ROBOTICS AND JOBS: THE FUTURE WE MUST PREPARE FOR

ROBOTICS AND JOBS: THE FUTURE WE MUST PREPARE FOR

As robots continue to leave the pages of science fiction and enter our daily lives, the Philippines faces a defining choice: Will we shape the future—or be shaped by it?

From driverless cars to agricultural robots and AI-powered household assistants, the global rise of robotics is no longer a prediction. It's happening. Fast. And if we want to ensure that Filipino workers aren't left behind—or worse, pushed out—we need to start asking serious questions about policy, protection, and progress.

Innovation Without Displacement?

Robotics promises massive gains in efficiency, safety, and productivity. In manufacturing, robots are already assembling products faster than human hands. In agriculture, they can harvest crops with precision. In healthcare, robotic arms assist in delicate surgeries. Even at home, vacuuming, cooking, and other chores are increasingly automated.

Sounds great, right? But here’s the catch: every job that a robot takes on potentially replaces a human one. For a country like the Philippines, where millions rely on driving, domestic work, and farming for their livelihoods, this could be catastrophic if left unmanaged.

For example:

  • Driverless vehicles could reduce or eliminate demand for jeepney and taxi drivers.
  • Smart household robots could shrink the job market for our domestic helpers—both here and abroad.
  • Agricultural robots might increase yields, but at the cost of displacing small farmers.

Should we fear robotics? No. But we must prepare.

A Call for a National Robotics Strategy

I propose forming a Technical Working Group (TWG) under the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) to study and recommend national policies on robotics. This is not just about technology—it’s about governance, ethics, economics, and survival.

This group would take a multi-dimensional approach, examining:

  • The economic advantages of robotics and where they can best serve the country.
  • The vulnerable labor sectors most likely to be affected.
  • The legal and ethical frameworks needed to ensure safety, transparency, and accountability.
  • How to turn robotics into a job creator, not just a job killer.

Policy Proposals for a Human-Centric Future

1.  Workforce Retraining
The rise of robots doesn't have to mean a fall in employment. With proper training, displaced workers can transition into higher-value jobs—in robot maintenance, data analysis, software development, and beyond. Government-led retraining programs must become a national priority.

2.  Cobots, Not Replacements
Let’s focus on collaborative robots (cobots) that enhance human capability rather than replace it. These machines can perform repetitive or dangerous tasks, allowing humans to focus on decision-making, creativity, and care-based roles.

3.  Safety and Ethics Standards
Robots must operate within safe and ethical boundaries. We need regulations that protect workers and consumers, just like we have for vehicles, appliances, and food.

4.  Incentivize Responsible Innovation
Businesses adopting robotics should receive tax incentives—but only if they also invest in job preservation or job creation. Innovation should not come at the cost of human dignity.

5.  Industry Task Allocation Framework
Not every job should be automated. We must develop industry-specific guidelines to determine which tasks are better suited for robots and which require human judgment, emotion, or adaptability.

6.  International Collaboration
Let’s not reinvent the wheel. Countries like Japan and Germany have pioneered ethical robotics policies. We should learn from them, align with global standards, and collaborate on research and development.

What’s at Stake?

This isn’t a distant problem. Robotics is already reshaping industries. The real question is whether our laws, policies, and institutions are ready. Are we investing enough in R&D? Are we protecting vulnerable workers? Are we creating a roadmap that includes everyone in this future?

Technology can liberate us—but only if it's guided by human-centered policy. Otherwise, we risk replacing poverty with a different kind of inequality: one driven not by lack of work, but by lack of access to new opportunities.

Let’s Get Ahead of the Curve

The Marcos administration has a unique chance to lead this conversation. By forming a policy study group now, we can avoid the chaos of reactive policymaking later. We must act while we still have time to shape the outcome—not after the damage is done.

Let us build a future where robots serve the people, not replace them.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

07-20-2025Top of Form

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