MANILA – The Philippine government is moving closer to completing its Artificial Intelligence Governance Framework, which is expected to be finalized in about two months, according to a Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) official.
DEPDev Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon shared the update during the 2026 National Innovation Day in Manila, saying the draft framework has already undergone initial presentations to key stakeholders, including academic institutions.
She noted that further rounds of consultations are planned to ensure that the policy is guided by strong governance principles and long-term sustainability goals.
The framework is designed to support the responsible growth of artificial intelligence in the country by improving data readiness, strengthening institutional capacity, and enhancing digital infrastructure.
Edillon emphasized that the Philippines already has a functioning AI ecosystem, but stressed the need for continued development and refinement.
The initiative also aims to promote the ethical and inclusive use of AI technologies while safeguarding national sovereignty and supporting economic resilience.
DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of the National AI Strategy of the Philippines, calling it a comprehensive roadmap for advancing AI responsibly.
He explained that the strategy prioritizes infrastructure development, workforce training, research advancement, governance systems, and practical applications in various industries.
Balisacan acknowledged that artificial intelligence offers major economic opportunities, including improved productivity, better public services, and the creation of new industries.
However, he also pointed out challenges, particularly disparities in digital readiness between countries, especially in computing capacity, data infrastructure, and connectivity.
To address these gaps, he said the government is investing in improved internet access, building more data centers, strengthening high-performance computing capabilities, and enhancing digital governance systems to make public services more efficient.
ia/xf
