Philippines Pushes Forward with National AI Strategy for an Inclusive and Smarter Future

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword in the Philippines. From improving crop production to powering digital classrooms and supporting disaster response, AI is slowly becoming a key player in the country’s development. And now, the government is laying down a bold roadmap to push this even further.

At the heart of this movement is the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), led by Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. During the 2025 National Innovation Day celebration in Quezon City, Solidum revealed the agency’s next big step: the National AI Strategy for the Philippines (NAIS Ph).

This strategy aims to make AI innovation not just high-tech, but also accessible, ethical, and truly helpful to everyday Filipinos. The goal? To make sure that AI helps everyone, not just the tech-savvy or the big industries.

Solidum said it best when he called this vision “NAIS para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” a clever play on the Filipino word "nais," which means "desire" or "wish." The idea is to build a future where AI strengthens governance, uplifts communities, and powers industries that can compete globally.

Five Key Focus Areas Through 2028

The DOST's plan revolves around five main strategies:

Building strong infrastructure,
Upskilling the workforce,
Encouraging innovation,
Promoting ethical AI policies, and
Rolling out AI tools where they matter most.

These will be rolled out in phases from 2024 to 2028. Institutions like DepEd, CHED, TESDA, DTI, and DICT are already on board, working together to build a unified AI ecosystem in partnership with private companies and schools.

AI in Action: Education, Agriculture, Security & More

What does this all look like on the ground? Think AI tutors helping students learn at their own pace, predictive systems preparing communities for typhoons, and smart technologies transforming how farmers plant and harvest. The goal is to bring AI into real-world use, especially in critical areas like agriculture, education, smart cities, and national security.

Building a Collaborative AI Ecosystem

Central to the plan is something DOST calls a Collaborative AI Ecosystem. This will include two major parts:

The AI Factory, focused on training, infrastructure, policies, and governance.
The AI Refinery, which links researchers, industries, and educators to turn AI ideas into practical tools.

These efforts are about building partnerships between government, business, academia, and even the general public to make AI work for everyone.

Skilling Up for the AI Era

Recognizing the urgent need for AI talent, the DOST is encouraging colleges and universities to offer micro-credentials and short-term training in AI. They’re also working with platforms like Coursera and SPARTA to make learning faster and more scalable. But more than just getting certificates, DOST wants learners to have real deployment plans so that their new skills are put to good use right away.

Powering Up Research Through High-Performance Computing

On the tech side, the country is stepping up its research capabilities with a massive increase in computing power, up to 26 times more by 2028. This includes the launch of a National High-Performance Computing (HPC) Center and several regional HPC hubs. These upgrades will make it easier for scientists and engineers to work on big data and AI projects.

Empowering MSMEs with Localized AI Solutions

One of the more exciting developments is DOST’s move to bring AI to small businesses and local industries. Through regional offices and a new AI Hub (i-Hub), MSMEs will get access to custom AI tools designed to meet their unique challenges. It’s a step toward making AI less intimidating and more practical for smaller players.

For Secretary Solidum, these efforts show that the Philippines isn't just catching up with tech trends. It's aiming to lead, shape, and own a piece of the future.