Upskilling is becoming essential in the rapidly evolving global workforce. According to a recent World Economic Forum (WEF) report, an estimated 68% of Filipino workers will need to retrain or upskill to stay relevant in the job market. This statistic underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of technological advancements and shifting industry demands.
The Future of Jobs Report 2025
The WEF’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, released on January 8, highlights the critical need for upskilling in the Philippines. Based on a survey of C-suite executives across 1,043 global companies representing 14 million workers, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the labor market. It emphasizes the role of digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging trends reshaping industries.
Challenges and Opportunities
For many first-time job seekers in the Philippines, upskilling is key to standing out in the competitive job market and laying the foundation for career growth. Gelly Aquino, a 22-year-old student, uses her free time to explore online courses related to arts, graphics, and user interface/experience design. Her goal is to merge her passion for arts with technology and become a qualified educator with application and website design skills.
Similarly, Marlo Mancenido, a 25-year-old video engineer, took the initiative to learn about color grading. By acquiring new skills, he hopes to advance his career in the film and television production industry. Aquino and Mancenido’s stories illustrate the importance of upskilling for personal and professional development.
Employers and Policy Implications
The WEF report also highlights that businesses and organizations in the Philippines recognize upskilling as a strategic tool to remain competitive and resilient. About 67% of organizations surveyed cited skills gaps as a significant barrier to business transformation, a slightly higher figure than the global average of 63 percent.
Employers in the Philippines forecast that nearly 30% of workers will be upskilled in their current roles, aligning with the global average. Additionally, 27% of Filipino workers are expected to be redeployed to new roles due to reskilling, significantly higher than the global average of 19%.
Regarding public policy, 57% of local respondents agreed that flexibility in hiring and firing practices is crucial to addressing job demand. Funding for upskilling and reskilling and improvements to public education systems were also highlighted as top policy concerns.
Looking Ahead
The need for continuous learning cannot be overstated as the Philippines and the world grapple with an ever-changing labor landscape driven by technological progress. The WEF estimates a net increase of 78 million jobs by 2030, with 170 million new roles created and 92 million displaced.
Staying ahead of these changes requires proactive efforts from both workers and employers. By embracing continuous learning and upskilling, Filipino workers can secure their place in a dynamic job market and contribute to the resilience and competitiveness of the country’s economy.
