President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the country will harness artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate economic growth, as he led the launching of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Project Accelerating Governance and Adaptive Pedagogy through Artificial Intelligence (AGAP.AI).
“At the national level, we are leveraging AI as an engine for development. We are establishing the Philippine AI Program Framework for the future-proofing of our economy,” President Marcos said during the launching held at the Quezon City Science High School.
The national framework focuses on building robust infrastructure, including high-performance computing systems and upskilling workers and educators, the Chief Executive said.
“Through investment in AI research and development, we ensure that this technology delivers real benefits while remaining ethical and responsible,” the President stressed.
As Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, President Marcos said the Philippines is also building a harmonized and human-centered AI ecosystem across Southeast Asia, focusing on five vital sectors: finance, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and education.
“Indeed, we are taking the lead in building an innovative environment for Filipinos, as well as for our ASEAN brothers and sisters,” the President said.
President Marcos remarked that this generation is very fortunate to be in a world where information and tools are readily available.
As a tech enthusiast, President Marcos said AI will help people tackle more complex challenges but it cannot replace core human qualities and responsibilities.
“You have in your hands an extraordinarily powerful tool. But you must use it to help you think and support your learning. It should never replace your drive, your creativity, and grit to learn about our world,” the President emphasized.
“There are still some things that technology cannot do for us. Technology cannot replace discipline. It cannot replace effort. It cannot replace the habit of showing up prepared and ready to learn. It cannot replace hard work.”
“That is how we build a Bagong Pilipinas, one that is enabled by technology and powered by Filipinos who choose to learn, to work and to aspire for a better future for all,” said President Marcos.
