Department of Trade and Industry targets retail skill gaps

Framework and GS1 standards aim to modernise the sector.

The Philippine government is moving to address skill gaps in the retail sector through a new skills framework and industry digitalisation efforts, as retailers struggle to sustain employment and modernise supply chains.

In an interview on the sidelines of the RA Summit held in Makati on March 11, Maria Liza Sandina David, Assistant Division Chief of the Supply Chain and Logistics Group at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), said the Philippine Skills Framework for retail aims to identify the capabilities the sector currently lacks. 

The government is still mapping the needs of the sector as workforce requirements remain fragmented. David added that authorities have yet to determine which roles and skills must be developed.

Industry consultations have already highlighted employment challenges, particularly in retaining younger workers. “We were informed… that we also have problems in sustaining the employment of our younger generations,” David said. She added that retailers are exploring alternative work models, including gig-based arrangements for some retail functions.

Alongside workforce development, the government is working with GS1 to accelerate standardisation and digitalisation in the sector. David said retail groups have been urged to adopt barcode standardisation by 2027. 

DTI believes standardisation will strengthen supply chain coordination across industries. “If the retailers push for GS1 standardisation the supply chain and manufacturing will follow as well,” David said, adding that the government supports GS1 because “they are the most active in promoting the standardisation.”