LEAVING my home country to begin my career journey as a web developer in Tokyo, I was amazed by Japan’s advanced technological landscape.
It opened my eyes to remarkable innovations, but more importantly, it gave me a sense of purpose: to return home and leverage the skills I acquired to elevate Filipino tech talents on a global stage.
In recent decades, the tech industry in the Philippines has experienced significant growth, driven by a confluence of factors.
With the Philippines’ increasing number of IT graduates, the country has immense potential to become a regional tech hub. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
From an increasing number of IT graduates to improved infrastructure and a burgeoning startup ecosystem, particularly in cities such as Cebu and Manila, the country has immense potential to become a regional tech hub.
AI has underscored the importance of a tech-driven economy. With the Philippines’ digital economy projected to reach $150 billion in the next decade, I’m hopeful for a future where innovation and digital transformation are the key pillars of our development.
To achieve this, our leaders must play crucial roles by making substantial progress, taking initiative and leading by example.
Up-and-coming tech pool
The IT-BPM Association of the Philippines has bold predictions for our tech industry — expecting it to generate 1 million new jobs by 2028, including 150,000 crucial roles for developers.
This massive growth will require the right capabilities and diverse skill sets in the labor market. At the same time, it also requires managers and employers who have qualified experience in the technology space to nurture and upskill tech professionals.
The Filipino tech talent pool stands out because of its robust educational system, adaptability and creative power. I have personally seen our local software developers perform at levels that rival their international peers, proving time and again that they are ready and able to play on the world stage.
Cebu, in particular, is a gem waiting to be fully recognized. Beyond its academic strength and a steady stream of IT graduates, the city offers a business-friendly environment — a refreshing change from Manila’s gridlock.
I’m convinced that Cebu is on the brink of becoming a central hub for advanced technologies and groundbreaking innovations. However, recognizing this potential hinges on companies’ willingness to invest in proper training and professional development.
Reflecting on my ongoing journey with Sansan, where I returned to Cebu to onboard a team of skilled local engineers, I see a model that others could follow. Developers should be provided with long-term employment opportunities, continuous programs, mentorship and hands-on project experience.
The rapid pace of technological advances makes it clear: fostering innovation through continuous skill enhancement is not an option but an essential one. And in this field, Cebu could very well lead the way.
Value of digital transformation
I’m often inspired by questions about how the Philippines is advancing its digital agenda. From a regulatory perspective, our government has notably championed this cause through supportive policies and initiatives aimed at bolstering our digital infrastructure.
Substantial efforts include the Digital Transformation Development Policy Loan (DPL), the National Broadband Plan, and the Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap, which has significantly fostered e-payment adoption across the country.
These governmental strides empower us as business leaders to enhance our support for national objectives while staying efficient and competitive.
From a talent management viewpoint, we must inspire our workforce to embrace these efforts with the necessary skills and promising career opportunities.
At our global development center, we not only offer digital business solutions to facilitate the transition from traditional to digital operations but also place a strong emphasis on cultivating the right talent.
For instance, we encourage our local developers to take ownership of their projects and contribute to global product development, fostering both their professional and personal growth.
Tech leaders should adopt a forward-thinking approach to innovation and personnel development. Effective employee training, user-friendly digital solutions, and stringent cybersecurity measures are essential for firms, both local and international, to set benchmarks during this transitional period.
A commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility is as important as other aspects of the tech industry. Through positive societal impacts, companies indicate their commitment to delivering value and improving not just for their clients but for the broader community.
The question we, as a tech firm, often ask ourselves is: How can we use our technological solutions to drive positive social change and, overall, better our community?
With the right vision, people and culture, firms can meet the growing needs of their stakeholders and foster innovations that significantly benefit society.
A bridge of cultures and codes
Being in Japan for over a decade, I witnessed firsthand the impact of local context in the tech space.
Japan boasts advanced technological infrastructure and the Philippines is rapidly developing theirs. Both countries are steering the shift from traditional to digital processes, though Japan’s robust infrastructure allows for a faster pace.
Comparatively, the Philippine workforce is often described with vibrance and eagerness to embrace new technologies.
Given there are gaps to be filled, I believe that a fair tech leader must be able to identify and connect these local characteristics and work their way to support a productive workforce.
Adapting from Japanese work culture, we incorporate the spirit of “kaizen,” teamwork and discipline with the creative and flexible nature of Filipino developers.
Building a robust network of experienced seniors from Japan and connecting them with our local workforce, where enterprising junior engineers are inspired to learn, is extremely valuable.
Fostering a sense of fairness and inclusivity to mediate any misunderstandings, which can happen in a cross-cultural environment, is also key.
For instance, encouraging regular training sessions and team-building activities further strengthens mutual respect and understanding.
Providing these chances for local tech talents to hone their skills is a big part of what any leader in the Philippines tech ecosystem must focus on, supporting the business not only locally but also in terms of global efforts toward tech innovation and digitalization.
Jay Pegarido is the director and country manager at Sansan Global Development Center Inc., a software development center established in Cebu by one of Japan’s leading SaaS providers, offering various market-leading products and services.
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