Taguig city: Officials from both the public and private sectors emphasized the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing service delivery while highlighting the necessity of upskilling workers to meet emerging challenges.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a panel discussion at the AWS Cloud Day Philippines AI edition event in Taguig City, Maria Francesca Del Rosario, Undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), shared insights into the Marcos administration's efforts to leverage AI. The government has increased funding for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to enhance workers' technological capabilities and elevate AI-related programs.

Del Rosario elaborated on the government's budget allocation aimed at upskilling workers, specifically through TESDA, to prepare them for the challenges posed by AI. The DOST's 10-year AI Research and Development framework, spanning from 2019-2029, focuses on national infrastructure, talent and skills development, research and data, and policies and stakeholder engagement. From 2018 to 2024, DOST has invested approximately PHP1.4 billion in AI-focused projects, including the Computing and Archiving Research Environment (COARE), the Philippine Sky Artificial Intelligence Program (SkAI-Pinas), and the Accelerated Earthquake Multi-hazards Mapping and Risk Assessment Program (ACER).

Carl Cruz, president and CEO of Globe Telecom, discussed the importance of AI in telecommunications for network planning, marketing, customer engagement, and operational efficiency. He noted that Globe Telecom has integrated AI across its organization, allowing employees to develop their own AI tools.

A survey conducted for Amazon Web Services (AWS) with participation from 2,000 Filipinos, including 1,000 business leaders, revealed an increase in AI adoption among businesses in the country. The survey indicated that approximately 80,000 businesses began using AI in 2024, averaging more than nine new adopters every hour. This represents a 50 percent increase from 2023, with 21 percent of surveyed businesses now utilizing AI.

The survey results, released to journalists, showed that 64 percent of businesses that adopted AI experienced revenue growth, with an average increase of 18 percent. Additionally, 70 percent reported significant productivity improvements, especially in customer service and engagement, automating routine tasks, and sales and marketing automation.