November 15, 2023 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has released the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11927 (RA No. 11927), also known as the Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act, following a series of consultations with relevant government agencies, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders.

 The IRR of RA No. 11927 was approved on 23 October 2023 by the nine members of the Inter-Agency Council (IAC) for the Development and Competitiveness of the Philippine Digital Workforce — a Council established under Section 5 of the said Republic Act.

“The strategic and thorough execution of the Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act will be vital for equipping the workforce with digital technologies and skills and fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem in the country,” said NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

The IRR outlines the establishment of the IAC, which is chaired by the NEDA and composed of eight (8) other agencies, namely the Departments of Labor and Employment, Trade and Industry, Information and Communications Technology, Science and Technology, Interior and Local Government, and Education, as well as the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. The Council will serve as the primary planning, coordinating, and implementing body in promoting, developing, and enhancing the competitiveness of the Philippine digital workforce. DOLE, in addition, shall serve as the secretariat to the IAC.

The new law also tasked the IAC to formulate the National Roadmap on Digital Technology and Digital Skills, which shall serve as a basis for implementing programs that will upskill, re-skill, and train the digital workforce in the country. Additionally, the Council will establish a centralized online portal to harmonize the existing portals of member agencies that contain information on training and skills development programs, certification, and scholarship programs.

These programs will address the gaps identified in digital technology and digital skills mapping, ensuring that all Filipinos have access to and are equipped with the skills and competencies needed to navigate digital content, platforms, digital innovations, entrepreneurship, and technology to meet the ever-evolving demands of the global labor market.

To learn more, access the Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act IRR  through the NEDA website.

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