Baguio: The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) on Wednesday emphasized the urgent need for the Philippines to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into governance and everyday systems. The agency warned that a failure to adapt could result in the country falling behind in the global technological shift.
According to Philippines News Agency, PIDS lead researcher Dr. Kris Francisco highlighted during the North Luzon media kickoff for the 23rd Development Policy Research Month at the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera conference hall that other countries are advancing rapidly in AI. Developed nations are already drafting AI regulations, and Francisco stressed the importance of the Philippines developing its own frameworks tailored to its unique priorities in healthcare, education, and agriculture.
Francisco cautioned that if the country does not act swiftly, existing inequalities exacerbated by AI could widen, potentially undoing progress achieved in recent years. PIDS President Dr. Philip Arnold Tua±o supported this view, noting that AI is transforming various aspects of life, including work, communication, decision-making, and public services.
Tua±o pointed out that AI could enhance government efficiency by reducing repetitive tasks, improving monitoring, and making services more responsive. Nonetheless, he expressed concerns about accountability, bias, data protection, and the inclusion of marginalized voices. He emphasized that AI in public service must align with community values, respect cultural identity, and adapt to local contexts to be beneficial.
He further underscored the importance of research in shaping AI policy, stressing that good governance in the AI era requires flexibility, community participation, and locally grounded solutions. Tua±o also noted the significance of holding the event in Baguio, stating that meaningful national conversations on AI must extend beyond the capital, as true learning begins within communities.
