AN OFFICIAL of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) urged workers in the agriculture sector to consider shifting to the manufacturing industry, saying that the next industrial revolution is already near.
In an interview, Dole Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) Director, Dominique Tutay, said it would be better if agricultural workers would start changing their mindset towards work.
"There may already be a need to transition from agricultural to manufacturing by using the agri-business concept and high value chains," said Tutay.
She said such a shift is necessary as the agricultural sector is projected to have the highest probability of automation under the 4th Industrial Revolution.
This, she added, is besides the fact that many farmers and other agricultural workers are adversely affected by the high number of typhoons hitting the country.
"We always experience these typhoons, and if you combine it with the fourth Industrial Revolution, we may see a further decline in the sector," said Tutay.
Earlier, the Department of Trade and Industry warned that Filipinos could lose more than 18 million jobs in the next 5 to 6 years due to automation of work. The most affected, in particular, is the agriculture sector with 6 million jobs at risk.
According to Tutay, the 4th Industrial Revolution should not be feared for bringing risks to workers. Instead, she urged the public to transition themselves to newer skills by being in tune with new types of occupation.
"The new occupations that will be created will require a separate or another kind of skill for workers," pointed Tutay. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)