Philippines bill mandates AI training for government workers

A new bill has been filed in the Philippines Senate to prepare government workers for the rise of artificial intelligence. Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada introduced Senate Bill No. 2930, known as the Artificial Intelligence Training for Government Workforce Act. The bill aims to provide key government employees with the knowledge needed to understand AI's benefits and risks. Estrada noted that many businesses have started using AI, and governments worldwide are also seeking to grasp its effects on workforce and public services. In a statement, Estrada highlighted the ongoing debates about AI's impact, stating it can help automate tasks and provide quick answers to complex questions. He believes that understanding AI is crucial for the modern workforce. If the bill is signed into law, the Department of Information and Communication Technology will organize training programs. These will cover AI basics, its government applications, and risks like discrimination and privacy issues. The training will be mandatory every two years and funded by the national budget. All government employees involved in various roles, including planning and engineering, will need to complete this training. “Investing in AI training will not only future-proof the workforce but also enhance public services,” Estrada added.