In a bold move to future-proof the nation’s workforce and nurture globally competitive Filipino talents, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) officially launched the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF) for five ICT-related industries on May 7, 2024, at the Brittany Hotel in Taguig City.

“PSF is aligned with the DICT’s commitment to future-proofing the workforce by harnessing the power of AI, our initiatives aim to empower individuals to excel in an AI and data-driven economy, said DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy in a video message. “It marks a pivotal step toward fostering a dynamic ICT ecosystem by prioritizing the development of ICT professionals,” he said.

DICT Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue emphasized that the launch of the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF) is a testament to the country’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies. She highlighted that embracing these frontier technologies is crucial for effectively engaging, developing, and inspiring the next generation of talent in the Philippines. This initiative aims to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world, ensuring the nation’s competitiveness and growth in the global arena. Batapa-Sigue expressed a profound sense of optimism and responsibility, reflecting on the insights shared throughout the event. She reaffirmed the collective commitment to leveraging transformative technologies for the betterment of the Philippines.

As part of the PSF Council, the DICT led the development of the PSFs for the Information Technology and Business Process Management and Frontier Technologies industries including contact center, healthcare information management services, global in-house center, software development, and data analytics and artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, Senator Sonny Angara in his video message expressed his support to the PSF initiative, stressing that the widening digital divide underscores the need for investment in infrastructure, software, and most importantly, in the Filipino people themselves, to harness the opportunities presented by technology.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) also affirmed their commitment in supporting and adapting the PSF in their programs and policies for ICT and education. Aligned with the agency’s sectoral priorities, TESDA deems PSF as essential to ensure that its technical, vocational, education, and training programs are relevant, inclusive, and at par with industry standards. Meanwhile, CHED also pledged to integrate the PSF in its policies to encourage all state universities and colleges (SUCs), and private Higher Education institutions (HEI) to adapt the frameworks, thereby transforming higher education in this digital age.

Industry leaders and key players presented the newly developed Philippine Skills Framework during the ceremonial launching. The frameworks will indicate relevant industry information, jobs roles, career pathways, and training programs, and skills requirements based on industry needs, ensuring a globally competitive Filipino workforce.

The PSF is poised to revolutionize workforce development in the Philippines. The comprehensive draft outlines a structured approach to skills enhancement, aligning educational and training programs with industry demands to support career growth and sector advancement.

At the core of the PSF is a clear introduction and objectives, detailing the purpose and goals of the framework, which provides an overview of the industry’s current landscape and future prospects, setting the stage for the framework’s broader application.

The Career Map within the PSF is a crucial component, offering detailed career pathways specific to the GIC sector. It outlines the progression from entry-level positions to senior roles, including the qualifications and experience required at each stage. This roadmap is designed to guide individuals in their career planning and development.

Central to the framework are the Skill Maps, which include extensive lists of Functional Skills and Competencies (FSC) tailored to various roles within the sector. These maps also highlight Enabling Skills and Competencies (ESC), such as communication, collaboration, and digital fluency, that support overall job performance.

To ensure clarity in skill development, the framework includes Proficiency Level Descriptors. These definitions and guidelines help measure and achieve proficiency across different competencies, providing a benchmark for both individuals and organizations.

The PSF also delves into Sector and Employment Opportunities, offering an analysis of job market trends and insights into employment growth within the specific ICT sector. This information is invaluable for both job seekers and employers looking to navigate the evolving job landscape.

A detailed breakdown of Functional Skills and Competencies (FSC) is provided, specifying the technical and professional skills necessary for various roles. Alongside this, the Enabling Skills and Competencies (ESC) section emphasizes essential soft skills that enhance job performance across the board.

A technical guide is included to facilitate the application of the framework in diverse contexts. This guide outlines best practices for implementing and integrating the framework into organizational processes, ensuring a smooth transition and effective utilization.

The framework is bolstered by use cases and testimonials, showcasing successful implementation examples and insights from industry leaders. These testimonials highlight the framework’s practical benefits and real-world impact.

The DICT recognizes all contributors and stakeholders who played a pivotal role in developing the framework. Their collective expertise and dedication have been instrumental in shaping this transformative initiative.

The Philippine Skills Framework is a landmark effort aimed at fostering a dynamic and competitive workforce. By aligning skills development initiatives with industry needs, the PSF is set to empower individuals, enhance organizational capabilities, and drive the Philippines towards a prosperous future in the digital age.

The PSF Initiative is a result of the partnership between the Philippines and Singapore, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2019 between the Department of Trade and Industry, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and SkillsFuture Singapore to improve the country’s human capital. 

PSF links the government, industry, and the academe to align industry demands and cultivate a skilled and globally competitive Filipino workforce.

Contributions from IIDB and Edwin Diaz