The Philippine Offshoring Industry in the Era of AI

What happens when the technology expected to replace millions of workers instead begins changing the jobs they do? In the Philippines, one of the world's biggest offshoring and business-process-management hubs, artificial intelligence is reshaping the industry from within. In this episode, we explore how Filipino workers are using AI to boost productivity and take on increasingly sophisticated tasks, from accounting to medical records, while the sector continues to evolve. But beneath the promise of higher-value work lies a difficult question: what happens to entry-level jobs when automation begins taking over the first rungs of the career ladder? We also examine the growing pressure of algorithmic monitoring, as digital systems track performance, productivity, and call quality more closely than ever before. The story reveals an industry caught between opportunity and disruption—where AI may create more advanced forms of work, even as it slows the traditional path into employment.https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/08/06/the-philippines-big-offshoring-industry-is-growing-despite-ai