National Innovation Council (NIC) has given the green light for the formation of a technical working group that will assess the capabilities, current ecosystem, and future trajectories of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
In a press statement, the NIC stamped its mark of approval to the initiative during its eighth council meeting on March 26.
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the think tank will conduct comprehensive studies on the country’s AI preparedness and eventual adoption.
This initiative, NEDA said, aims to inform the government’s formulation of AI policies.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will lead the group, which will include experts from industry, academe, and government.
NEDA Secretary and NIC vice chairman Arsenio Balisacan underscored the importance of a coordinated approach to AI, particularly how such technologies can be contextualized within the Philippine setting.
“If we want to harness the potential of AI, we urgently need a national approach and policy that will ensure alignment and collaboration between public and private sector efforts,” Balisacan said. “More importantly, we must ensure that the Filipino workforce is adequately prepared to upskill and transition efficiently to these AI developments,” he added.
A 2023 study by Google and Access Partnership highlighted AI’s potential economic benefits, estimating that AI adoption and the development of essential digital skills could generate P2.8 trillion in annual economic value for the Philippines by 2030.
In addition to forming the AI think tank, the NIC approved new implementing guidelines for the 2025 Innovation Grants.
The guidelines identified the types of innovation programs eligible for grants and set forth the criteria and requirements.
Since 2022, the NIC has supported sectors including agriculture, health, energy, education, defense, transportation, and public administration through these grants.
The new guidelines will be released by NEDA in the second quarter, followed by a call for proposals for the 2025 Innovation Grants.
Balisacan said these developments aim to boost innovation in the country.
“Much work still needs to be done, and the establishment of the AI technical group, along with the release of the new implementing guidelines for the 2025 Innovation Grants, mark a significant step forward in enhancing and developing the country’s innovation ecosystem,” he said.
These initiatives align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for a comprehensive approach to innovation, aiming for a more prosperous and resilient future for all Filipinos.