periods of significant change.
ECOP, likewise, emphasized the importance of bipartism, tripartism, and social dialogue in tackling workplace issues.
It said collaboration among employers, employees, and government stakeholders is crucial for job generation, fair compensation, and long-term enterprise sustainability.
Furthermore, ECOP stressed the need for the government to adhere to tripartism principles when appointing members to tripartite bodies. Ensuring all stakeholders have a voice in decisionmaking processes is vital for a balanced and fair labor market, it said.
Meanwhile, ECOP reaffirmed its commitment to work with all social partners to implement these resolutions. (PNA)
