MANILA – The Philippines is stepping onto the global stage as a rising force in artificial intelligence, with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) at the helm.

Once an emerging player in the AI space, the country is now accelerating towards leadership, fuelled by strategic investments and a forward-thinking approach that balances innovation with inclusivity.

This momentum is reflected in the Philippines’ leap forward in the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index, where it climbed nine spots from 65th to 56th, scoring 58.51 out of 100 – well above the global average of 47.59.

Such a ranking serves as both a barometer of progress and a launchpad for greater ambitions, signalling that the Philippines is not just keeping pace but aiming to set the rhythm in AI adoption across public services.

Building the AI backbone

Dr. Franz A. De Leon, director of the DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), sees this as more than just a numerical climb. For him, it’s proof that the country is laying the groundwork for AI-driven economic and societal transformation.

The government is putting its money where its mouth is, backing AI research, infrastructure, and real-world applications that could reshape industries and livelihoods alike.

One of the crown jewels of this push is the Advancing Computing Analytics, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence in the Philippines (ACABAI-PH) programme.

Designed to break down barriers to AI access, this initiative ensures that businesses, researchers, and even grassroots communities can harness AI without needing deep technical expertise.

The programme puts AI in the hands of those who can use it to solve real-world problems – from streamlining supply chains to improving disaster response.

At the heart of ACABAI-PH is a game-changing vision: an AI virtual hub that acts as an AI-as-a-service ecosystem. Picture it as a digital marketplace where businesses and innovators can tap into powerful AI tools without the need for heavy upfront investment, democratising AI in ways that could redefine how industries operate.

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From agriculture to urban planning: AI’s expanding reach

Beyond ACABAI-PH, DOST is cultivating an entire AI research ecosystem. The Computing and Archiving Research Environment (COARE) provides the horsepower – offering high-performance computing, data storage, and analytics capabilities for researchers tackling the country’s most pressing challenges.

Meanwhile, projects like ASIMOV-HAWK, an AI-powered disease detection system for crops, and ASTI-Alam, a digital treasure trove of pre-trained AI models, are shaping up to be game changers.

Whether in agriculture, disaster management, or urban planning, these initiatives demonstrate how AI is being deployed not as a distant futuristic concept but as a real-world problem-solver embedded in everyday life.

Welcoming DeepSeek with open arms

While some nations have responded to AI developments with scepticism or outright bans, the Philippines is taking a pragmatic, open-door approach.

The government has made it clear that it will not be placing roadblocks in the way of AI chatbot DeepSeek-R1, developed by Chinese startup DeepSeek.

Instead, it is encouraging Filipino technologists, AI researchers, and digital innovators to explore and experiment with this tool.

This stance is significant since it underscores the Philippines’ commitment to fostering an environment where AI can be studied, improved upon, and adapted to local needs rather than being feared or restricted.

The country is positioning itself as a proving ground for AI experimentation, ensuring that homegrown expertise can flourish in an era where AI capabilities are evolving at breakneck speed.

At the same time, the DOST-ASTI’s iTanong project is offering a homegrown alternative, tailored specifically for Filipino users.

Designed to be culturally and linguistically relevant, this AI chatbot is an example of how the country is not just consuming AI technology but also creating its own solutions that resonate with local contexts.

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AI and the future of Philippine business

These developments are more than just government initiatives. They offer a blueprint for the future of work.

The Philippines is embedding AI into public services while paving the way for businesses to integrate AI into workforce development, operational efficiency, and talent management.

With the rise of AI-as-a-service platforms, even smaller firms and HR departments can leverage AI-driven analytics, automation, and strategic insights without requiring a team of data scientists.

This levels the playing field, making AI-powered decision-making accessible to businesses of all sizes.

The Philippines’ AI trajectory: Full speed ahead?

With a bold vision and a steady hand driving AI development in its corner of the world, the Philippines is proving that it is not just a spectator in the global AI race but, more importantly, an active competitor, eager to write its own script.

In embracing both international AI innovations like DeepSeek and developing local AI tools like iTanong, the country is striving towards global engagement and national self-sufficiency.

The country isn’t merely dipping its toes into AI; it is diving headfirst, ensuring that AI doesn’t remain confined to research labs but instead flows into industries, communities, and everyday lives.

With AI poised to reshape economies and societies, the Philippines is determined not just to keep up but to lead the charge.