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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider DOST vows responsible AI use

DOST vows responsible AI use

Solidum: Agency not directly involved in Pax Silica

Published Aug 3, 2026 04:11 pm
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. at the 2026 AI Fest in Iloilo City. (Tara Yap)
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. at the 2026 AI Fest in Iloilo City. (Tara Yap)
ILOILO CITY – As the controversy surrounding the Pax Silica initiative swirls, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) vowed to promote responsible use of technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI).
“On the side of the DOST, our role is to make sure that technology is used for responsible development,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. on the sidelines of the 2026 AI Fest in Iloilo City on Monday, Aug. 3.
Solidum clarified the DOST has no direct role in Pax Silica as terms are still being negotiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) with the United States (US), which is leading the global initiative on a global AI supply chain.
Since the country joined last April, there have been many questions about the long-term impact on the environment and the people with the proposed Pax Silica site in New Clark City, Tarlac.
“I am not the person who can give assurance (about Pax Silica). It’s very difficult to discuss things without the details,” Solidum said during a press conference in Iloilo City on Monday.
Solidum underscored that Pax Silica will still undergo regulatory review from the country’s government agencies.
Solidum said that human resources must be upgraded to keep up with what is needed in AI in each sector.

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