In an era where AI tools like ChatGPT are making headlines daily, Filipino remote workers face a pressing question: Will AI Replace Filipino Remote Workers?
With the Philippines being a global hub for outsourced work – especially in areas like customer service, virtual assistance, and data entry – many Filipino remote workers may find themselves at risk as AI-driven tools take on tasks traditionally handled by humans.
As companies seek to streamline operations and reduce costs, roles that require repetitive tasks or routine problem-solving are increasingly becoming candidates for automation.
To address this concern, we reached out to Gian Gallegos, AI automation specialist and founder of Truelytics Solutions, who brings a unique perspective as both a tech innovator and a champion for Filipino entrepreneurship.
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From No Background to Tech Innovator
Q: What sparked your personal interest in AI, and how has it influenced your career journey?
A: “You know that moment when you realize tech isn’t just for Silicon Valley bros who drink protein shakes for breakfast? That hit me hard. Nung naintindihan ko na AI isn’t just “pang big-time,” it opened my eyes. It’s like seeing your lola figure out how to use Facebook – sobrang empowering.
I started with the basics, experimenting with automation tools like Make.com, hanggang sa makita ko na it’s not about replacing people, it’s about amplifying what we can do.
From there, I realized how much AI could do for us here in the Philippines, lalo na sa mga small businesses and freelancers na sobrang hardworking pero limited ang resources. It pushed me to start Truelytics Solutions as well as Ai Automation Agency and even create Talyer AI, a space for Pinoys to learn AI without feeling overwhelmed.”
"AI isn’t just pang big-time..."
Q: Many people are intimidated by AI, thinking it's only for tech experts. In your opinion, how accessible is AI for beginners?
A: “AI can look scary at first – parang calculus siya, pero mas friendly (Okay, slightly more friendly.) The truth is, you don’t need to be a tech wizard to start. Karamihan sa tools ngayon, drag-and-drop na lang. No coding required!
ChatGPT? It’s like texting your nerdy but helpful bespren.
Playground AI? Pang-layout ng meme mo in seconds.
For beginners, ang key is to start small. Automate one thing muna, like scheduling emails or generating captions. Once you see how it works, ang dali na niyang iscale. AI isn’t an exclusive club. It’s more like karaoke – anyone can join in, kahit minsan off-key.”
The Big Question: Will AI Replace Filipino Remote Workers?
Q: Let's address the elephant in the room - will AI replace Filipino remote workers?
A: “Hindi naman tayo endangered species, promise. AI won’t replace us – pero it will replace repetitive tasks.
Think of it this way: AI is like your efficient assistant. It frees you up from boring, mundane stuff so you can focus on the creative and strategic parts of your work.
Take customer service, for example. Chatbots can handle FAQs, pero kapag may irate customer na may malalim na hugot? Doon papasok ang Pinoy charm and empathy.
Those human skills – pakikisama, creativity, and adaptability – AI can’t copy that. So no, hindi tayo papalitan. Pero if we embrace AI as a partner, mas malaki ang chance natin to level up.”
Q: For businesses or individuals just beginning to experiment with AI automation, what are some of the most impactful first steps?
A: “Start with tools that solve your biggest pain points. For freelancers, this might be managing client communications. Subukan mo ChatGPT for drafting emails or calendar tools like Calendly integrations (I personally use Cal.com due to simplified integrations with Make.com) para less back-and-forth sa scheduling.
For small business owners, AI-powered chatbots are a game-changer. Imagine automating customer inquiries habang tulog ka. Also, explore tools like Playground, Ideogram, Leonardo for design tasks. Hindi mo kailangang gastusan agad ng malaki. Maraming free or low-cost tools available – Talyer AI community nga namin, sobrang daming recommendations for that!”
Preparing for the Inevitable AI Future
Q: What basic concepts or building blocks do RFWs need to understand about AI?
A: “First, understand na AI isn’t magic – it’s math. It’s just a system that learns from data and uses it to make predictions or automate tasks. Kahit basic lang, like understanding what machine learning is or how chatbots work, can give you a better perspective.
Second, learn the tools. Tools like Make.com are life-savers. If you know how to connect apps and create workflows, parang may assistant ka na rin. Lastly, tandaan mo na AI works best with human input. Your creativity and strategy will always be its foundation.”
"AI isn’t magic - it's math. Learn the tools.
Q: How can remote workers balance learning AI with other responsibilities, like a full-time job or family life?
A: “Squeeze it in like Netflix episodes. Seriously, spend 15-30 minutes a day exploring AI tools or watching tutorials.
Nag-aalmusal ka? Check out free courses from Google or YouTube. Naghihintay ng Lalamove? Play around with ChatGPT on your phone and use the voice feature to give it instructions (the most underrated function of ChatGPT).
Also, join communities like Talyer AI. It’s like having a study group na masaya, walang pressure, at may sense of humor. Learning AI doesn’t have to feel like school – it can be as casual as chatting with friends. Remember, consistency beats intensity. Kahit konti lang daily, malaki ang impact over time.”
Q: What specific steps can Filipino remote workers take today to stay relevant in an AI-enhanced workplace?
A: “I would follow this plan:
- Upskill Regularly: Take free certifications – Google’s AI for Everyone course, for example, is a great start. I share this always whenever I give webinars for beginners in AI learning.
- Join Communities: Whether it’s Discord servers like Talyer AI (shameless plug…haha) or Facebook groups, ang daming free resources and advice.
- Build Your Portfolio: Show off how you’re using AI in your work. Automated content? Optimized workflows? Flex mo na yan!
- Stay Curious: AI changes fast, so keep experimenting. Try new tools, test workflows, and see what sticks.
- Leverage Your Human Skills: AI will do the repetitive stuff, but emotional intelligence, creativity, and critical thinking will always be in demand. Embrace those traits – they’re what make you irreplaceable. Watch the video of Simon Squibb interviewing Luke Belmar on Youtube. I wrote my key takeaways here.”
Summary: Real Talk with AI Specialist Gian Gallegos
And that’s the end of our real talk with AI specialist, Gian Gallegos. Here are some key points:
- AI Won’t Replace Filipino Remote Workers, But It Will Transform Their Roles: AI can handle routine customer service inquiries through chatbots, but the human touch – especially skills like empathy and creativity – remains irreplaceable. Filipino remote workers should view AI as a tool to free them from tedious work, allowing them to focus on more strategic, creative, and human-centric tasks.
- Embrace AI as a Partner to Level Up: By learning how to integrate AI into their workflows, remote workers can boost their productivity and offer higher-value services to clients.
- Upskilling and Continuous Learning Are Key to Staying Relevant: Filipino remote workers can future-proof their careers by upskilling and staying curious. Gian recommends regularly engaging in free AI courses, joining supportive communities like Talyer AI, and building a portfolio showcasing their use of AI to improve their work.
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