The Philippines must go beyond the potential of its talent

While most of us were being entertained by the national flood control circus, another bombshell suddenly dropped within our midst. The Philippines is now near the bottom of the 2025 IMB World Talent Ranking, being ranked 64th out of 69 economies covered in the report.

- TECH4GOOD FORMER DICT UNDERSECRETARY MON B. IBRAHIM

When we do investment roadshows abroad, we always showcase the Filipino talent. But what is actually being featured is the number of college graduates that we produce every year. It appears that we will need to revise our pitch decks to focus on what truly matters to investors and our nation's economic progress now.

Finding ourselves in the current talent ranking, which is also reflected in the World Competitiveness Ranking, is an uncomfortable position that highlights deep structural challenges in how we develop, attract, and retain skilled individuals. This ranking is more than just a number; it is a mirror showing the state of our talent ecosystem and a warning about our future competitiveness and long-term economic health.

In the fierce global economy, the most valuable currency is not capital or technology—it is talent. Companies seek locations with a readily available pool of qualified workers. Nations that successfully cultivate, attract, and retain skilled individuals are the ones that innovate, grow, and lead. This is the stark reality presented by the IMD World Talent Ranking 2025, and for the Philippines, it is another critical wake-up call.

The annual talent report evaluates countries across three pillars: investment and development, appeal, and readiness.