7 Most In-Demand Skills in the Philippines for 2025

The Philippines' tech sector is thriving, with the number of tech companies nearly tripling in recent years. This growth is supported by growth initiatives and government-backed digital transformation efforts. The digital economy in the Philippines is expected to reach US$150 billion in the next decade. Plus, according to the IT-BPM Association of the Philippines, the industry is expected to generate 1.1 million new jobs by 2028.

However, despite this massive growth, there is a significant skills gap in the labor market. The demand for cybersecurity experts, data analysts, and AI specialists continues to outpace the available talent. In this article, we are going to talk about top skills in demand in the Philippines. 

Key Aspects of Work Culture in the Philippines 

Understanding the key aspects of work culture in the Philippines is essential for building strong professional relationships, fostering teamwork, and ensuring smooth collaboration in Filipino workplaces.

• Hierarchy and Respect for Authority: Filipino workplaces often follow a strict hierarchical structure where seniority and job titles command respect. Employees tend to defer to managers and avoid openly challenging authority. Decision-making is typically centralized, with subordinates expected to follow directives rather than question leadership.

• Strong Sense of Community (Bayanihan Spirit): Workplaces in the Philippines emphasize camaraderie and teamwork. Employees often build close personal relationships with colleagues, creating a family-like atmosphere. Cooperation and mutual support are valued, making collaboration a key part of workplace dynamics.
• Emphasis on Personal Relationships (Pakikisama): Filipino work culture places high importance on maintaining harmony and avoiding conflict. Employees prioritize good relationships with coworkers and superiors, often going out of their way to be accommodating. Networking and personal connections also play a crucial role in professional growth and career opportunities.

What Skills are in Demand in the Philippines

According to the Philippines Labour Market Profile 2025/2026, several sectors in the Philippines are experiencing significant skill shortages. Some of these sectors are IT, healthcare manufacturing, etc. Here are the key skills you should master in the Philippines in 2025.

1. AI Skills

A recent study found that 75% of Philippine CEOs trust AI integration in their core business processes, emphasizing technological innovation as a key driver of growth. But despite this confidence, CEOs face challenges. About 28% cite a shortage of skills, and 28% technological disruption. This shows the growing demand for technically sound candidates with expertise in AI, machine learning, and data science. Up-skilling and specialized training programs are crucial in bridging the skills gap in the emerging job market.

2. Cybersecurity Skills 

According to a Palo Alto Networks report, 29% of organizations in the Philippines experienced a significant increase in security incidents, highlighting the growing cybersecurity threats in the country. To strengthen cyber resilience, the Philippine government introduced the National Cyber Security Plan (NCSP) 2023-2028, emphasizing robust defense strategies.

At the same time, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) is becoming popular across industries, requiring professionals skilled in network security and threat mitigation. However, as per experts, a shortage of cybersecurity expertise is something that needs to be addressed to drive this transformation in cybersecurity.

3. Renewable Energy Skills

The Philippines is ramping up investments in renewable energy and sustainability initiatives, with electricity generation in the sector expected to reach 19.45 billion kWh by 2025. The industry is projected to grow at a 1.29% annual rate (2025-2029). However, as demand surges especially in solar and energy storage the country faces a shortage of skilled talent, highlighting the urgent need for specialized workforce training in the renewable energy sector.

4. Healthcare Skills

The healthcare sector in the Philippines is struggling with low workforce participation and a shortage of skilled professionals in 2025. The gap will widen, and the shortage is expected to reach 250,000 healthcare workers by 2030, a big challenge to the country's healthcare system. In fact, the number of vacancies will grow even higher after 2030, and that's why the government is taking initiatives to attract more talent in this sector.

5. Construction Skills

CIAP (Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines),  a government agency that oversees the development and regulation of the construction industry in the Philippines, aims to improve the construction industry's growth and ensure workforce competitiveness

The authorities want to increase the workforce to 7 million under the Construction Industry Roadmap 2020-2030. However, the number of skilled professionals in technical roles does not match the demand. Many construction projects are facing delays due to a shortage of skilled labor, time to develop the workforce, and specialized training.

6. Business Communication Skills

The Philippine BPO industry faces a growing shortage of skilled technical talent, affecting its global competitiveness as AI adoption accelerates. IBPAP President Jack Madrid reports that due to the skill gap, this sector may struggle to fulfill 800,000 new jobs over the next five years. As AI reshapes the industry, the demand for tech-savvy professionals continues to rise, emphasizing the urgent need for talent development and digital skills training.

7. Data Analysis Skills

Philippine companies are advancing in data-driven decision making but the skills gap is a major challenge as industries evolve. The rise of digital transformation has further increased the demand for skilled professionals in IT and data analysis; businesses are struggling to fill critical roles. Addressing this gap through upskilling and specialized training is key to sustaining growth in this digital age.

How to Improve Your Skills for the Philippine Job Market

The Philippines government supports different vocational training institutions to equip people with industry-specific skills and improve employability. Below are some of the institutions offering vocational training:

TVET Philippines

The Philippines has a strong Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system managed by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). TVET focuses on equipping students with practical skills for various industries to meet local and global workforce demands. It plays a big role in bridging the skills gap and increasing employability, especially for those who may not pursue college degrees.

Pangasinan School of Arts and Trades (PSAT)

PSAT, managed by TESDA, is a government-backed vocational institution in Lingayen, Pangasinan. It offers TESDA-accredited courses like Automotive Servicing, Electrical Installation, Welding, and Bread and Pastry Production, providing hands-on training for industry-ready skills. As one of the oldest vocational schools, PSAT plays a role in developing a skilled workforce in the Philippines.

ISAT

The Isabela School of Arts and Trades is located in Ilagan City, Isabela. It operates under TESDA as a government-backed vocational institution. It offers TESDA-accredited programs like Automotive Servicing, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, and Information technology, equipping students with practical, industry-ready skills. ISAT is instrumental in developing a highly skilled workforce for local and global employment opportunities.

Conclusion

The demand for highly skilled professionals in the Philippines is growing due to technology, industry evolution, and global competition. Sectors like IT, healthcare, engineering, digital marketing, and skilled trades have plenty of career opportunities for those equipped with the right skills. Investing in vocational training, upskilling, and certifications is key to staying relevant and increasing employability.

If you want to improve your team's skills, rely on Edstellar Corporate Training to deliver expert-led programs tailored to your industry needs. With the Skill Matrix Tool, you can track performance, identify skill gaps, and develop a future-ready workforce for success in the job market.