Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 11927 (Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act)

State Policy and Basic Principles
- Enhance skills and competitiveness of Philippine workforce in digital technology and innovations (Section 2)
- Provide access to digital skills and competencies at par with global standards (Section 2)
- Encourage digital innovations and entrepreneurship (Section 2)
- Undertake upskilling, reskilling and training of workforce on digital technology (Section 2)

Definition of Terms
- Defines key terms like 21st century skills, certification, co-working facilities, digital workforce, digital labor platforms, digital content, digital entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, digital skills, digital technology, and innovation (Section 3)

Development Objectives and Strategies
- Improve digital competence and equip citizens with digital skills (Section 4a)
- Equip Filipinos with digital skills and 21st century skills (Section 4b)
- Provide adequate protection and support for continuous skill improvement (Section 4c)
- Provide co-working facilities and loan facilities with concessional terms (Section 4d)
- Ensure digital inclusion for sectors like PWDs, indigenous peoples, senior citizens, and geographically-isolated areas (Section 4e)
- Ensure collaboration with stakeholders in crafting policies and programs (Section 4f)

Inter-Agency Council for Development and Competitiveness of Philippine Digital Workforce
- Establishes the Inter-Agency Council chaired by NEDA with member agencies (Section 5)
- The Council is the primary planning, coordinating and implementing body for promoting and enhancing the Philippine digital workforce (Section 5)
- The Council shall consult and collaborate with stakeholders in developing a national roadmap for upskilling, reskilling and training (Section 5)

Powers and Functions of the Inter-Agency Council
- Promote development and competitiveness of Philippine digital workforce (Section 6a)
- Conduct digital technology and digital skills mapping nationwide (Section 6b)
- Formulate digital technology and digital skills roadmap for evolving jobs and skills (Section 6c)
- Design and implement upskilling, reskilling and training programs (Section 6d)
- Encourage technological innovations for agri-fishery and public health (Section 6e)
- Promote digitization of start-ups and MSMEs, provide technical assistance and loans (Section 6f)
- Provide incentives like scholarships, subsidies, credit assistance, and priority access to DTI support (Section 6g)
- Establish a centralized web portal for training, skills development, certification, and scholarships (Section 6h)
- Create committees, working groups and regional inter-agency councils (Section 6i)
- Establish an Inter-Agency Council Secretariat (Section 6j)
- Conduct consultations, assessment, planning and re-planning exercises (Section 6k)

Role of Local Government Units (LGUs)
- LGUs shall create local policies supporting growth and development of digital technology, careers and innovations (Section 7)
- Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) shall develop webpages for job vacancies, digital application help desks, facilitate access to crowdwork platforms, create digital skills registry, and conduct virtual job fairs (Section 8)
- National government shall prioritize construction of digital infrastructure and ensure universal access to internet (Section 9)

Public-Private Partnership in Training and Skills Development
- The Inter-Agency Council is authorized to enter into public-private partnerships for training, skills development, and certification programs in various areas like web development, online teaching, animation, content creation, digital marketing, mobile app development, virtual assistance, and others (Section 10)

Developmental Programs
- The third week of June shall be designated as the Digital Workforce Week to promote awareness (Section 11)

Support Ecosystem
- DICT and National Library shall promote role of libraries in improving digital inclusion and providing digital access, trainings and support (Section 12)
- DTI shall establish co-working or shared service facilities in coordination with agencies and private sector (Section 13)

General Provisions
- Implementing rules and regulations to be promulgated within 6 months (Section 14)
- Annual report to Congress on implementation status (Section 15)
- Appropriations to be included in General Appropriations Act (Section 16)
- Repealing clause for inconsistent laws (Section 17)
- Separability clause (Section 18)
- Effectivity 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or newspapers (Section 19)