ESSAY ACTIVITY 1
Submitted by: MARGARITO O. OCEÑA JR.
Batch: CCSS - SECURITAS DIGITALIS CL 2025-05
“WILL THE RISE OF AI-DRIVEN AUTOMATION IN THE PHILIPPINES
LEAD TO JOB DISPLACEMENT OR JOB CREATION?”
Artificial Intelligence is a rapidly growing field that has the capacity to
transform the way we interact with technology. Its systems are designed to
adapt from their environment and make decisions based on what they learn
which means that they can be used to automate processes, recognize
patterns, and even solve difficult problems.
As technology continues to evolve, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI)
is transforming how industries function—not just in first-world countries, but
also here in the Philippines. AI-driven automation is starting to touch various
parts of the economy, from call centers to agriculture. This brings up an
important question: Will this change lead to people losing their jobs, or will it
open doors for new types of work? The answer isn't so simple, but it's worth
exploring both sides of the argument to understand what the future might hold
for Filipino workers.
One of the first concerns many people have when talking about AI is
the risk of job loss. It's not hard to see why. Automation is designed to make
work more efficient, and in many cases, that means machines or software
taking over tasks that humans used to do. In industries like Business Process
Outsourcing (BPO), where thousands of Filipinos work in call centers, AI tools
like chatbots and automated phone systems are already being used to handle
basic customer inquiries. These tools can work 24/7 without breaks and don't
require salaries or benefits. For companies, that’s a big win. For workers,
especially those in entry-level jobs, it can feel like a threat.
But it's not just BPOs. Even jobs in transportation, retail, and
agriculture might be affected. Self-checkout machines in stores, AI-powered
delivery systems, and smart farming technologies are slowly starting to
appear. Over time, some of the more repetitive or predictable jobs might be
replaced by machines or software. This could hit hardest in places where job
options are already limited and where many families depend on stable, low-
skill employment.
On the other hand, it's important to recognize that technology doesn’t
just take away—it also creates. As AI tools become more common, there's
growing demand for people who can build, manage, and improve them. This
includes jobs like data analysts, programmers, cybersecurity experts, and
even AI ethics consultants. While these careers often require specialized
training, they also offer higher pay and better long-term prospects. If the
Philippines can invest in education and skill development, especially in
technology-related fields, we might see a shift where more Filipinos are
working in higher-skilled, better-paying roles.
Beyond just tech jobs, AI could also help people work more efficiently
in other fields. For example, a teacher might use AI to personalize lessons for
students, or a farmer might use it to monitor crops more accurately. These
tools don't replace the human worker—they just help them do their job better.
In some ways, this could make work more fulfilling and less stressful,
especially if people are trained to use AI as a helpful partner rather than
seeing it as a competitor.
Of course, none of this will happen automatically. It depends on the
decisions made by the government, schools, and businesses. The
government has a big role to play in making sure training programs are
available, especially for people who might lose their jobs because of
automation. Schools and universities should also adjust their curriculums to
prepare students for the types of jobs that are likely to grow in the future.
Companies, too, need to be responsible about how they adopt AI—looking for
ways to help their employees grow instead of just cutting costs.
In the end, the rise of AI in the Philippines can lead to either job
displacement or job creation—or both at the same time. It’s not a black-and-
white issue. The real question is whether the country is ready to handle the
change in a way that benefits the most people. If we make the right choices
now, AI could become a tool for national progress instead of a source of fear.
The Philippines
