Philippine Government and Sutherland Launch AI Academy to Equip Filipinos with Future-Ready Skills

The Philippine Government has partnered with Sutherland, a global leader in business and digital transformation, to launch the AI Academy, a transformative initiative aimed at equipping Filipinos with future-ready skills in artificial intelligence. The program, unveiled in Rochester, New York, is designed to strengthen the country’s workforce for an AI-driven economy and supports the government’s broader vision of digital resilience and inclusive growth. The AI Academy will deliver practical, industry-aligned training that prepares Filipino professionals to integrate AI into their work across sectors such as fintech, healthcare, and emerging digital industries. Participants will gain expertise in roles ranging from AI specialists and prompt engineers to cybersecurity experts, enabling them to enhance productivity, drive innovation, and pursue high-value opportunities in a rapidly evolving job market. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “This initiative is a vital step toward our goal of building a digitally resilient and inclusive workforce. By expanding access to training in future-ready skills, we are empowering our countrymen to take part in – and benefit from – an economy increasingly shaped by AI.” Dilip Vellodi, Chairman and CEO of Sutherland, highlighted the significance of the public-private partnership: “This initiative represents a powerful collaboration rooted in a shared goal: getting the Philippines’ workforce ready for the future of work. Sutherland and the Government of the Philippines are working together to build a lasting ecosystem for digital skills and innovation—one that will support industries, uplift communities, and boost the economy.” Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda reinforced the program’s strategic value, noting that AI and automation will reshape nearly every industry in the coming decade. “AI and automation are going to transform jobs in every industry over the next decade. That’s why our partnership with Sutherland is all about giving Filipinos the skills, knowledge, and confidence to stay competitive. Together, we’re building a stronger foundation for a future where AI fluency isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity for 85% of jobs,” he said. The AI Academy will leverage Sutherland’s deep expertise in AI, analytics, automation, and cloud technologies to deliver hands-on training tailored to real-world applications. Supported by the Philippine Government, local educational institutions, and provincial governments including Camsur and Tarlac, the program aims to make AI education accessible nationwide and foster long-term economic development. This initiative positions the Philippines as a regional leader in AI-driven workforce development and underscores Sutherland’s commitment to delivering scalable digital outcomes that transform businesses, empower people, and improve lives. With a track record of over 200 patented innovations in AI and emerging technologies, Sutherland brings proven expertise to help organizations innovate faster and operate more efficiently through a seamless “as-a-service” model. The AI Academy is more than a training program—it’s a national effort to future-proof the Filipino workforce and ensure the country remains competitive in the global digital economy.