2025 AI Fest highlights future growth prospects for PH

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Iloilo City — The country is poised to ride in the global AI economy as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) held its 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fest to mark a significant milestone in its drive for inclusive growth and sustainable development. 

Held from August 11 to 13 at the Iloilo Convention Center, the AI Fest, led by DOST Regional Office 6, Iloilo Business Club Inc., and DevCon, gathered leaders, innovators, and thinkers who share the same vision where AI serves the Filipino people—not the other way around.

Under the theme “Coding a Better Future: Responsible AI for Cities and Communities,” the fest showcased an integrated platform featuring a national AI Hackathon, a technical conference with a research forum, film showing named SineAI, and AI exhibits expo. 

These activities provided opportunities for knowledge sharing, innovation, and meaningful collaboration among students, startups, industry experts, academes, and government agencies.

The opening day commenced with the ribbon-cutting of the AI exhibits, together with partners from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo Chapter. 

DOST Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang highlighted the importance of building strong regional AI ecosystems that balance innovation with inclusivity. 

“AI is no longer a future concept, it is transforming how we live, work, and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges,” Mabborang said, pointing out the rapid growth of AI investments worldwide and emphasizing the need for local communities to lead in this digital era.

He also commended DOST 6 for its ongoing efforts to mainstream AI through programs such as the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) and the Regional Inclusive Innovation Centers. These initiatives aim to ensure that technological progress uplifts the lives of every Filipino, from urban to rural areas.

In his key points, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr, shared his vision of AI as a tool to improve lives and protect livelihoods. He presented the National AI Strategy for the Philippines (NAIS-Philippines), in which he outlined five strategic pillars: infrastructure, workforce, innovation, ethics, and policy. 

He noted that since 2017, DOST has invested ₱2.3 billion in 113 AI-related R&D projects, including the launch of JuanaKNOW, an AI-powered knowledge system that connects research to real-world applications.

With the quote “Agham na Ramdam,” Solidum stressed the importance of science and technology that Filipinos can truly feel and experience in their daily lives. He emphasized that AI development must remain people-centered and inclusive, making sure no one is left behind. “By 2028, we envision AI driving inclusive innovation, stronger governance, empowered communities, and globally competitive industries for a sustainable, tech-enabled future,” he said.

Also presented were the four new AI projects, each demonstrating practical applications designed to address local needs:

• DOST Talino.AI

This project is a user-friendly AI platform designed to help ordinary citizens easily access and navigate the different services offered by the DOST. It serves as a smart guide that makes government services more reachable and less complicated for everyone.

• AI

Developed through a partnership between Iloilo Science and Technology University and MORE Electric and Power Corporation. This AI-powered system aims to make energy distribution more efficient. It helps manage the flow of electricity better, reducing waste and ensuring more stable power supply to homes and businesses.

• AI-Ready ASEAN Training Program

This initiative targets the youth, educators, and parents across Southeast Asia, with a goal to improve AI knowledge and skills. By equipping 5.5 million people with AI literacy, it prepares communities to participate actively and responsibly in the growing AI industry.

• AWS AI Innovation Sandbox

A collaboration between DOST and Amazon Web Services (AWS), this project provides researchers and developers access to cloud-based infrastructure. It’s a cloud-based platform where innovators can develop, test, and improve AI solutions without worrying about having physical equipment or resources.

Throughout the three-day conference, participants engaged in plenary sessions and panel discussions tackling AI policies, ethics, education, and industry trends. Alongside the technical conference, parallel sessions for the AI Hackathon and SineAI were held. In the AI Hackathon, students nationwide were challenged to develop innovative AI applications with mentorship from experts. Meanwhile, SineAI, a film-showing themed “Remembering Filipino Values, Celebrating Traditions,” demonstrated the ethical and creative use of AI in filmmaking.

The AI exhibits expo encouraged collaboration among researchers, startups, industry leaders, and government agencies, showcasing cutting-edge AI tools and solutions designed to transform various sectors.

The event concluded with the awarding of winners from the research forum, AI Hackathon, and SineAI, recognizing outstanding contributions that reflect the spirit of responsible AI innovation for Filipino communities.

As the Philippines moves forward in the global AI revolution, the 2025 AI Fest in Iloilo reminds us that while “knowledge is power”, applied knowledge is more powerful in driving real progress. By grounding AI development in Filipino values, we ensure this powerful technology serves our communities and benefits everyone.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary, Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., delivering his keynote address about responsible AI for cities and communities during the very first 2025 AI Fest in the Philippines, held at the Iloilo Convention Center on August 11, 2025. (Screengrab from the Facebook live stream of Cable Star Inc.)