PIDS: Skills mismatch hinders economic growth

The gap between required skills and those available in the workforce is a significant challenge to the country's economic growth, according to state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies.

- By LOUELLA DESIDERIO

PIDS consultant Lawrence Dacuycuy said there is a growing demand for jobs that require specific analytical skills in sectors like information technology-business process management and manufacturing.

However, many workers are not prepared for the evolving demands of the job market.

Dacuycuy presented the PIDS study titled "Labor Market Structures, Pay Gap and Skills in the Philippines."

Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines president Jack Madrid said earlier that addressing the talent gap, especially in advanced digital skills like artificial intelligence, data analytics and programming, is the industry's top concern.

According to Dacuycuy, addressing the challenge calls for a targeted skills development framework.