TLDR: Experts in the Philippines warn that the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) could significantly widen the existing digital divide if the government does not implement urgent reforms in infrastructure, digital literacy, and governance. Discussions at the 11th Annual Public Policy Conference highlighted the need for robust data systems, expanded connectivity, and ethical safeguards to ensure inclusive AI benefits.
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines stands at a critical juncture as experts caution that the rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) could deepen the nation’s digital divide, potentially leaving behind vast segments of the population. This pressing concern was a central theme at the 11th Annual Public Policy Conference (APPC), organized by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), held on September 18, 2025, under the theme “Reimagining Governance in the Age of AI.”
PIDS President Philip Arnold Tuaño articulated AI as both a powerful tool for progress and a looming threat. He emphasized that without significant improvements in infrastructure, skills development, and governance, the benefits of AI would likely remain concentrated among a privileged few, exacerbating existing inequalities.
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan echoed these sentiments, stating that the challenge of AI is no longer hypothetical. “AI is here,” Balisacan asserted, warning that without decisive action, only large corporations and urban centers would reap the rewards, further marginalizing rural communities and small enterprises. He cited the recently passed Konektadong Pinoy Law, or the Open Access in Data Transmission Act, as a crucial step towards boosting telecommunications competition and improving access, aiming to ensure no Filipino is left behind.
Information and communications technology policy analyst Mary Grace Mirandilla-Santos underscored the necessity of urgent investments in broadband and digital literacy. She cautioned that without these foundational elements, “AI will empower those already connected while excluding those still left behind.” Adding another layer of complexity, Arifah Sharifuddin of the Tech for Good Institute advised against simply transplanting AI models developed abroad, stressing that such an approach risks bias and may fail to address specific local needs.
Science and Technology Undersecretary Leah Buendia urged regulators to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting citizens from potential risks, including misinformation and privacy breaches. Christopher Lamont of Tokyo International University reinforced this perspective, highlighting that AI should be viewed primarily as a governance challenge, not merely a technical one. He argued that “The real test of AI is not just whether it spurs growth, but whether it safeguards citizens,” advocating for a precautionary, rights-based approach.
From a local standpoint, Naoto Kanehira, Senior Digital Development Specialist at the World Bank, pointed out that fragmented and unreliable datasets significantly impede the Philippines’ capacity to effectively utilize AI. He noted that data is often “inaccurate, incomplete, not sharable, or even not machine-readable,” which prevents AI from delivering smarter, faster public services.
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Despite these warnings, the Philippines has made strides in AI readiness. Balisacan highlighted the country’s rise by nine places to the 56th spot in the 2024 Oxford Global AI Readiness Index, with a score of 58.5, surpassing the global average of 47.6. Key initiatives include the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document, the Department of Trade and Industry’s AI Strategy Roadmap, the establishment of the Center for AI Research, and the Department of Science and Technology’s Democratized Intelligent Model Exchange Repository project. The Department of Information and Communications Technology has also partnered with Google and Coursera to provide free AI training nationwide. However, experts agree that these efforts must be intensified and complemented by robust governance frameworks rooted in ethics and trust to truly harness AI’s potential for inclusive growth.
