DTI taps AIM for A1 roadmap

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has tapped the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (ASITE) to start the process for the crafting of a roadmap to position the Philippines as an artificial intelligence (AI) powerhouse in Southeast Asia. 

In a statement, DTI said an agreement was signed by Trade Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba with data scientists Christopher Monterola and Erika Fille Legara from AIM ASITE, for the formulation of an AI roadmap last Nov. 7.

“The formulation of the AI roadmap is very important and timely. This effort provides the impetus that will move the country forward to keep up with the rapidly changing times,” Aldaba said. 

As technology becomes more important in everyday life in the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, AI is seen to offer opportunities for the country to become competitive. 

As AI is a bright spot for the Philippines, the government wants the country to tap opportunities and retrain the workforce to equip them with skills to remain competitive and perform new functions. 

During the signing of the agreement, Monterola and Legara presented the framework for the formulation of the roadmap. 

For the crafting of the roadmap, data would be used and consultations with stakeholders would be conducted. 

Amid concerns being raised on possible jobs displacement due to the use of AI, DTI is committed to listen and consider concerns and interests of various sectors in the roadmap. 

An AI task force to be composed of academicians, government officials and industry stakeholders would also be set up for the formulation of the roadmap. 

Through the roadmap, there would be an analysis of AI’s impact on the country’s industries and workforce. 

It would also provide recommendations on policies and programs such as AI trainings and AI labs.

Aldaba said the roadmap is a definite step to achieve the goal of the country to become an AI powerhouse in the region. 

“With all of us (government, academe, industry) working together, our aspiration to become an AI Center of Excellence would be achieved,” she said.