MANILA — Senator Bam Aquino delivered his opening statement at the Senate Committee on Science and Technology hearing on Senate Resolution No. 253, highlighting the urgent need to support the Philippines’ IT-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry amid technological shifts.

Aquino noted that the sector employs about 1.9 million Filipinos and contributes 8.2% of the country’s GDP, with revenues surpassing $40 billion in 2025. He described IT-BPM as a pillar of the Philippine economy and credited it with helping create a new middle class by providing stable jobs without the need to work abroad.

“Sa kasalukuyan, ang Pilipinas ay isa sa mga nangungunang bansa para sa IT-BPM. Pero alam ho nating nanganganib ang posisyon natin dahil sa mabilis na pagbabago sa teknolohiya,” Aquino said, stressing the need for collective action to protect and grow the industry.

He identified three critical areas for discussion:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation – Aquino highlighted the potential impact of AI on IT-BPM jobs, citing a viral article predicting that 50% of white-collar jobs could disappear in 1 to 5 years, affecting legal work, finance, software engineering, medical analysis, content creation, and customer service. He underscored the importance of reskilling programs to safeguard current employees.
2. Cybersecurity – The senator stressed that cybercrime and breaches threaten the global reputation of the Philippine IT-BPM sector. He called for careful review of existing policies, laws, and government processes to enhance cybersecurity and improve the ease of doing business in the country.
3. Education and workforce readiness – Aquino noted that declining proficiency and literacy rates could hinder young Filipinos from entering the IT-BPM workforce. Aligning educational curricula with emerging industry requirements and ensuring reskilling programs are essential to protect jobs and sustain growth.

Aquino also warned that the rapid pace of technological change risks eroding the gains made by the industry, potentially affecting the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos.

“Ang IT-BPM ay isa sa pinakamahalagang industriya sa ating bansa—isang haligi ng ekonomiya, at isang matingkad na dahilan kung bakit umangat ang buhay ng maraming Pilipino noong nakaraang mga sampung taon,” he said.

The hearing aims to review policies, programs, and legislation to better support the IT-BPM industry and ensure the continued prosperity of its workforce.

“Sa simula, gitna, at dulo nitong lahat ay mga Pilipinong kumakayod para sa kaunlaran ng kanilang pamilya, at nandito tayo para tumulong,” Aquino concluded.