President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday pledged to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to spur economic growth, committing to create a “harmonized and human-centered AI ecosystem” not just in the Philippines but across Southeast Asia.

“At the national level, we are leveraging AI as an engine for development,” Marcos said during the launching of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Project Accelerating Governance and Adaptive Pedagogy through Artificial Intelligence (AGAP.AI).

“We are establishing the Philippine AI Program Framework for the future-proofing of our economy.”

Marcos said the national framework focuses on building robust infrastructure such as high-performance computing systems, as well as the upskilling of workers and educators.

“Through investment in AI research and development, we ensure that this technology delivers real benefits while remaining ethical and responsible,” he said.

As chairperson of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, Marcos said the Philippines would push for 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,” Marcos said.

Marcos said this generation is very fortunate to be in a world where information and tools are readily available.

As a technology enthusiast, Marcos said AI will help people tackle more complex challenges.

Marcos, however, said the new technology cannot replace core human qualities and responsibilities.

“That is the advantage, and I have to say, I am a little bit jealous because I wish – I really fervently wish we had this when the time that I was still in school because you have in your hands an extraordinary – extraordinarily powerful tool,” he said.

“But 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.”

Marcos said he envisions a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) that is “enabled by technology and powered by Filipinos who choose to learn, to work and to aspire for a better future for all.” (PNA)