|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
To foster the responsible and ethical incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive economic development in the Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, engage in strategic dialogues, and avail networking opportunities.
DTI, in partnership with a private player, organised the Industrial Digital Transformation Congress (IDTC) and AI Asia Expo. It brought together government, industry, and academic representatives. Sessions featured experts discussing responsible AI, vibrant AI ecosystems, and the role of AI in various industries. This provided a thorough exploration of AI integration, considerations, and practical insights into responsible and innovative applications.
The government solidified its commitment to promoting and regulating the responsible use of AI through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between DTI and an organisation dedicated to advancing AI and analytics capabilities in the country. The emphasis was placed on the need for ongoing collaboration.
DTI Secretary Fred Pascual outlined several government initiatives, including the development of DTI’s National AI Strategy Roadmap, aimed at shaping the future of AI in the Philippines. This commitment was echoed by Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), affirming its dedication to supporting emerging technologies to transform the Philippines into a prosperous digital economy.
Pascual stated, “The future we envision is one where AI becomes an integral part of our lives, a tool that uplifts, augments, and brings forth unparalleled opportunities. Together, we can shape a future where the synergy of human ingenuity and AI advancements propels us to new horizons.”
As the country’s digital transformation journey progresses, it becomes crucial to perceive AI as more than just technology; it emerges as a strong partner on the path to development, working with established goals. AI does not replace it, it empowers. Through responsible integration, collaboration, and ethical considerations, AI can propel a Philippines where human-centred innovations empowered by AI are at the core of progress, Pascual noted.
At the event, DTI Undersecretary Aldaba presented the Philippine Industrialisation Strategy and encouraged collective efforts to transform the challenges of AI into opportunities for growth. She said that implementing AI is complex and multi-faceted, requiring an understanding of technology, industry-specific knowledge, and ethical considerations simultaneously. Collaboration is the bedrock of successful AI adoption, bringing together diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources to ensure that AI systems are not only robust and effective but also align with broader social and economic goals.
In tandem with the IDTC, the AI Asia Expo highlighted AI’s significance in regional digital transformation and inclusive growth. The conference explored key themes including AI in healthcare, manufacturing, environment and sustainability, and generative AI through a series of talks, panel sessions, and symposiums. In addition, the AI Asia Expo showcased exhibits by both international and local companies, presenting cutting-edge AI products, services, and initiatives.
Under the National AI Strategy Roadmap, the Philippines will accelerate AI adoption, propelling industrial development, fostering high-quality entrepreneurship, and creating higher-paying opportunities for Filipinos. The AI roadmap seeks to position the Philippines as a regional AI hub, supported by a local talent pool and a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.
It aims to apply AI across various sectors, including real estate, banking and financial services, surveillance, retail and e-commerce, education, space exploration, agribusiness, urban planning, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics and transportation.
