MALOLOS CITY (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has urged Filipinos to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) rightfully by strengthening trust and confidence in the digital and AI ecosystem for the benefit of enterprises, workers, and ordinary citizens.
In his message during the opening of the Central Luzon Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week 2025 held in Malolos City, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said AI is set to fundamentally reshape economies by unlocking new frontiers for economic prosperity through innovation, productivity, and global competitiveness.
He acknowledged that the future of the country’s economy relies on research and development collaboration, including partnerships among institutions, businesses, and startups.
Solidum also cited the commitment of the Philippines in the just concluded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2025 in Gyeongju, South Korea in formulating the APEC AI Initiative.
It aims to advance AI transformation within APEC economies to enhance security, accessibility, trustworthiness, and reliability in realizing the benefits of AI for all.
To fulfill these obligations and commitments, he pledged that the DOST will work to help all sectors in building AI capacities at all levels, particularly in the region, and nurture an investment ecosystem for resilient AI infrastructure.
This is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision to transform the economy of the Philippines by laying the foundation of a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ where everyone benefits from technological advancements.
Meanwhile, Solidum has emphasized that the youth of the region must cultivate their digital capability to properly engage and embrace AI.
In the era of increasing importance of data to the digital economy, the new generation of Filipinos must cooperate in facilitating the flow of data, and strengthening digital transactions particularly between the business sector and the consumers. (CLJD/SFV, PIA Region 3-Bulacan)
