Jakarta, Indonesia – The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) emphasized the critical need to reskill the public sector workforce in the digital age during the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Workshop on Reskilling the Public Sector Workforce, held from September 17 to 20, 2024, in Jakarta. This event, organized in collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower, focused on equipping government employees with the digital competencies required to thrive in the post-pandemic landscape.

Marietta Q. Umbay, Division Chief of DAP’s Human Resource Development Division (HRDD), represented the Philippines at the workshop. Umbay underscored the importance of reskilling initiatives, particularly in digital technologies, to meet the ever-evolving needs of citizens and address the fast-paced technological advancements transforming governance. She also highlighted the necessity of combining technical expertise with essential soft skills such as collaboration, adaptability, and leadership to foster a resilient and innovative public service culture.

Addressing the Skills Gap in the Post-Pandemic Era

Aligned with APO’s Vision 2025, which aims to drive inclusive and innovation-led productivity growth across the Asia-Pacific, the workshop aimed to develop strategies for integrating new technologies into public-sector functions. Key discussions revolved around the changing skill demands in the new normal, improving workforce capabilities, and implementing effective reskilling programs to enable public-sector personnel to respond swiftly to emerging challenges.

As the focal organization for the Asian Productivity Organization, the DAP remains committed to advancing reskilling strategies that bolster digital transformation and improve public service delivery. The DAP’s participation in this workshop reaffirms its dedication to fostering excellence and innovation in governance, contributing to the country’s pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development.