By Andre Alfonso R. Gutierrez
The Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will invest more than PHP2.6 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) projects over the next four years as part of a broader effort to integrate the technology across key sectors, Secretary Renato Solidum Jr has announced.
In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, Solidum stated that the investment supports the country’s AI roadmap, which focuses on strengthening infrastructure, developing human resources, advancing research, shaping policy, and fostering collaboration across sectors.
He noted that the planned projects will span a range of areas, including healthcare, education, mobility, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and emerging technologies.
Education and collaboration will play a key role
As part of the initiative, DOST will focus on capacity-building measures such as upskilling programmes, online learning platforms, and partnerships across academia, government, and the private sector.
Solidum also confirmed that the department is leading efforts to establish a national AI think tank, which will guide the formulation of a cohesive national strategy.
The roadmap builds on DOST’s 2019–2029 AI research and development framework, which emphasises national infrastructure, talent development, data accessibility, and stakeholder engagement.
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Big Data, environmental projects already underway
From 2018 to 2024, the Philippines has already allocated PHP1.4 billion to AI-related research.
Notable projects include the Computing and Archiving Research Environment (COARE), which provides high-performance computing and data storage for researchers, and the Philippine Sky Artificial Intelligence Program (SkAI-Pinas), which applies remote sensing and big data for environmental monitoring.
Solidum also highlighted initiatives in disaster risk reduction, including the Accelerated Earthquake Multi-Hazards Mapping and Risk Assessment Program (ACER), aimed at improving hazard mapping across the country.
In terms of workforce development, programmes such as the AI Pinas Summer School and the Smarter Philippines through Data Analytics R&D, Training, and Adoption (SPARTA) have reportedly trained over 49,000 individuals in data science and AI applications.
The upcoming launch of an AI Virtual Hub is expected to further support local startups and research partnerships.
Solidum noted that the country’s AI readiness is improving, citing the Philippines’ rise in the 2024 AI Readiness Index by Oxford Insights, from 65th to 56th globally.
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Hazel Camba 
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