By Ken Lerona
Iloilo is poised for significant growth. As sectors like tourism, agriculture, BPO, real estate, and services expand, our future hinges on having a skilled, industry-ready workforce. While our schools have produced commendable talent, we must now equip our people with cutting-edge skills in digitalization, marketing, artificial intelligence, and modern human resource management. Retaining our top talent—rather than losing them to Manila, Cebu, or overseas—requires continuous retraining that meets the demands of a booming economy.
Iloilo’s economic surge is unfolding before our eyes. New infrastructure and increased trade are positioning our city and province as a central hub in the Visayas. However, this growth brings a crucial challenge: preparing our workforce not only for today’s needs but also for tomorrow’s innovations. The rapid rise of AI and digital transformation is reshaping industries, and our human capital must keep pace.
Learning from Regional Models
We can draw inspiration from ASEAN regional leaders. Singapore’s SkillsFuture program exemplifies how continuous, government-led training can keep a workforce agile and future-ready. Malaysia’s focus on vocational training aligns educational outcomes with market needs. In Thailand, close collaboration between government and industry has resulted in programs that effectively bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world skills. These models illustrate that a strategic partnership between public and private sectors can cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
Investing in Lifelong Learning
To stay competitive, all sectors must invest in the research, design, and funding of lifelong learning programs. Research helps us understand emerging technologies and market trends, ensuring that training remains relevant. Expert-designed curricula, developed in collaboration with industry and academia, can create flexible and scalable programs for our workforce. Adequate funding—through government incentives, private investment, and collaborative funding models—is essential to make these programs accessible and effective.
A Collaborative Path Forward
For Iloilo to capitalize on its economic boom, our government and business leaders must work together. Investments in digital transformation and professional development should be complemented by robust support for lifelong learning initiatives. Local businesses need to update their talent strategies and create environments that nurture innovation and skill development. By establishing clear incentives, comprehensive training programs, and strong mentorship opportunities, we can ensure that our workforce remains both competitive and forward-thinking.
I return home with the conviction that our greatest strength lies in our people. My experience has shown me the transformative power of continuous learning and innovation. Now, more than ever, we must invest in our human capital to secure a bright future for Iloilo. This is a call to our leaders, educators, and business owners: let’s join forces to build an ecosystem where lifelong learning is the norm. By doing so, we can prepare our workforce not only to meet the challenges of a dynamic global economy but also to drive the economic boom that is on our doorstep.
Together, we can ensure that Iloilo’s human resources remain at the forefront of innovation, powering our region’s success for generations to come.
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Ken Lerona is a marketing and branding leader with over 20 years of experience. He conducts talks and workshops for private and government organizations and consults on innovation and reputational risk management. Connect with him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenlerona.
