THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) have teamed up to enhance the digital skills of the Filipino workforce.

In a statement, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasized the important role of advanced digital capabilities in elevating the Filipino workforce and outlined the collaborative priorities with DoLE.

"We are steering our workforce toward high-value tasks that enable them to climb the ladder of value creation," said Pascual.

"This is especially crucial in the field of digital technology, which does not require extensive machinery but focuses on intellectual and creative skills," he added.

The need to boost the digital skills of Filipino workers was the focus of a meeting between DoLE and DTI on Friday to discuss the Enterprise Development and Livelihood Assistance, which was formalized through a memorandum of agreement on May 8, 2023.

The DTI said that the project has a budget from DoLE but did not specify how much will be allotted to support the partnership which will run until 2026.

The DTI and DoLE aim to generate green and high-quality employment opportunities under the Trabaho Para Sa Bayan Act. This will be done by exploring strategic approaches to integrate digital training and development throughout the workforce.

According to the DTI, the partnership with DoLE is supported by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and aims to establish a robust employment framework focused on job creation, quality, and sustainability.

"By advancing the digital skills of Filipino workers, we are not only enhancing their capabilities but also ensuring they contribute significantly to our nation's economic growth," the trade chief said.

By adapting to technological advancements and leveraging digital platforms, the trade chief said it will foster more innovative and sustainable employment opportunities for Filipinos.

Pascual also mentioned the department's effort to convert Negosyo Centers into digital learning hubs that will provide Filipinos with the necessary skills to succeed in the global market.

Also present during the meeting were Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, ILO Country Director Khalid Hassan and DTI Undersecretary for International Trade Policy Group Allan Gepty.