John Clements Consultants Inc. actively participated in the 61st Annual Conference of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), held from October 16-18, 2024, at the Iloilo Convention Center. The event, themed “Rehumanize,” focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities brought by AI in HR, as this technology reshapes the HR landscape and workforce strategies.
As one of the delegates, I witnessed insightful discussions and keynotes that explored the interplay between human resources and AI technologies, along with strategies to navigate this evolving landscape.
Day 1: Atty. Franklin Drilon’s Keynote
One of the highlights on the first day was the keynote address by former Senate President Atty. Franklin Drilon. His presentation, titled “Wisdom in Action: The Transformative Role of HR from the Boardroom to National Policy,” outlined the growing importance of HR professionals. He discussed their role in adapting to technological change. He emphasized that, in a world of rapid technological advancements, HR must reassess the competencies needed to ensure a future-ready workforce.
Atty. Drilon elaborated on how AI could modernize HR practices in several key areas:
- Improved Data Accuracy: AI-driven systems can enhance accuracy in recruitment processes, performance assessments, and workforce planning, minimizing human errors and biases.
- Enhanced Employee Experience: By automating routine tasks, AI allows HR to focus on creating a better employee experience, including more personalized development and learning programs.
- Increased Efficiency and Productivity: Automation reduces time spent on time-consuming administrative tasks, enabling HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives that add value to the organization.
Despite the benefits, Atty. Drilon cautioned about potential risks. He noted that algorithmic biases in AI can unintentionally affect diversity and inclusion. This can lead to unequal outcomes in recruitment and promotions. Additionally, while AI can manage data and processes efficiently, it lacks the emotional intelligence needed to handle interpersonal issues and nurture team dynamics.
Day 2: CEO Forum – The Transformation Agenda
The second day commenced with a highly anticipated CEO forum, titled “The CEO Transformation Agenda: Organizational Priorities, Threats, and Possibilities.” This forum brought together esteemed business leaders to discuss the critical role of leadership in navigating today’s rapidly changing landscape.
Karl Kendrick Chua, Managing Director for Data Science and AI at Ayala Corporation, underscored the importance of AI readiness for all employees. He emphasized Ayala’s commitment to sustainability, pointing out their aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Chua articulated that everything Ayala undertakes, from healthcare to finance and sustainable energy, is rooted in building businesses that enable people to thrive.
Jerome Ong, President & CEO of Foodsphere, Inc., shared how the company transitioned from a family-run business to a professionalized organization, which doubled its revenues from PhP 16B to 32B. He stressed the importance of focusing on people and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, including unions, to drive growth and stability.
Ernesto Tanmantiong, CEO of Jollibee Foods Corporation, discussed preserving their Filipino heritage while fostering a culture of joy, diversity, and inclusion. Jollibee’s success, both locally and internationally, is deeply rooted in the value of malasakit (compassion) for its employees and customers.
Jose Luigi Bautista, President & General Manager of NLEX Corporation, highlighted NLEX’s strategic focus on sustainability and succession planning, mentioning their ongoing efforts to address climate change and traffic congestion. He emphasized that leadership development, particularly through their succession planning program, plays a crucial role in NLEX’s long-term growth.
Lucio Tan III, President of PAL Holdings, Inc., shared how they weathered the financial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed the importance of transformation driven by a higher purpose—serving the country. Despite financial difficulties, PAL remained committed to greener aviation technologies and customer-centric innovations, further exemplifying their dedication to sustainability and service.
Concurrent Sessions
In the afternoon, I attended several concurrent sessions on leadership, the future of HR and work, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion:
Leadership: Evelyn Salagubang from BDO Unibank and Viennalyn Grajo of FactSet Philippines shared insights on adapting leadership strategies. They discussed the integration of HR technology into new work arrangements. Salagubang emphasized the importance of strategic communication during changes. Grajo highlighted the challenges of transitioning younger generations back to on-site work post-pandemic.
The Future of HR and Work: Liza Manalo-Mapagu of ASEAMETRICS led a session on AI in talent acquisition. She predicted a significant reduction in hiring times by 2025 due to AI-driven recruitment processes. Manalo-Mapagu explained how AI can optimize sourcing, screening, and interviewing, making recruitment more efficient.
Sustainability: Zedrik Avecilla of PARMS introduced key principles of the circular economy. He encouraged companies to collaborate with local governments to reduce waste and promote sustainable consumption. Avecilla outlined PARMS’ long-term plan to partner with businesses and local communities to innovate in packaging and waste management.
Diversity and Inclusion: Atty. Josephus Jimenez focused on the legal and ethical responsibilities of HR professionals. He emphasized the importance of promoting inclusive environments. Jimenez provided case studies to illustrate the need for compliance with anti-discrimination laws and fostering respect and belonging within the workforce.
Insights and Learnings
Balancing Technology and Human Oversight: Atty. Drilon emphasized that while AI can enhance HR functions, it cannot replace the emotional intelligence and ethical judgment that only humans provide.
People-Centric Transformation: The CEOs’ forum revealed a shared belief that successful transformation depends on balancing AI integration with a people-first approach. This focus prioritizes both employee well-being and customer satisfaction.
Ethical AI in HR: AI should not be seen as a replacement but as a tool to empower HR professionals. It is essential to maintain ethical oversight to prevent unintended biases in decision-making processes.
Sustainability as a Core Principle: There is a growing recognition that businesses must take a proactive role in promoting environmental sustainability. This is important not only for their success but also for the benefit of future generations.
Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering inclusive and diverse environments is both a legal obligation and a moral imperative for HR professionals. It ensures that all employees feel valued and respected.
Join the Discussion on AI in HR
Join the conversation on how AI is revolutionizing HR practices and reshaping the workforce landscape. At John Clements Consultants, we explore innovative ways AI can enhance recruitment, improve employee experiences, and promote sustainability in organizations. Connect with us for valuable insights and expertise that can help your business thrive in this rapidly evolving environment. Together, let’s unlock the full potential of AI in HR!
