Private sector, government partner in AI task force

MANILA, Philippines — Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda wants the private sector to take a front-seat role alongside government in driving the Philippines’ artificial intelligence push.

The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) is urging the creation of a national AI implementation task force to allow the Philippines to move faster in preparing various sectors for the opportunities and risks brought about by artificial intelligence.

The proposal was presented during the fifth meeting of the PSAC Education and Jobs Sector Group last Wednesday at Malacañang.

PSAC said President Marcos agreed on the need for the AI task force initiative, but not without seeing inputs from the private sector.

In a statement, the PSAC said the meeting focused on turning the country’s AI plans into concrete actions that would enhance education and upskilling at scale, create better jobs and strengthen the country’s global competitiveness.

PSAC Strategic Convenor Sabin Aboitiz said the Philippines already has a national framework to guide AI development, deployment and governance.

The challenge is delivering the National AI Strategy for the Philippines through collaboration between the government and private sector, using a nationwide approach, he added.

“Artificial intelligence is no longer a technology of the future – it is already changing the way people work, learn and do business today,” Aboitiz said.

The proposed task force will focus on three major areas – education and workforce development; technology, infrastructure and research and development; policy and governance.