An executive of PLDT Inc. said artificial intelligence (AI) is a crucial tool for accelerating the Philippines’ economic growth and significantly uplifting communities, a shift that could add 8 percent to 12 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
PLDT and Smart head of network strategy and architecture Eric Santiago said realizing AI’s potential relies on three pillars: building enabling infrastructure, fostering world-class talent and maintaining trustworthy governance.
“It’s not just about the buzzwords, but about bottom lines and better lives,” Santiago said.
He cited the need to strengthen talent nationwide, starting with schools and universities. Santiago called for encouraging and incentivizing Filipino AI experts abroad to return and assist in training.
“Upskilling our people is essential. AI fluency must be accessible to all so we can build the bench needed for long-term innovation,” he said.
Strong governance and robust cybersecurity guardrails, alongside coordination with government agencies and Local Government Units (LGUs), are also vital.
“Trust is fundamental. A resilient governance framework ensures that every API integration, every connection point, and every AI-enabled system remains safeguarded,” Santiago said, adding that good governance attracts investors and protects citizens.
Santiago underscored infrastructure as the backbone of AI adoption, citing PLDT and Smart’s rollout of a 5G Standalone network, distributed edge capabilities and innovative resiliency solutions, including laser-based, point-to-multipoint and satellite connectivity.
“We are building networks that stay intelligent and operational despite disruptions, ensuring continuous service,” he said.
As the industry calls for deeper cross-sector collaboration, Santiago reaffirmed PLDT’s commitment to the country’s digital future.
“Through collaboration within the industry and with other stakeholders, the Philippines can lead in turning AI into what I call ‘archipelago intelligence’, transforming efforts into ‘actual impact’ and ‘actionable intelligence’ to deliver value across our islands,” he said.
PLDT’s continued investment in network infrastructure and innovation aligns with its commitment to national digital transformation, bringing internet benefits closer to Filipino communities and driving technology-enabled education, livelihood and disaster resilience nationwide.
