President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday, Feb. 9, told Japanese investors that the national government will pursue strengthened efforts to upskill and reskill its workforce to keep up with the new global economy and technological advances.
The President made this remark during a roundtable discussion with semi-conductor, electronics and wiring harness companies in Japan.
“We also consider very important the programs that you have elucidated here today about the upskilling and reskilling of our workforce,” he said.
“It’s very clear that we are shifting in the world economy, away from the more traditional, industrial activities to a high technology world,” the chief executive said.
Marcos said the country can provide the technical manpower needed for the new economy with proper training and support for the Filipino workforce.
He said the government values Japanese companies’ operations in the Philippines as the country’s top prime generator, supporter of critical industrial sectors, and value creator through global manufacturing innovation.
He also pledged to address issues on value added tax refund, as well as logistics and manpower.
“We have listened to your concerns and your issues, and we intend to respond to these challenges with a whole-of-government approach,” he said.
“The hope is that our strength in these sectors will beget more strength in the entire Philippine industrial landscape to the benefit of the Philippines and also of our partners and investors,” he continued. KC-ag
