The University of the Philippines School of Labor and Industrial Relations (UP SOLAIR) held a groundbreaking symposium titled “AI & the Future of Work: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities” on March 25, 2025. The event attracted a diverse audience of about 200 attendees onsite at the UP SOLAIR auditorium, alongside an impressive 1,900 online viewers, marking it as a significant gathering for students and professionals from various industries.

The symposium was organized by the Center for Industry Productivity and Competitiveness (CIPC), in collaboration with the IR 222 and IR 225 classes both led by Prof. Dr. Virgel Binghay. It aimed to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, addressing both the challenges and opportunities that arise as technology continues to evolve.

The event featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres. Though unable to attend in person, she discussed through a pre-recorded video presentation, government policies and initiatives addressing AI and its implications for the future of work.

 Industry expert Sean Darilay, Talent and Solutions Growth Leader at Mercer, shared insightful perspectives on how AI is transforming talent acquisition, employee engagement, and operational efficiency. Meanwhile, Nathan Samiley, Deputy Executive Director of the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP), underscored the significance of responsible and ethical application of AI and data analytics. Their presentations emphasized the critical balance between leveraging AI to drive productivity and ensuring a human-centric approach in the workplace.

Following the keynote speeches, a dynamic panel discussion was moderated by Prof. Dr. Virgel Binghay, featuring Aurelien Chu, COO of Eskwelabs, and Justine Linsasagin, VP for Luzon at Security Bank Employees Union. The panelists engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue about the ethical considerations of AI in the workplace, the importance of continuous learning, and how organizations can prepare their workforce for the future.

The symposium was made possible through the collaborative efforts and guidance of Mr. Arman Mangilinan from CIPC, along with contributions from students of IR 222 and IR 225, including Bernadette Alcantara, Josephine Ang, Daryl Esquivel, Carla Gob, Ruby May Lopez, Gwen Macalalad, Zarra Jane Maranan, Charmaene Marie Miranda, Salve Nombre, Karen Angela Dy-Corduva, Arwin Ledesma, Arleen Cris Lopena, Cosca Camille Tuason, and Cheryl Viola.

Generous sponsorship from various organizations, including Dragon Edge Group, Philippine Ecology Systems Corp, Makati Medical Center, Sogo, LJ Visuals, Toyota Financial, Mercer, Global Officium Limited Inc., Global Comfort Group Corp., Exxel Prime International Trading Inc., Royal Crown Cola Company, Motolite, OMG, Oro, and Victoria Court, further facilitated the event. Their support highlighted the collaborative effort to address the challenges posed by AI and foster productive dialogue about the future of work.

As the event concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose, equipped with insights that will guide them in navigating the complexities of an increasingly AI-driven work environment. The success of the symposium demonstrates UP SOLAIR’s commitment to fostering discussions on critical issues that impact the labor landscape in the Philippines and beyond.