PRESS RELEASE

Department of Science and Technology secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. represented the Philippines during the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in Paris, France held on 10-11 February 2025.

“As we move forward, we seek to enhance AI policies through ethical governance, invest in AI-driven industries, and ensure that AI is a force for good—aligned with the values of fairness, accountability, and sustainability”, Secretary Solidum emphasized in his statement. While there are still challenges for the Philippines in promoting and fully maximizing the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), such as a unified AI regulatory agency, funding for AI research and infrastructure, the country continues to conduct research projects and develop technologies and innovations that harness the power of AI.

The DOST alone implemented initiatives like AI PINAS and Smarter Philippines through Data Analytics Research and Development, Training and Adoption (SPARTA) upskilling more than 49,000 individuals in data science and AI. From 2018 to 2024, the country has also invested in more than 100 projects solely for AI research and development projects. These have been showcased by the DOST Secretary at the ministerial exchange.

The DOST recognizes that the advancement of R&D in cutting edge technologies and innovative sectors is critical to the Philippines’ vision of sustainable growth and global competitiveness. Hence, the Eight (8) Big Ticket R&D Programs of the DOST, launched on February 5, 2025, have been designed to address strategic areas for national interest. Among the eight is the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub with the primary objective of establishing a national hub for emerging R&D in AI, making the Philippines one of the leading countries in AI innovation. It aims to support local startups and R&D collaborations.

The DOST Chief also acknowledged the importance of the UNESCO’s AI Readiness Assessment (RAM) Report for the Philippines which can supplement the government’s initiatives in enhancing AI governance, ethics, and regulatory frameworks. This comes at an opportune time where the DOST is looking to expand its support to AI projects for industries, health and education, mobility, the environment and disaster risk reduction, cross-cutting applications, and emerging AI technology platforms, following the DOST’s Artificial Intelligence Roadmap.

“With the right policies, infrastructure, and partnerships, the government can unlock AI's full potential to improve people's lives and advance the country's sustainable development goals”, Secretary Solidum said ending his message. He was joined by Ministers from different countries including Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Thailand, among others.

Solidum also participated in the main plenary session of the AI Action Summit which heard statements and interventions from global leaders such as presidents and prime ministers of various countries, heads of international organizations, and key stakeholders in the field. This year’s AI Action Summit is the third Summit which built on the momentum generated by previous AI summits organized by the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea. It aimed to gather high-level participation from almost 100 countries to commit together to develop the science, solutions and standards that will ensure that artificial intelligence serves the fundamental public interest. (By Karen Lou Ayson, DOST-ITCU) 

Photos

DOST secretary Solidum sits with ministers from other countries for the ministerial exchange at the UNESCO AI side event to the AI Action Summit (Photo courtesy of Mr. Peramo)

DOST secretary Solidum delivers his message at the UNESCO AI side event to the AI Action Summit

DOST Secretary Solidum (L) and Mr. Peramo of DOST-ASTI visit the AI Action Summit at the Grand Palais, Paris, France (Photo courtesy of Mr. Peramo)

DOST secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. (center) with Elmer Peramo, (left), and Amb. Junever Mahilum-West participates in the AI Action Summit in Paris, France (Photo courtesy of Mr. Peramo)