JOINT PRESS RELEASE
8 August 2024

NEDA, PCC, USAID: Women key to more jobs, fairness, and security in growing AI industry

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) teamed up to host a learning session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for stakeholders and policymakers to highlight the importance of ensuring that women can take part in the growing opportunities resulting from rapid technological advancements.

Supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the session titled, ‘Inclusive Innovation: Navigating the Intersection of Technology, Gender, and Responsibility,’ provided an open dialogue among experts, policymakers, and stakeholders. It aimed to inform policy development so that Filipino citizens and businesses can take full advantage of emerging technology in safe and productive ways.

The advent of AI revealed a talent crisis in the data collection and labeling industry which AI tech is dependent on. According to social entrepreneur Gina Romero, AI presents a new economic pathway for women that can help close the digital gender divide. Based on a 2023 World Bank analysis, only 47 percent of working-age women are employed. In contrast, 73 percent of males aged 15 years and above are economically active.

Romero is the Founder of Connected Women AI, a high-growth services company providing AI and digital task outsourcing solutions to the global digital industry powered by a local pool of upskilled Filipino women in marginalized communities. She called for increasing investments and institutionalizing mechanisms to ease women’s access to reskilling and upskilling opportunities so that they can take part in the digital economy.

“Gender disparity in technology fields is not just a loss of economic opportunity but poses significant risks to society,” added Romero. “Women’s full and equal participation in technology and AI is key to creating a safe and equitable digital landscape.” Aside from job creation and workforce development implications of AI, women’s participation is also essential in mitigating bias, promoting transparency, and ensuring privacy or data protection in the tech industry.

“Through these sessions, I have learned more and more how we can harness the benefits of AI while tempering any unintended negative consequences it might bring with it,” said PCC Executive Director Kenneth V. Tanate. “I am positive that today’s talk will add a new dimension to our series on the emerging role of AI in shaping our economy and society.

“The task before us is to harness AI’s transformative power for social equity and economic empowerment, ensuring that these advancements do not entrench existing disparities,” said NEDA Undersecretary Krystal Uy. A formation of new NEDA team was announced at the event. The NEDA Digital Technologies and Markets Unit will be dedicated to integrating emerging technologies into the country’s national economic development strategy. “We strive to enable AI systems that reflect and embrace the diversity of Filipino society,” Usec. Uy added.

This learning session is the third of six to be hosted by NEDA, PCC, and USAID. The learning series tackles new and emerging technologies such as AI towards an informed and future-ready legislation in the Philippines. NEDA, PCC, and USAID have been united in advocating to update ICT laws in the Philippines including the immediate passage of the Open Access in Data Transmission or ‘Konektadong Pinoy’ bill for a more competitive ICT sector and, therefore, faster, more reliable, and more affordable internet that will unlock the full economic potential of digitalization for all Filipinos.

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About NEDA

The National Economic and Development Authority is the country’s premier socioeconomic planning body, highly regarded as the authority in macroeconomic forecasting and policy analysis and research. It provides high-level advice to policymakers in Congress and the Executive Branch.

About PCC

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is an independent quasi-judicial body mandated to implement the National Competition Policy and enforce Republic Act No. 10667 or the Philippine Competition Act (PCA), which serves as the primary law in the Philippines for promoting and protecting market competition.

About USAID

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) administers the U.S. foreign assistance program providing economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 80 countries worldwide. USAID’s Better Access and Connectivity (BEACON) is a five-year (2021-2026) project aimed at promoting economic growth through better internet in the Philippines.

LINK: https://www.phcc.gov.ph/press-releases/neda-pcc-usaid-women-key-to-more-jobs-fairness-and-security-in-growing-ai-industry/