Philippines advances digital construction skills

MANILA (ILO News) - The Philippines has taken a major step toward modernizing its construction industry after a core group of trainers completed a master training on Building Information Modeling (BIM), a digital system now widely used in major construction projects around the world.

The intensive training programme, held from 18 to 22 May 2026, equipped master trainers who will lead the nationwide rollout of BIM training in the country. More importantly, the programme established a local team that can adapt global BIM standards to Philippine industry needs and train future workers across regions.

BIM is now required in many countries for publicly funded and large-scale construction projects because it improves transparency, cuts waste, strengthens project management, and helps ensure better use of public funds. The system allows engineers, architects, and contractors to work from shared digital models that improve planning, safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Through the training, the Korea Polytechnic University introduced South Korean technical-vocational education methods and practical BIM applications used in high-technology construction projects, including semiconductor facilities. Participants learned project information management, structural and architectural modeling, digital drawing production, and strategic BIM applications for complex projects.

The programme is part of the International Labour Organization (ILO)-Korea Partnership Programme on Advancing Digital and Green Skills for Youth in ASEAN. The initiative aims to equip young Filipinos, especially those from low- and middle-skill backgrounds, gain access to higher-paying and more secure jobs in the growing green and digital economy.

"The transformation of the construction sector through digital and green technologies like BIM creates opportunities for safer, formal, and better-paying jobs," said Joshua Miguel Lopez, National Project Coordinator of the ILO/Korea Partnership Programme on Advancing Digital and Green Skills for Youth in ASEAN. "The challenge is making sure young workers can access these opportunities. Our master trainers will play a key role in bringing these skills to more workers across the country."

Although the first group includes only 10 master trainers, the programme is designed for long-term national impact. The trainers are expected to support the development of future BIM courses, strengthen technical training institutions, and help expand access to digital construction skills nationwide.

"Developing a strong pool of BIM trainers is an important step in strengthening our TVET system's capacity to support the growing demand for digital and green skills in the construction sector. BIM has already been identified as a valuable emerging competency in preparing a more future-ready workforce," said Engineer Michael Gayona, Center Coordinator of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Green Technology Center.

Construction remains one of the Philippines' strongest sources of jobs, employing millions of workers and driving economic activity beyond Metro Manila. The sector also supports overseas employment, with Filipino engineers, architects, and skilled workers in demand in infrastructure and construction projects across the Middle East, Asia, and other regions.

As countries increasingly adopt digital construction systems, BIM skills are expected to become more important for Filipino workers competing in both local and global labour markets.

"Skills are becoming the new currency in the job market. As such, having digital and green skills are vital in keeping abreast to global practices and career progression among Filipinos," said Engineer Ronaldo Elepaño, Jr., Immediate Past President of the Philippine Constructors Association.

The ILO/Korea Partnership Programme's Advancing Digital and Green Skills for Youth in ASEAN seeks to future-proof the region's construction workforce, especially the youth. In the Philippines, the initiative is implemented with the support of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Philippine Constructors Association, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Construction Manpower Development Foundation.