The Philippines is experiencing a surge in demand for skilled software developers, prompting companies to devise innovative strategies to attract top talent in this competitive landscape.
Data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority in September reveals that software engineers are among the highest-paid professionals in the country, second only to pilots.
This high demand is further corroborated by market research firm IDC, which reported that companies in the region are struggling to find tech talent, with over half of the respondents citing a shortage of software developers and similar roles.
Strategies and emerging trends
In response to this talent gap, some companies are exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to replace or augment certain tasks traditionally performed by human software engineers — but even so, demand for exceptional tech talent remains strong.
For back-end development, companies typically seek candidates proficient in popular programming languages such as Java, PHP, and C#. Front-end development, on the other hand, requires expertise in standard technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, ReactJS, and similar tools.
An emerging trend is the growing demand for full-stack engineers who can handle both front-end and back-end aspects of web application development.
One tech stack we’ve seen gaining traction is Kotlin for back-end applications in conjunction with the Ktor framework. While Kotlin may not yet be widely adopted among Filipino programmers, its rapid growth suggests that it can be readily learned on the job, especially in companies that offer training programmes.
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Cebu is emerging as a thriving tech hub in the Philippines, fueled by the surging demand for skilled software developers, with the city presenting an ideal location for overseas startups and technology companies seeking to expand into the country.
For recent graduates embarking on their careers, Cebu offers a compelling choice, providing a more affordable lifestyle, reduced traffic congestion, and a more relaxed pace compared to the hectic dynamism of Manila.
Additionally, despite these lifestyle advantages, Cebu doesn’t compromise on diverse job opportunities in the tech sector.
Having witnessed the city’s transformation from a centre of business process outsourcing (BPO) and call centres to a hub for in-house software development roles, it has been gratifying to observe the evolution of Cebu’s tech landscape.
The role of education and future outlook
The Philippines’ education sector is also keeping pace with the industry’s requirements by introducing programming exposure for young minds still in school. Many educational institutions are now offering updated modules equipped with the latest skills.
During my visits to Philippines universities last year, I was impressed to see that a majority of graduating students were already engaged in job training at relevant companies.
In my own experience, leading a team of nearly 50 software engineers for our Japanese parent company, we are approaching a point where we can start accepting student training placements. I eagerly anticipate this opportunity to contribute to the development of the next generation of Filipino tech talent.
The Philippines’ tech industry is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by a surge in demand for skilled software developers.
While technical proficiency is essential, developers must also possess strong communication and presentation skills, particularly when working for international companies where English fluency is a requirement.
To attract top talent, both domestic and international firms are adopting strategies to establish themselves as employers of choice.
Incentives include modern office environments with robust infrastructure, recreational facilities, modern tech stacks, comprehensive healthcare coverage, and a rewarding workplace culture.
For anime and manga enthusiasts, joining a Japanese tech company may hold additional appeal due to cultural factors. This unique selling point can help these firms differentiate themselves from competitors and attract talent seeking a culturally enriching work environment.
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While AI is often perceived as a threat to human programmers, it is more accurate to view it as a productivity enhancer rather than a replacement.
Generative AI models, such as GPT-4 by OpenAI and similar offerings such as Google Bard, are revolutionising the coding process by automating tasks like code generation, completion, testing, and optimisation.
A McKinsey study revealed that software developers utilising generative AI tools could boost their productivity by up to 60 per cent, with the exact gain varying depending on code complexity.
Despite AI’s advancements, the expertise and creativity of human teams remain paramount. As AI capabilities evolve, policymakers rightly consider its long-term impact on employment.
However, in the short to medium term, the primary outcome will be enhanced productivity and the formation of more effective IT teams than ever before.
The continuous hiring sprees by tech leaders indicate that fears of robots replacing human programmers are unfounded for now. I believe the Philippines is poised to become a thriving tech hub where AI complements and empowers human talent.
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