In a move to address economic challenges and harness the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Google has announced the launch of the Google AI Essentials skilling program aimed at building an AI-ready workforce in the Philippines. A study by Access Partnership projects that the adoption of AI-powered products and solutions could yield PHP2.8 trillion (US$50.7 billion) in economic benefits for the Philippines by 2030.
Achieving this potential requires a comprehensive strategy that includes fostering responsible AI adoption across industries, creating a supportive regulatory framework, investing in AI infrastructure, and upskilling the workforce. As part of its ongoing commitment to building a Digital Philippines geared towards an AI-ready economy, Google has made the Google AI Essentials course available on Coursera to equip Filipinos with essential AI skills.
Empowering Filipinos with AI Proficiency
The Google AI Essentials course is a self-paced, online program taught by AI experts at Google. It is designed to be accessible to individuals with no prior AI experience and aims to equip people from various roles and industries with essential AI skills to enhance productivity. In less than 10 hours, participants will gain practical experience with various AI tools that can streamline daily work tasks and foster innovative thinking.
Course highlights include:
- Idea and Content Development:
Utilize AI to brainstorm and generate ideas, then transform those ideas into a presentation outline. - Informed Decision-Making:
Employ AI to research and organize information, helping to make more informed decisions based on specific criteria. - Task Automation:
Use AI to draft email responses and manage other daily tasks more efficiently. - Effective Prompt Writing:
Learn to create clear and specific prompts, as well as techniques for obtaining the desired output from AI tools. - Responsible AI Usage:
Understand how to use AI ethically, mitigating unfair biases and inaccuracies.
Upon completion, participants will receive a Google-issued skill badge, showcasing their AI proficiency to potential employers and colleagues.
Jackie Wang, Country Director of Google Philippines and Thailand, emphasized Google’s commitment to the Philippines, stating, “Google is deeply committed to the Philippines and its digital transformation towards an AI-ready future. We believe that AI has the power to unlock immense economic potential and drive innovation across industries. Through initiatives like Google AI Essentials, we aim to empower Filipinos with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the AI age. We’re excited to continue our partnership with the government, businesses, and communities to build a more inclusive and progressive digital future for the Philippines.”
Collaboration with Local Partners to Distribute Scholarships
To ensure the broad reach of the Google AI Essentials program, Google has partnered with key stakeholders, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). These partners will distribute scholarships to various groups, such as Filipino youth, jobseekers, MSMEs, entrepreneurs, and civil servants, ensuring that those who can benefit the most have access to these essential AI skills.
“Google’s AI Essentials launch is a key step forward in digital inclusion and innovation. By broadening access to AI education, this initiative is set to transform our economy and equip a skilled workforce ready to capitalize on digital opportunities. We commend Google for their leadership in this effort and look forward to the significant impact it will have on our nation’s economic growth and workforce development,” according to Alfredo Pascual, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.
In addition to its skilling programs, Google has made significant investments in digital infrastructure. The company confirmed that the TPU (Taiwan-Philippines-United States) subsea cable system, announced in collaboration with regional carriers Chunghwa Telecom, Innove (a subsidiary of Globe Group), and AT&T, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. These subsea cables are vital for meeting the growing demand for digital, AI, and cloud-based services, and they contribute to positive economic impacts by enhancing trade, investment, and productivity.