Western Visayas unveils artificial intelligence action plan, ethics policy
By Tara Yap
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum and Aklan Gov. Miraflores show the AI Regional Development Action Plan and the AI Governance and Ethics Policy of Western Visayas. (DOST Region 6)
ILOILO CITY — Western Visayas has published an action plan and ethics policy for artificial intelligence (AI).
The Regional Development Council-6 has formally released copies of the AI Regional Development Action Plan and the AI Governance and Ethics Policy for 2025 to 2030.
“This is to identify practical pathways for inclusive AI adoption and examine sector-specific applications in education, health, and energy that are already delivering results,” said Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Renato Solidum Jr.
“This to understand what enables these innovations to scale — and what obstacles still need to be addressed. And to align policy, investment, and partnerships in ways that ensure AI strengthens development rather than deepening inequality,” added Solidum during the March 20 turnover rites in Boracay Island.
The DOST is the leading government agency that initiated the AI action plan for the region comprising Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo provinces as well as the capital of Iloilo City.
DOST-6 Regional Director Rowen Gelonga said the public and private sectors in Western Visayas are looking to optimize the use of AI while minimizing the misuse of AI.
Both the action plan and the ethics policy can guide both the public and private sectors in navigating AI.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to innovation, responsible AI, and inclusive regional development for Western Visayas,” said Aklan Gov.Jose Enrique "Joen" Miraflores, public sector co-chairperson of RDC-6.
Also present during the turnover were Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), RDC-6 private sector co-chairperson Jobert Peñaflorida, DepDev-6 Regional Director Arecio A. Casing Jr., and local officials.