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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider DOST eyes Southeast Asian participants in 2nd AI Fest

DOST eyes Southeast Asian participants in 2nd AI Fest

Published May 18, 2026 11:47 am
ILOILO CITY – The Department of Science and Technology-6 is eyeing Southeast Asian participants for the 2nd Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fest.
“We have invited participants not only from outside of Western Visayas, but also outside of the country, particularly from Southeast Asian countries," said DOST-6 Director Rowen Gelonga.
The 2nd AI Fest from Aug. 3 to 5 here is opening its doors to international participants as the Philippines is this year’s chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
With the theme “Building an AI-Ready Future, Together,” the three-day event aims to push for the practical, ethical, and collaborative use of AI across sectors of society.
The AI Fest was first conceptualized when the 2025-2030 AI Development Action Plan of Western Visayas was last launched last year.
DOST-6 Assistant Regional Director Keithlyn Sarah Bernardino this year’s AI Fest will be bigger with nine different specific events compared to last year with four.
These events are the AI Technical Conference, AI Hackathon, AI Expo, Sine AI, AI Policy Lab, AI Speaks, AI Connect, AI in Motion, and AI Game On!
DOST-6 partners for this year’s AI Fest are Department of Economy, Planning, and Development-6, the UMWAD Western Visayas Consortium, the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), West Visayas State University (WVSU), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Iloilo Chapter, and the Iloilo Business Club (IBC).
Ira Pahila of DepDev-6 said that the AI Fest is not only about technology but also seeks to bridge the digital divide especially among the marginalized sector.
Ken Lerona of Cornelius Magnate Engagement and Consulting said the business sector, including the IBC, is united in how to “contribute meaningfully to the country’s broader direction on innovation, competitiveness, and responsible AI adoption.”

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