FIVE million Filipino workers are facing the possibility of losing their jobs this year due to the threat of artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change.
The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) said there is a high risk of worker displacement because of the introduction of AI in workplaces.
“The workforce in the Philippines is at risk of being replaced by AI,” the FFW said in a press briefing yesterday.
The labor group noted how the service sector, business process outsourcing industry, and the manufacturing sector face potential job losses due to AI.
On the other hand, the FFW said super typhoons and heat stress may lead to further job losses much like in 2024.
“It is almost certain that super typhoons will hit the country again and result in the same job losses… Add to it the employment risks posed by heat stress,” said the FFW.
The group said multiple typhoons, including the three super typhoons in the last quarter of 2024, have greatly affected the agricultural sector alone.
Based on the November 2024 Labor Force Survey, there are an estimated 49.54 million employed individuals in the country.
On the other hand, around 1.66 million individuals are estimated to be unemployed as of November 2024.