AI training to strengthen support to Filipino migrant entrepreneurs

Training specialists and reintegration officers from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) strengthened their capacity to use artificial intelligence to support entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.

The International Labour Organization, through the United Nations Joint Programme Digital PINAS, in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers, organized the Training of trainers on artificial intelligence for micro, small and medium enterprises (AI4MSMEs) from 23 to 25 October 2026.

The training brought together specialists from the National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers and the Migrant Workers Training Institute, regional officers responsible for reintegration services, and labour and employment officers preparing for overseas deployment. Participants developed practical knowledge of artificial intelligence, facilitation skills, and approaches to strengthen entrepreneurship and livelihood support for overseas Filipino workers and their families.

Through interactive discussions, hands-on exercises, and practice teaching sessions, the training strengthened their foundational understanding of AI and their capacity to promote its safe and effective use among OFWs and their families, particularly on:

• Basics of AI applications – Understanding how AI-powered mobile applications work and exploring practical ways these tools can support everyday tasks and small-business activities.
• AI risks and mitigation measures – Recognizing potential risks associated with AI, including inaccurate information, privacy concerns, and bias, while learning ways to use these technologies safely, critically, and responsibly.
• Overcoming connectivity challenges – Exploring practical approaches to using and teaching AI tools in settings with limited or unreliable internet connectivity, helping make digital learning more accessible and inclusive.
• Recognizing AI slop – Building awareness of low-quality, misleading, or inaccurate AI-generated content and emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, fact-checking, and human judgment when evaluating AI outputs.

The in-persons sessions will be followed by online coaching to ensure the trainers’ preparedness to guide OFW entrepreneurs in adopting AI in business operations. More than building technical knowledge, the training supports a broader goal: strengthening the capacity of DMW personnel to make AI-powered entrepreneurship learning more accessible to OFWs, returnees, and their families, particularly those pursuing sustainable livelihoods and small-business opportunities.

This partnership between ILO and the DMW sustains joint efforts to create opportunities for more Filipino entrepreneurs to confidently navigate today’s digital economy and tap opportunities for inclusive entrepreneurship and decent work.

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About Digital PINAS

Digital PINAS is a joint programme that supports MSME digitalization by addressing policy, regulatory, and systemic barriers to digital inclusion. It is implemented by ILO, ITC, and UNDP in partnership with the DICT and other government agencies. All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and the Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.

For further information on the ILO component of Digital PINAS, please see the programme page, or contact ILO Manila.