Manila: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is setting its sights on transforming the Philippines into an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered nation by 2028, as part of its National AI Strategy (NAIS PH) project. During the National AI Stakeholders' Conference held in Manila, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. outlined the project's objectives, which include building robust infrastructure, developing a future-ready workforce, upholding ethical governance, and strengthening research and innovation through AI.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DOST envisions AI as a public good that will enhance lives, expand opportunities, and facilitate a sustainable technology-driven future for Filipinos. Currently, AI is being utilized to improve the country's transport systems, modernize financial services, boost creative industries, enhance energy and environmental monitoring, and strengthen national defense and public security. Over PHP2.3 million has been invested in 113 AI-related projects, showcasing the belief in the Filipino mind's capability to innovate technology.
The AI framework in the Philippines was initiated in 2017 through a collaborative effort involving the DOST, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Education (DepEd), and various government agencies and private partners. Efforts have been made to train researchers, acquire high-performance computing infrastructure, and support AI research and development through the DOST - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).
Both DOST and DTI have developed AI roadmaps to guide the national direction on AI. An education center for AI research has been established within DepEd to advance AI education and awareness at both basic and higher educational levels. To achieve the vision of an AI-powered Philippines, NAIS PH has identified five key strategies: infrastructure, workforce, innovation, data governance and policy, and deployment.
The Philippine AI Implementation Framework aims to create a collaborative AI ecosystem linking public and private sectors, academia, startups, and international partners. This framework focuses on nurturing AI refineries and factories to transform ideas into real-world applications in areas such as health, education, smart agriculture, and climate resilience.
In terms of workforce development, the DOST plans to train 10,000 AI-capable workers to deploy AI-ready solutions. This includes preparing industry-ready personnel to support AI integration in businesses, increasing AI micro-credential offerings in higher education, and utilizing platforms like Coursera and Sparta for scalable learning.
The National AI Stakeholders' Conference, held at the Manila Hotel, brought together leaders from various sectors to foster a collaborative AI ecosystem as part of the ongoing implementation of NAIS PH.
