AI Could Add ₱1.8 Trillion to PH Economy

AI Could Add ₱1.8 Trillion to PH Economy

The Philippines’ AI Moment Has Arrived

The Philippines is no stranger to digital transformation. But according to a new report from London-based policy think tank Public First, the next leap forward could be powered by artificial intelligence—and it’s not a small step. AI Could Add ₱1.8 Trillion to PH Economy

The report, titled “Turbocharging Growth: The Philippines’ AI Opportunity,” projects that AI could boost the country’s economy by ₱1.8 trillion (roughly US$31 billion) in gross value added (GVA). That’s a 7% increase in national productivity.

And it’s not just theoretical. AI is already part of everyday life for many Filipinos. Around 50% of the population uses AI tools weekly, and nearly half are optimistic about its impact on the country and their personal lives.

Productivity Gains Across Key Sectors

AI’s biggest promise? Time and efficiency.

The report estimates that 37% of the workforce could see productivity gains, saving up to three hours per week on administrative tasks. That translates to potential wage increases of over 6% and ₱110,000 in added productivity per worker annually.

Sector-specific projections are even more impressive:

• Wholesale and Retail: ₱410 billion boost (9% rise in GVA)
• Finance and Insurance: ₱300 billion boost (12% rise in GVA)
• Public Administration and Defense: ₱109 billion boost (9% rise in GVA)

These aren’t just numbers—they’re indicators of how AI can reshape industries from the ground up.

Tackling National Challenges with AI

Beyond boosting business, AI could help solve some of the country’s most pressing problems.

Cybersecurity: AI tools could cut cybersecurity threat costs by ₱180 billion, slashing risks and improving resilience.
Agriculture: Through precision farming and early pest detection, AI could add ₱120 billion in productivity by 2035.

These applications show that AI isn’t just about automation—it’s about smarter, more sustainable solutions.

New Jobs, New Skills, New Opportunities

AI won’t just replace tasks—it will create new roles.

As businesses adopt AI tools, demand will rise for people who can manage, interpret, and improve them. That means higher-value work, more creative problem-solving, and a shift toward knowledge-based roles.

The good news? Filipinos are ready. The report found that 90% of workers are interested in upskilling to better understand AI. That’s a strong signal that the workforce is eager to evolve.

Google’s Commitment to AI Upskilling

Google is stepping up to meet this demand.

Through partnerships with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and IBPAP, Google is offering Google Career Certificates, including the AI Essentials course, to help Filipinos build in-demand digital skills.

These programs are available to employees, civil servants, and stakeholders across sectors. It’s a nationwide effort to prepare the workforce for the future of work.

Accenture Joins the Mission

Google isn’t alone. Accenture, one of the country’s top employers, is also investing in AI education.

They’re providing access to Google Career Certificates for Accenture-supported communities and families of employees, helping bridge the skills gap and promote digital inclusion.

“Upskilling communities for AI is a cornerstone of our corporate social responsibility,” said Rudy Guiao, Managing Director and Corporate Citizenship Lead at Accenture Philippines. “We’re proud to expand our collaboration with Google to help our communities thrive.”

Building an Equitable, AI-Ready Future

The AI opportunity isn’t just about economic growth—it’s about inclusive development.

By equipping Filipinos with the right tools and training, companies like Google and Accenture are helping build a robust, diverse talent pool that can drive innovation and resilience.

It’s a vision of a digitally enabled Philippines, where technology empowers—not replaces—human potential.

The Road Ahead

AI is no longer a buzzword—it’s a growth engine.

With the right investments in education, infrastructure, and policy, the Philippines can harness AI to boost productivity, solve complex challenges, and create new opportunities for millions.

The potential is massive. The momentum is real. And the time to act is now.

Read the full report here.