The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has emphasised the significance of using new technology to improve the capabilities of the Filipino workforce, which can drive long-term economic growth and social advancement in the country.
Rosemarie G. Edillon, NEDA Undersecretary, declared that a nationwide promotion of extended reality (XR) as a new medium for skill development and learning is currently ongoing.
According to the undersecretary, extended reality technologies can revolutionise the way they enhance their workforce’s abilities. Individuals can acquire complicated skills in a simulated environment using XR technologies, which provide a safe environment for developing and practising new skills.
These activities are in keeping with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028’s technology and innovation strategies. The strategy intends to improve the quantity and quality of the country’s human resources through strengthening knowledge generation and basic research and development.
The undersecretary referenced video games as an example of extended reality, in which players are provided with a more comprehensive experience. The audience is an active participant in an immersive encounter set in a world other than their own.
When used correctly, digital transformation may produce high-value outcomes and innovations that improve the efficiency and competitiveness of numerous industries. The advantages of XR in skill training necessitate an awareness of when and how to apply these technologies. Other learning tactics, such as group sessions, real-life models, and performance-based assessments, must be supplemented with this strategy.
Using XR technology in technical and vocational training has the potential to transform the way NEDA trains. The collaboration will be essential in rethinking the training programmes among government agencies, training institutions, technology providers, content authors, and other stakeholders.
As the nation’s agency for socioeconomic planning, NEDA actively supports a technology-driven development programme aimed at cultivating an educated, healthy, and productive society. It is anticipated that the incorporation of extended reality in skills training and learning will contribute to the Philippines’ long-term economic growth and social advancement.
To improve the skills of its labour force, the Philippines is taking proactive steps to implement innovative technologies such as extended reality. The efforts are consistent with the country’s development plan, which aims to strengthen knowledge creation, fundamental research, and development to increase the human capital of the nation.
NEDA believes that collaboration among stakeholders will be essential for redesigning the nation’s training programmes so that XR technologies can be utilised effectively in technical and vocational education. Therefore, it is anticipated that the adoption of XR in skills training will contribute to the Philippines’ long-term economic growth and social progress.
In addition, NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan directed the organisation to increase its local presence and facilitate efforts to bring government programmes closer to Filipinos. As the leading socioeconomic planning agency in the country, the agency intends to provide more technical assistance to local government units or LGUs in the future months and years as they refine and improve regional and local planning methodologies and processes.
“We shall provide critical support to ensure that LGUs can conduct their socioeconomic planning, investment programming, and monitoring and evaluation exercises in light of the country’s devolution initiative,” Secretary Arsenio said.
By addressing policy and regulatory constraints, he added, they must vigorously promote and advance the culture of innovation while increasing their investments in research and development, which is essential for boosting the economy’s productivity. Also, they intend to support start-ups and small, innovative businesses, recognising their potential to contribute to the nation’s progress and development.
