DAVAO CITY – The Davao City government aims to position the city as the Philippines' first artificial intelligence- and robot-centered city, as part of its broader push for digital transformation and the modernization of public services.

East West International Education Specialist Inc. chief executive officer Dennis Franco Layug and partner Jeffrey Peter presented two three-foot tall AI humanoid robots at the Sangguniang Panglungsod on Tuesday, June 2.

The EWIES showcased the robots' communication abilities and interactive functions, with 21st Davao City Council members engaging them through questions to assess their responsiveness and capabilities.

EWIES' presentation on AI humanoid robots also included a brief performance in which the robots danced to the Michael Jackson song "Billie Jean," drawing the attention of the session attendees.

Layug said that the initiative aims to establish the country's first AI and robotics center. He added that Davao City was selected as the pilot site because it is his hometown.

Committee on Information Technology chairperson Councilor Bonz Andre Militar said in a speech that the initiative supports the city's plan to use AI and digital tools to speed up and improve the efficiency of city services.

Militar said the city government is considering introducing AI-powered robots in public offices as early as next year to help improve efficiency, speed up services, and support routine administrative tasks.

The councilor clarified that having AI is not meant to replace government employees but to support them by reducing time spent on repetitive tasks such as paperwork and long administrative processes.

He said this would allow personnel to focus on more critical and service-oriented functions, such as addressing public concerns, improving service quality, and handling complex government tasks.

Digital transformation is among the priority governance programs of Mayor Sebastian Duterte, as part of efforts to reduce red tape, shorten queues, and make government services more accessible to the public.

Militar said the council has passed key ordinances to support digitalization in city operations. He added that the city may later use AI and robotics in areas such as public safety and disaster response.

"These include small search-and-rescue robots that can enter dangerous areas, such as collapsed buildings and fires, and specialized robots to aid police with tasks like bomb detection and other security work," he said.

According to Militar, the plan also includes the potential deployment of AI drones and scanning systems to enhance threat detection and improve emergency response coordination.

In government services and tourism, he said, AI-powered digital assistants may be stationed at public offices and information centers to guide citizens through government procedures and reduce waiting times.

Militar added that interactive robots are also envisioned in public spaces to provide information on local history, directions, and government office locations in English, Filipino, and Cebuano.

In education, the city is exploring establishing AI laboratories and specialized training programs at institutions such as Davao City College to prepare students for future digital and technology-driven jobs.

"AI tools may assist with preliminary symptom assessment and provide basic medical information, improving access to health guidance in the healthcare aspect," Militar said.

The EWIES was introduced during the 21st City Council's regular session as a potential partner in digital learning and workforce upskilling programs, particularly in artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity.

"Such partnerships are important to support the city's digital shift by providing proper training and technical skills, helping ensure smooth use of new technologies in government services," Militar said.

Despite the proposals, Militar, along with Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chairperson of the Finance Committee, said the budget allocation for the initiative remains on hold pending further hearings and review processes.

Militar stressed that officials will carefully pursue the integration of AI into local governance to ensure accountability, efficiency, and workforce protection as Davao City advances its modernization agenda.