(POLITIKO) Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a bill that would enable certain government personnel to undergo specialized training programs on artificial intelligence (AI).
“Skills gap is one of the challenges of the workforce, especially with the rise of generative AI,” said Estrada in filing Senate Bill No. 2930, the proposed AI Training for Government Workforce Act.
“Government agencies must therefore start training and enhancing the capabilities of civil servants when it comes to AI,” he pointed out.
The lawmaker cited many companies worldwide have already integrated AI into their operations while government agencies across the globe are actively working to understand AI and its impact on the public workforce.
Under the bill, those to be covered under the training program include those involved in program management, planning, research, development, engineering, testing, quality control, procurement, logistics, cost estimation, and others designated by any agency for AI training.
The proposal indicated that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will be tasked to formulate and lead an AI training program.
The bill also proposes that the training will be funded under the yearly budget and conducted at least every two years.
“Investing in AI training will not only future-proof the workforce but also improve services for the public,” stated Estrada.