This article on the tech revolution in the Philippines examines aspects of the post-pandemic era, examining how organizations respond towards the impact of automation and technology on job availability. It also examines decisions by policymakers and business leaders on aspects of cybersecurity management and data and privacy protection.   

Impact of Automation and Technology on Job Availability   

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) in the Philippines brought by unprecedented technological progress such 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT), applied artificial intelligence (AI), distributed infrastructure (cloud computing), and automation will cause significant disruption in big and small companies from all industries and markets, but it will also lead to an impressive GDP growth.   

“To support those at higher risk of job displacement, we must look at new approaches to strengthen inclusion and social protection in the context of 4IR, to ensure that no one is left behind in the new economy,” said Country Director Kelly Bird of Asian Development Bank (ADB).  

For the next ten years, the government’s National ICT Ecosystem Framework will focus on talent and skills, accessibility, platforms, infrastructure, and standards and regulations. These five interdependent pillars of digital transformation can unlock $101.3 billion in the Philippines by 2030.   

There is considerable progress in the implementation of 4IR preparedness in many Filipino companies with the Information Technology-Business Processing Outsourcing IT-BPO sector and the electronics industry leading the way into adopting Industry 4.0 technologies into their operations.   

“As Industry 4.0 technologies spread rapidly, extensive investments in digital skills will improve the chances of the young and old to access higher-quality jobs and lower the risk of job losses,” said ADB Principal Education Specialist Shanti Jagannathan. “Now is the time to rethink delivery of skills using virtual platforms and mobile technologies, and to develop agile training institutions with courses and credentials that match market needs.”  

Cybersecurity Management and Data and Privacy Protection  

The Philippines is one of the only three ASEAN countries with data protection laws and with an established data privacy authority regulator alongside Malaysia and Singapore. The primary goals of the National Cybersecurity Plan 2022 are as follows:   

• assuring the continuous operation of our nation’s critical infostructures, public and military networks   
• implementing cyber resiliency measures to enhance our ability to respond to threats before, during and after attacks  
• effective coordination with law enforcement agencies  
• a cybersecurity educated society 

   

In 2021, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) are pushing for amendments to Republic Act No. 10173, known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA), to further strengthen the current law amid the digital transformation in the country. These two government offices are actively working with Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) in developing the ASEAN Framework on Digital Data Governance. Approval for a $700 million cybersecurity budget is also underway.  

“In the last five years, the NPC has laid down data privacy in the Philippines with a clear roadmap. In our drive to become a data privacy resilient country, we have adopted a responsive regulatory approach characterized by raising awareness, strict compliance, and enforcing the law. To do this, we find a need to amend the current DPA to keep up with the changing times including the adoption of international data protection standards on security techniques among organizations,” said Privacy Commissioner Raymund Enriquez Liboro.  

Also, there is an increase in online identity theft and data breach due to the country’s rapid movement towards online mobile payments, growing internet penetration rate, and extensive BPO data collection service offerings. This is why the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) encouraged financial institutions to use “zero trust” cybersecurity systems to mitigate cyberattacks in digital transactions amid the pandemic. The adoption of cloud computing platforms and services by BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs) adds complexity and challenges in ensuring data security, integrity, and privacy.  

Deputy Privacy Commissioner Atty. John Henry D. Naga also said that proper management of identity information is crucial in protecting privacy. “Managing and processing personal data is a run-of-the-mill task for most organizations both in public and private sectors. Part of NPC’s function is to issue recommendations for security measures to fortify personal data protection, including the most appropriate standard recognized by the global information and communications technology industry”, Naga explained.   

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