Good news to our government workers.
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) will start to offer next week, 14 June 2024, a pioneering course, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Workplace,” to provide insights to government workers on the strategic use of AI.
No doubt, AI has become a buzzword in today’s world; thus, everyone needs to be equipped with the latest understanding of AI technology.
This forms part of the human resource reskilling and upskilling efforts of the CSC, which I view are timely and relevant.
A recent study conducted by Microsoft and LinkedIn shows that 86% of Filipinos admitted the use of generative AI at work as compared to the 75% globally.
ChatGPT, chatbots, virtual assistants, and predictive texts – terms known to many of today’s Gen Z, often referred to as “digital natives,” remain unfamiliar territory to previous generations.
These advancements, as CSC Chair Karlo Nograles has reminded us, come with responsibilities.
While the younger population is embracing AI, those in leadership positions have become worrisome as deepfakes, or digitally altered but seemingly real contents, have become a dime a dozen. Other AI-related issues, too, such as data privacy and cybersecurity have become growing urgent concerns.
In this connection, 55% of Filipino leaders, are worrying that their organization still lacks planning and vision to implement AI, according to World Trade Index 2024.
The same 2024 report likewise reveals that 70% of Filipino employers would not consider job candidates without AI skills, saying that they are more willing to hire people with LESS experience but with HIGH AI skills.
We are therefore grateful for the foresight of Chair Nograles, my principal when the latter served as former Cabinet Secretary and former Spokesperson to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, for taking concrete action in helping our public sector navigate the complexities, including the benefits and risks, of AI implementation.
CSC’s commitment to ethical AI governance is truly commendable.
I encourage agencies of the government to participate so the whole bureaucracy can harness the transformative powers of AI while upholding the interests of the citizens and safeguarding their well-being.
It’s about time.
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Dennis Ting is a former director at the Department of Budget and Management.
