The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) has urged the government to accelerate efforts in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and workforce development to help the Philippines compete in an increasingly tech-driven global economy.
In a meeting at Malacañang Palace with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., PSAC’s digital infrastructure sector welcomed the President’s support for the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, particularly his endorsement of an annual upskilling budget for up to 340,000 BPO workers, including near-hires and students.
“This budget allocation will help prepare the workforce for the ongoing AI-driven transformation of the global economy,” said PSAC digital infrastructure lead and chairperson of MDI Group Holdings Inc. Myla Villanueva.
She added that the move is vital in preparing the workforce for rapid shifts driven by artificial intelligence (AI).
The PSAC called on the government to fast-track key digital transformation priorities such as the National ID system, digital payments, data governance, and cybersecurity.
A central proposal was the adoption of a “government as a service” model—an integrated, app-like system that allows citizens to access services like document processing and fee payments through a single digital platform.
To advance this, PSAC recommended that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) lead pilot programs using platforms like eGovDX and eGovPay, while opening data and systems to private developers to foster innovation.
With increasing threats, the PSAC also urged the swift passage of the Cybersecurity Bill and committed to working with government agencies on risk assessments and training new cybersecurity professionals.
“These initiatives are not just for tech experts—they are for all Filipinos. They are key to improving government services, protecting digital lives, and creating future-ready jobs,” said Sabin Aboitiz, PSAC lead convenor and Aboitiz Group president and CEO.
