The Next Generation Will Never Know Life Before AI
I joined Mimi Ong of Market Edge today for a fast-moving conversation about AI, jobs, and the future of the Philippines. One message stood out clearly: AI is no longer a future story. It is happening now.
We began with government readiness. The DICT will likely handle much of the country’s digital infrastructure responsibilities. That includes connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud systems, and digital resilience.
But we also talked honestly about the challenges.
The Philippines still struggles with basic digital reliability. Systems become overloaded. Projects run into resource problems. Infrastructure gaps remain visible. Apps like eGov go down. That matters because AI depends on strong digital foundations.
But technology is only part of the issue. Jobs may be the bigger concern.
The BPO industry has long supported millions of Filipino workers. However, many international companies are now investing heavily in automation tools powered by AI. Customer support, administrative tasks, and repetitive workflows are increasingly being handled by software. We cannot stop this trend.
The smarter response is preparation. That means helping workers upskill early. It means encouraging continuous learning and helping people understand how AI will reshape industries over time. This is one reason I encouraged viewers to visit https://www.resetph.com and join the webinar on May 20. The discussion will focus on automation, jobs, and how Filipinos can future-proof their careers. Because awareness matters.
We also discussed the need for stronger investment in science and innovation. The Philippines has talented researchers and scientists, but many eventually leave the country because funding and support remain limited.
If we want meaningful AI progress locally, investment must become a national priority. Otherwise, we risk becoming consumers of AI instead of builders.
Near the end of the interview, Mimi Ong asked me a difficult question: What keeps you awake at night about AI?
My answer was not about robots or superintelligence. It was about children. Gen Z grew up with the internet.
Many cannot remember a world before digital technology. Now Gen Z are becoming parents. Their children: Gen Alpha and Gen Beta, may never remember a world before AI. Think about that Children growing up with AI tutors, AI-generated content, AI companions, and AI-assisted decision-making may experience the world very differently from previous generations.
And right now, society is still trying to understand the long-term effects. Governments are still learning. Schools are still adapting. Parents are still figuring it out. Meanwhile, the technology keeps advancing.
That means today’s adults have an important responsibility. We need to guide younger generations carefully. We need to teach critical thinking, ethics, creativity, and human judgment while also encouraging innovation. AI will shape the future whether we are ready or not. The question is whether we will prepare people in time.
The mission remains. Need more coffee.
About Me:
Dominic “Doc” Ligot is one of the leading voices in AI in the Philippines. Doc has been extensively cited in local and global media outlets including The Economist, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, Washington Post, and Agence France Presse. His award-winning work has been recognized and published by prestigious organizations such as NASA, Data.org, Digital Public Goods Alliance, the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF.
If you need guidance or training in maximizing AI for your career or business, reach out to Doc via https://docligot.com.
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