Professional networking site LinkedIn has joined forces with the Department of Education in the Philippines to enhance the professional growth of over 200,000 public school teachers across the country.

The collaboration – aimed at strengthening educators’ competencies in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence – grants teachers access to LinkedIn Learning courses aligned with the Philippines Professional Standards for Educators.

Apart from upskilling teachers, DepEd will also leverage LinkedIn Talent Insights to refine curriculum design, particularly for senior high school students.

By taking a data-driven approach, the education sector seeks to ensure that learning remains relevant, equipping graduates with the skills they need to thrive in today’s job market.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the urgency of adapting to fast-moving technological shifts.

“I think in terms of lifelong learning and upskilling, in a very uncertain world where change is so rapid, this is a real asset to have for our teachers, this option. And the option of also learning online makes it more accessible,” he said at a media briefing on the project.

Angara said the courses will also count towards teachers’ professional development and licensure renewal, making this initiative a “win-win for our teachers”.

Empowering teachers with learning autonomy

One of the most significant shifts this partnership introduces is greater autonomy for educators in choosing their professional development paths.

Teachers often have limited control over their training programmes, often being assigned courses with little input. Now, they have the flexibility to select learning programs that align with their personal and professional growth.

“In the past, the teachers didn’t really have a choice as to what they were going to be trained in … Now, there’s so much autonomy for them,” Angara said.

Such flexibility allows teachers to tailor their learning journeys to their developmental needs, thereby making them more agile in adapting to the demands of modern education.

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Bridging skills gaps and preparing job-ready graduates

The partnership is particularly crucial as the country faces mounting educational and workforce challenges. The Philippines is grappling with a shortage of nearly 90,000 educators, and the global pandemic has further underscored the necessity of equipping teachers with digital and pedagogical skills.

By tapping into LinkedIn’s vast knowledge base and global insights, DepEd hopes to strengthen its professional development programmes beyond one-off training initiatives.

Angara believes this approach would help “close skill gaps, improve competencies, and drive meaningful change in classrooms nationwide”.

The initiative extends beyond teachers to senior high school students, ensuring that their education aligns with in-demand skills.

The use of LinkedIn Talent Insights is expected to help shape curricula that reflect industry trends and foster a generation of job-ready graduates who can seamlessly transition into the workforce.

With LinkedIn’s Work Change Report forecasting that the skill requirements for jobs in the Philippines will shift by 70% by 2030, there is an urgent need for adaptability.

The rise of AI has already transformed the job market, with 10% of workers hired in 2024 holding job titles that did not exist in 2000. Positions such as AI engineer, data scientist, sustainability manager, and customer success manager have become mainstream.

But while AI-related skills are in high demand, business leaders also recognise the enduring value of human-centric competencies.

According to LinkedIn, 68% of Filipino employers would prioritise a less experienced candidate with AI skills over a seasoned professional without them. However, as automation handles more routine tasks, soft skills are becoming a crucial differentiator.

Six of the top 10 fastest-growing skills in the Philippines are soft skills, with writing and critical thinking leading the charge, followed by problem-solving, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

“AI will continue to drive up the value of skills as it becomes relevant to every job in the future and becomes integrated into many tasks,” said Feon Ang, LinkedIn’s APAC managing director at LinkedIn.

“But as we integrate this technology into daily work, human skills like communication, creative thinking, and leadership will become even more critical.”

Equipping the next generation for the future of work

Recognising the importance of digital fluency, DepEd plans to introduce LinkedIn 101 training for senior high school students. These sessions will equip students with essential skills to optimise their profiles, build professional networks, and position themselves effectively in a competitive job market.

Conducted in collaboration with LinkedIn, the training will help students showcase their skills, achievements, and experiences, making them more visible to recruiters and opening doors to economic opportunities.

Through this partnership, DepEd aims to upskill educators and future-proof the Philippine workforce.

“By preparing educators and students alike for the evolving job market, we can collectively empower the next generation of Filipino professionals to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and competitive landscape,” Angara said.

AI might be reshaping industries at breakneck speed, but the ability to learn and adapt has never been more critical. In the new world of work, knowledge is the currency that defines success.