The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) will focus their discussions on education and the future of workforce at the upcoming 49th Philippine Business Conference & Expo (PBC&E), acknowledging the importance of these to economic progress.
“Our educational system should be able to keep up with the rapid advances in technology and innovation for us to create a future of skilled and technology-savvy workforce. We need to review and upgrade our competencies and skill sets to be able to compete with neighbors in the region,” PCCI President George Barcelon said.
Barcelon said the PBC&E will also discuss the policies that need to be crafted to provide safety nets to those affected by the upskilling and reskilling revolution.
Barcelon said PCCI believes in the value of education in improving corporate productivity and profitability, which will improve the economy.
Architect Felino Palafox J., 49th PBC chairman underscored the future of education as vital in building a nation with fair opportunity at work, alleviating poverty and enhancing communities.
“Education is a long-term investment for the growth and prosperity of the country. There is an unmistakable correlation between access to quality education and economic and social progress” he said.
Citing a
2019 survey of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization and the
United Nations Children’s Fund, PCCI said the Philippines is slipping behind its Southeast Asian neighbors in
reading, writing, and arithmetic.
The impact of school closures during the COVID-19 Pandemic has only
further exacerbated the country’s educational disparity.
The abrupt shift to online learning disrupted the accessibility of education across the regions. The biggest
obstacles stem from the inability to adapt to online learning owing to a lack of resources, as well as access
to digital equipment and internet connectivity, particularly in remote regions. Given this, institutions and
businesses must redesign, rethink, and invest in present and future workforce education and training.
PBC&E will be held at the Manila Hotel on October 25 and 26.
