The Philippines’ best and brightest recently expressed their opinions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Philippines. Led by Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda, talks at the BusinessWorld Economic Forum revealed the country’s potential to earn PHP 2.8 trillion through proper AI adoption by 2030.
Mr. Aguda acknowledged that AI is already a vital part of the present, especially in the way people work and live. However, Deloitte Philippines Country Head Ramon Chito Ramos chimed in saying that the workforce has not adapted quickly enough to accommodate AI growth.
He then added that upgrading digital infrastructure to accommodate AI as well as addressing the human elements would greatly improve execution speed. The truth is that the Philippines is currently behind and playing catch-up.
Globe Business director Jonathan Cristobal expressed his opinion that while AI adoption rates have been good, readiness has been “uneven.” A lot of companies have been willing to incorporate AI into their day-to-day processes but have struggled with the implementation.
If there were government or tax incentives to AI integration, companies may put in an even greater effort. Gogolook Philippines Country Head Mel Migrino added to this point, mentioning that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) could boost adoption rates among independent companies.
Despite this push for progress, Mr. Aguda reiterated the need for balance in innovation and safety. The DICT has concentrated its efforts on data protection and cybersecurity as AI has been integrated into more public and business services.
“AI governance can’t be about choosing between innovation and protection – we need both. And what we really need to protect is trust. Because without trust, adoption slows down, and the benefits won’t reach the people who need them most.”
He then concluded by saying: “At the DICT, our view is simple: rules must be principle-based and flexible, [as] technology moves too fast for rigid regulation.”
And that’s why he has revealed the PH’s national AI strategy roadmap that is centered on ethics, transparency, accountability, and human oversight into how AI is used in the country.
Do you think AI is really the way to growth?
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