While most will refer to both categories as acronyms; initialisms are read letter by letter, while acronyms are a short word made from the letters of a long group of words. For today’s column, the initialisms would be DTI for Department of Trade and Industry, and AI for Artificial Intelligence; while the acronym for Artist Atelier Philippines, would be the newly coined ARTa. Here are two launch events I recently had the pleasure of attending.

The DTI AI and Scale Up Center - Our Department of Trade and Industry, in partnership with Converge ICT Solutions, launched the DTI AI and Scale Up Center at their Gil Puyat office. It’s a practical hub for technology adoption and potential business growth. At its core, it’s a hands on resource facility; that allows companies, start-ups, and local SMEs to learn how to integrate AI and digital tools into their operations. Backed by the Tatak Pinoy Strategy, the Philippine Innovation Act, and the Innovative Start Up Act, I really appreciated the intent of what was being officially opened that afternoon.

It’s no longer just words on official documents or lofty aims of an existing Strategy and Acts; but the realization of that intent, and establishing concrete avenues to achieve those goals. Too often, we speak of Philippine businesses not being competitive in the global market, or that we lag behind in incorporating technology, or that we find scaling up to be too formidable a task. Here then was the DTI taking the proverbial bull by the horns, and creating a solution-based pathway.

As DTI Secretary Cristina Roque was proud to say, “This AI and Scale Up Center provides a realistic, accessible entry point for Filipino businesses to explore and adapt modern technology like AI. Scaling a business requires usable tools and expert guidance, so that innovative ideas can turn into functional solutions. By bringing technology leaders like Converge together with our local enterprises, we are giving businesses of all sizes the practical knowledge and connectivity they need to improve efficiency, and stay competitive.”

From Practical Workshops, to technical consultations, and scaling programs; Converge is ready to be that ideal partner in making these all available to our SMEs. As Converge founder and CEO Dennis Uy remarked, “We are proud to partner with DTI in helping local businesses take realistic steps toward digital transformation. Through reliable connectivity and hands on technology solutions, our goal is to help companies understand AI, streamline their operations, and expand their reach in today’s evolving market.”

With the array of DTI’s private sector partners who were on hand to show their support; the know how, technical expertise, and best practices learned by other established local businesses will be made available for our SMEs to learn from, as made accessible and powered by Converge.

I salute this partnership, and the Center that has been created; and can only hope that SMEs will appreciate the great opportunity being offered, and how it’s a ‘helping hand’ that can go a very long way.

ARTa, the Artist Atelier Philippines - There’s a new Creative Learning Center that’s located at the Kirov Tower, Proscenium, Rockwell Center, Makati; and it’s the brainchild of noted businesswoman and artist Elena Coyiuto. For those familiar with Elena and her IG handle madameinshades, they’ll acknowledge that her readiness to support worthy causes is matched by her vitality and dedication to the Arts. Having mounted solo exhibits of her own paintings, it would only be a logical extension to want to share the wonders of this mid-life shift; and offer it to others who may also be yearning to express themselves in a medium they have had no training for.

And that’s precisely what the Artist Atelier Philippines (ARTa) hopes to provide. In the atelier’s curriculum are visual and literary arts programs for beginners, for hobbyists, and the aspiring artist. It’s guided instruction that may help answer one’s perpetual wondering if there was some form of artistic expression that one can rekindle or simply ignite. It’s the “What If…” being given that window of opportunity to become a reality. It may be what Elena herself faced at one point in her journey; and she’s evidently saying that if one needs help in navigating, she’s offering a wonderful option.

From Drawing, to Acrylic Painting, Watercolor, Creative Writing, and even such specialized subjects as Floral Arranging, and Weaving, ARTa is offering basic and intermediate programs. No portfolio required, the courses are accessible to all. One can even arrange for private group sessions, and corporate workshops.

Elena Coyiuto remarked, “ARTa is my advocacy in sharing the love of art and making creativity accessible to everyone. I hope to inspire people of all ages and skill levels to explore their creativity and discover art as a lifelong source of expression, connection, and personal growth.” Head to the ARTa Philippines website, or check their IG and FB pages.