By Manila Bulletin
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept—it’s already transforming the way we live, work, and make decisions. From customer service bots and algorithm-driven traffic systems to AI-generated learning tools and financial technologies, AI is reshaping industries and everyday life. But in the face of this global wave, a pressing question emerges for the Philippines: are we prepared?
In recent years, the government has taken crucial steps to embrace AI. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) have recognized AI as a key pillar for economic competitiveness. In 2021, the National AI Roadmap was launched with goals to develop an AI ecosystem and establish the country as an “AI Center for Excellence” in the ASEAN region.
In February 2025, the Department of Education (DepEd) launched the Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR) to provide AI-powered solutions in the education system. Started in 2024, this initiative builds on the pioneering efforts of the Center for AI Research (CAIR).
In May this year, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), unveiled its latest AI-powered innovations and digital infrastructure projects. These initiatives now support over 300 state universities and colleges, SMEs, research teams, and local government units across the country, providing them with access to advanced AI tools, training, and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Filipino workers, particularly in the BPO (business process outsourcing) sector, face the very real threat of automation. Tasks such as customer service, basic transcription, and simple coding are now increasingly handled by AI systems. A study estimated that by 2030, up to 50 percent of work activities could be automated globally. In the Philippines, where over a million people rely on the BPO industry, the disruption could be massive—unless proactive measures are taken.
The solution is not to resist AI, but to ensure Filipinos can work with it, not be replaced by it. This requires a sweeping digital upskilling of our workforce. Government, educational institutions, and the private sector must continue to invest in AI literacy—starting with high school curricula, extending into technical-vocational education, and including lifelong learning opportunities for adults. Programs that teach data analysis, machine learning basics, prompt engineering, and digital ethics must be accessible and affordable.
AI also brings potential for good—if deployed with care. In the health sector, AI-powered diagnostics and mobile apps can reach underserved communities. In agriculture, AI can help farmers analyze weather patterns and optimize planting cycles. In education, personalized learning tools can support students struggling with traditional classroom methods.
Equally important is protecting human rights and ethical standards in the use of AI. How do we safeguard personal data? What regulations exist to prevent misuse—especially in facial recognition, surveillance, and misinformation campaigns? In a country already vulnerable to digital disinformation and privacy breaches, strong legal and ethical frameworks are non-negotiable.
We must also close the glaring digital divide. Millions of Filipinos still lack reliable internet, basic devices, or even electricity. As AI adoption accelerates, this digital gap threatens to widen economic and educational inequalities. Connectivity, inclusion, and access to tools are the foundations of any true AI-readiness program.
AI is not a trend—it is a transformation. The challenge is not just technological but societal: how do we ensure that AI empowers people, rather than marginalizes them?
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