The Philippines stands at a pivotal moment in its economic development, where the strategic adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) could bring transformative benefits. A study by Access Partnership forecasts that Philippine businesses could reap PHP 2.8 trillion (USD 50.7 billion) in economic benefits by 2030 through the adoption of AI-powered products and solutions.
The Multi-Faceted Approach to Realize AI's Potential
Realizing the economic benefits of AI requires a comprehensive approach that includes:
- Promoting innovative yet responsible AI adoption across industries.
- Fostering a supportive regulatory environment.
- Investing in AI infrastructure.
- Upskilling the workforce.
These elements are critical in building a robust AI ecosystem that can drive productivity and economic growth.
Google’s Commitment to an AI-Ready Economy
As part of its ongoing commitment to building a Digital Philippines and fostering an AI-ready economy, Google has announced the availability of the Google AI Essentials course on Coursera. This initiative aims to equip Filipinos with essential AI skills, thereby enhancing productivity and unlocking human potential.
Google AI Essentials: Empowering Filipinos with AI Skills
The Google AI Essentials course is a self-paced online program taught by AI experts at Google. It is designed for individuals across various roles and industries, requiring no previous AI experience. In less than 10 hours, learners will gain hands-on experience with AI tools to enhance their daily work tasks. The course covers:
- Developing ideas and content: Using AI to brainstorm and generate ideas, then turning those ideas into presentation outlines.
- Making more informed decisions: Using AI to research locations and organize information to make the best choices.
- Speeding up daily work tasks: Using AI to draft email responses and quickly clear inboxes.
- Writing effective prompts: Creating clear and specific prompts and learning techniques to get desired outputs.
- Using AI responsibly to mitigate unfair biases and inaccuracies.
Upon completion, participants receive a Google-issued skill badge, showcasing their AI proficiency to potential employers and colleagues.
Collaborating with Local Partners for Nationwide Impact
To extend Google AI Essentials scholarship opportunities to Filipinos nationwide, Google has partnered with key stakeholders, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Trade and Industry. These partnerships ensure that scholarships reach Filipino youth, job seekers, MSMEs, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and others who can benefit most from developing essential AI skills.
"Google's AI Essentials launch is a key step forward in digital inclusion and innovation. By broadening access to AI education, this initiative is set to transform our economy and equip a skilled workforce ready to capitalize on digital opportunities. We commend Google for their leadership in this effort and look forward to the significant impact it will have on our nation's economic growth and workforce development," said Alfredo Pascual, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.
"Google is deeply committed to the Philippines and its digital transformation towards an AI-ready future. We believe that AI has the power to unlock immense economic potential and drive innovation across industries. Through initiatives like Google AI Essentials, we aim to empower Filipinos with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the AI age. We're excited to continue our partnership with the government, businesses, and communities to build a more inclusive and progressive digital future for the Philippines," said Jackie Wang, Country Director of Google Philippines and Thailand.
Investing in Digital Infrastructure
In addition to its skilling programs, Google has made substantial investments in digital infrastructure. Earlier this year, the company confirmed the TPU (Taiwan-Philippines-United States) subsea cable system, announced in May 2023 in collaboration with regional carriers Chunghwa Telecom, Innove (a subsidiary of Globe Group), and AT&T, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Subsea cables are crucial in addressing the increasing demand for digital, AI, and cloud-based services, contributing to positive economic impacts by boosting trade, investment, and productivity.
The adoption of AI presents a transformative opportunity for the Philippines to address its economic challenges by boosting productivity and unlocking human potential. Through a multi-faceted approach that includes responsible AI adoption, supportive regulations, infrastructure investment, and workforce upskilling, the Philippines can harness the power of AI to drive economic growth and innovation. Initiatives like Google AI Essentials are pivotal in this journey, empowering Filipinos with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven future.