DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. (second from right) with DOST-6 Regional Director Rowen R. Gelonga (left) at the opening of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fest in Iloilo City on Monday, Aug. 11. (Tara Yap)
ILOILO CITY — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is pushing for the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the country.
“AI should be viewed as an opportunity, not a threat. We should not be scared of it, we should see it as a new tool. We need people to understand that AI can help with many things, ” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. in his keynote address during the Aug. 11 opening of the first AI Fest in Iloilo City.
“By 2028, we envision AI driving inclusive innovation, stronger governance, empowered communities, and globally competitive industries for a sustainable and tech-enabled future,” added Solidum.
The Aug. 11 to 13 gathering organized by DOST-Western Visayas has the theme “Coding a Better Future: Responsible AI for Cities and Communities."
DOST-6 Regional Director Rowen R. Gelonga said that other areas in the country should follow Western Visayas with a five-year roadmap.
Initially launched last February, the 2025-2030 AI Development Action Plan of Western Visayas is a roadmap for the region in maximizing the use of AI while addressing key issues and concerns.
The first AI Fest in the country was organized by DOST-6 and in partnership with UMWAD Western Visayas Consortium, the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), West Visayas State University (WVSU), and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo chapter.
The AI Fest has key four events: AI Technical Conference, AI Hackathon, Sine AI, and AI Exhibits.
DOST Undersecretaries Sancho A. Mabborang and Leah Buendia and Solidum and DOST Regional Directors Tristan L. Abando of Central Visayas, John Glenn D. Ocaña of Eastern Visayas, and Noel M. Ajoc of Caraga joined Solidum on opening day.