Despite fears of what artificial intelligence (AI) brings to the table, Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, Oct. 22, underscored the role that the government and private sector must play to harness innovation and bridge the gap between risks and benefits.

Vice President Sara Duterte delivers her keynote speech during the 50th Philippine Business Conference and Expo at Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. (Raymund Antonio/MANILA BULLETIN)

As a guest speaker during the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (PCCI) 50th Philippine Business Conference and Expo, the official brought to the front the realization that many individuals, groups, and businesses remain fearful of AI because it is unknown.

“Ultimately, humans should ensure that AI becomes our partner in improving lives and making the world a safer place. We should replace the fear of the unknown with profound optimism by using technological advances such as AI to achieve greater operational productivity,” she said.

Duterte highlighted the role of the government and private sector in ensuring that innovation continues despite “panic” and “anxiety” of a “dystopian picture where AIs govern humans.”

“The governments and private sector can collaborate to create innovation centers and foster an environment that encourages risk-taking and experimentation. With the ingenuity and creativity of Filipinos, I believe we can do more to create better products and systems that will bring profit and move our industries forward,” she added.

The Vice President furthered that with the support of the government and private sector, Filipinos, especially the youth, can “create solutions for various challenges from disaster relief to agricultural optimization.”

“Filipinos can create products that disrupt the market by thinking outside the box and embracing new innovative technologies,” she said, citing as example the recent wins by the Philippine Robotics Team.

She described the need to embrace new innovation as “inevitable” because not doing so would leave the Philippines behind, while neighboring countries and the rest of the world adapt to changes.

Calling the Philippines “a powerhouse of geniuses” not only in government and the private sector but also in colleges and universities, the Vice President expressed belief that the country can dream bigger.

“We just need to do that dream. We don't want to be middle income. We want to be a superpower. And we can. It's just a matter of putting that vision in every Filipino mind,” she added.

However, with digitalization, AI, and innovation also comes challenges of inclusivity where some members of society might feel left out as technology becomes inaccessible to them, Duterte said.

“Inclusivity remains an essential signifier of meaningful growth and development. It is expected that we embrace new and emerging opportunities cognizant of our special contract to be inclusive despite the peculiarities of the present and future global business trends,” she added.