PwC has significantly expanded its strategic investment in the Philippines, reinforcing its long-term commitment to developing the nation’s talent pool. The firm’s ongoing focus is on cultivating a future-ready workforce at its Acceleration Center Manila, underpinning PwC’s global service capabilities.

Proof of PwC’s drive to talent development is its newly built Acceleration Center at the heart of the Bonifacio Global City business district. This million-dollar modern facility complements an existing hub in Pasig City, signalling a deepened commitment rather than a temporary venture.

The Philippines is clearly identified as a vital global talent and innovation hub, critical for supporting PwC clients across more than 26 countries, including key markets like the US, Australia, and New Zealand.

Nilesh Sharma, General Manager of PwC AC Manila, lauded the resilience and client-centric nature of Filipinos, which make them the best foundation for the future of the business.

“Nothing is too hard for them. The resilience they exhibit every single day is why we’ve been so successful in the last 15 or so years here and in 100 years beyond that,” he told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The ‘human-led, tech-powered’ blueprint

PwC’s global philosophy of being “human-led and tech-powered” continues to serve as the blueprint for its talent development in Manila. The approach focuses on arming professionals with advanced technical skills in areas such as AI and cybersecurity.

Simultaneously, PwC emphasises cultivating crucial human attributes: critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. The goal is to develop a workforce that doesn’t just use cutting-edge tools but leverages them with insight and empathy to solve complex client problems.

The company’s strategy fosters a “culture of continuous learning and professional growth”. Employees are actively encouraged to develop skills outside their comfort zone.

For instance, PwC’s holistic My+ framework further supports this, with its development pillar offering ongoing feedback, coaching, and growth opportunities. The programme ensures individuals can thrive and reach their professional goals no matter where they are in their careers, aligning personal growth with firm-wide strategic objectives.

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From campus to leadership: A comprehensive talent pipeline

PwC’s commitment spans the entire professional journey. For aspiring talent, the firm offers meticulously designed paid internships to tertiary-level students across various disciplines. These programmes provide hands-on experience, industry exposure, and valuable connections, immersing interns in live projects under expert guidance.

PwC AC Manila actively engages with academic institutions. Through its Campus Recruitment Team, the firm participates in job fairs, leads discussions at universities, and builds partnerships. This proactive collaboration, combined with scholarship programmes, helps shape future graduates’ skill sets to meet industry demands.

For current professionals, upskilling is a continuous, vital process. The firm focuses on “high-end technology” domains, knowing that initial hires may not possess all necessary skills.

The PwC 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer found that “skills sought by employers are changing 66% faster in jobs ‘most exposed’ to AI,” making this continuous training essential for maintaining a competitive edge.

Leadership development is another cornerstone of PwC’s talent development thrust. The company has talent development managers tasked with guiding and mentoring junior staff. Mentorship has always been ingrained in PwC’s culture, with leaders sharing inspiring career stories and essential skills.

Strategic infrastructure and inclusive growth

A key enabler of this talent strategy is the PwC Philippines Learning and Experience Hub, launched in July 2024. This pioneering facility is designed to “bridge the gap between academia and industry” and produce world-class talents. The state-of-the-art facilities create an optimal environment for learning and collaboration, while the strategic location of the hub – easily accessible from major academic institutions – fosters strong connections with students and academic partners.

Beyond its physical utility, the hub embodies PwC’s commitment to inclusivity. It offers “transformative work opportunities” for members of the community, including persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.

PwC Philippines said it actively “values the unique skills and perspectives they bring” and integrates them into various roles.

“Every contribution, regardless of age or ability, strengthens our purpose,” Roderick Danao, PwC Philippines chairman and senior partner, told The Manila Times.

A playbook for future-proof talent strategies

PwC’s sustained investment and strategic talent development in the Philippines offer a blueprint for any organisation seeking to thrive in a dynamic global landscape. Their model distills into several key strategic lessons:

Human capital is a core investment

The most impactful investments are often in people, not just physical facilities, equipment or technology. Long-term success hinges on nurturing and developing your workforce as a strategic asset.

Tech investments must boost human capabilities

Don’t just acquire technology; ensure your people are equipped to maximise its potential. This means fostering both advanced technical skills and critical human traits such as problem-solving, creativity, and emotional intelligence.

Build a holistic talent ecosystem

Talent development isn’t a one-off programme. Create interconnected initiatives that support individuals across their entire professional journey, from entry-level to leadership roles.

Forge strategic partnerships

Look beyond internal capabilities. Collaborating with educational institutions, industry bodies, and community organisations can create a wider talent pipeline and ensure the competencies of your workforce align with future market demands.

Inclusivity is a must

Diversity isn’t just about compliance; it’s a source of strength and innovation. Actively seek out and integrate talent from all backgrounds and recognise the unique skills and perspectives they bring to the organisation.

People need purpose and community

Beyond compensation, foster an environment where employees find meaningful work, feel valued, and see clear pathways for growth. This is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent in competitive markets.

Leverage global talent pools extensively

Identify regions with high-quality talent and invest in their development. Local hubs can become critical components of a broader service delivery model and enhance an organisation’s global edge.

PwC Acceleration Center Manila demonstrates how a well-executed talent strategy, combining investment, partnerships, and an inclusive culture, can build a resilient, adaptable, and future-ready workforce to support ambitious global growth.