Preparing the Philippines for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

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The 2017–2018 Economic Policy Monitor (EPM) focuses on the emerging technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe), such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data, alongside their latest trends and commercial applications in the Philippines. It specifically looks at the impact of FIRe technologies on the labor market, education and human capital, social protection, trade and investment, and sustainable development. It finds that while most of the FIRe technologies are already present in the Philippines, many of them are still in the preliminary stage of adoption. This EPM issue also assesses the country's economic progress in 2017 and looks at the growth prospects for 2018–2019. It also provides policy updates on poverty reduction, social protection for the elderly, women, housing, health, education, agriculture, environment and natural resources, energy, industry, trade in services, and fiscal policy.