Google Country Marketing Manager for Vietnam and the Philippines Gabby Roxas explains the latest projections for the country’s economic growth once it invests in AI in the workforce, predicting a possible boost of up to P1.8 trillion in gross value added.
Artificial intelligence could add as much as P1.8 trillion to the Philippine economy, but tech leaders warn that this potential will remain out of reach unless industries act now to bridge the skills gap through massive workforce reskilling and upskilling.
This was the central message from Google and Accenture during the launch of the “Turbocharging Growth: The Philippines’ AI Opportunity” report by London-based research firm Public First. The study projects a 7% jump in gross value added if the country can fully harness AI—equivalent to US$31 billion in additional economic activity.
The skills gap threat
While AI is already part of daily life for half of Filipinos, the rapid shift toward AI-driven work demands capabilities that most workers have yet to acquire. The report highlights that AI could significantly augment the productivity of 37% of the workforce, saving up to three hours a week on routine tasks and boosting annual productivity by over P110,000 per worker.
But without focused training programs, many employees risk being left behind as industries adopt new tools. “AI isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a complete change in how we work. We need to make sure the skills of our workforce evolve just as quickly,” said Gabby Roxas, Google’s country marketing manager for the Philippines and Vietnam.
Google and Accenture lead the upskilling push
To address the gap, Google is expanding access to its Google Career Certificates, including its AI Essentials course, to employees, civil servants, and industry partners. In partnership with Accenture, these resources are also being offered to Accenture-supported communities and even to the families of its employees.
Accenture, one of the country’s largest employers, has made AI skills development a corporate priority. The company works with government agencies, industry groups such as IBPAP, and academic institutions to cultivate a diverse, AI-ready talent pool. “Upskilling communities for AI is not just about technology—it’s about empowering people to drive innovation, promote digital inclusion, and ensure economic growth is shared by all,” said Rudy Guiao, Accenture Philippines managing director and Corporate Citizenship lead.
Gabby Roxas, Country Marketing Manager (Google Vietnam & Philippines), Pat Choa, Site Director (Google Philippines), and Rudy Guiao, CIO Lead, Managing Director for IT in the Philippines, China, and SEA, and Managing Director sponsor for Corporate Citizenship & Disability Inclusion (Accenture)
Industry-wide responsibility
Both Google and Accenture stressed that the responsibility to prepare the workforce cannot fall on tech companies alone. They called on businesses, industries, and government agencies to make reskilling and upskilling part of their core strategies, warning that inaction could lead to missed economic gains and wider inequality.
“AI can be the great equalizer—but only if we ensure that every Filipino has access to the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in an AI-powered economy,” Roxas added.
As the Philippines positions itself as Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital economy, Google and Accenture say the next few years will be critical. Bridging the skills gap is no longer optional—it’s the key to unlocking the country’s AI-powered future.