The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced plans to launch an artificial intelligence-enabled platform aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness in the Philippines.
“Siguro by next year, ilo-launch natin yung tinatawag nating ‘Plan Smart Ready to Respond,’ para makita ng ating mga kababayan ano ba yung problema ngayong araw? may bagyo ba? Sama ng panahon? AT ano ang gagawin? Ito ay AI-enabled,” DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said.
While details of the 2026 initiative were not yet disclosed, Solidum stressed that the Philippines is keeping pace with global technological advancements.
“Kung titignan naman natin ang ating bansa, hindi tayo napag-iwanan. Lagpas tayo sa gitna. Pero marami pa tayong pwedeng gawin: pataasin ang compute power, at siyempre i-upskill ang kakayanan ng mga Pilipino para gumamit ng AI,” he said.
The DOST is also planning to increase its computing capacity in partnership with the private sector.
“Pagdating sa compute power, may plano po ang DOST na taasan pa ‘yan. Meron na pong pondo sa pagtaas ng compute power, pero makikipagtulungan tayo sa private sector,” Solidum added.
The agency is likewise preparing to establish its own data centers in the coming years to secure and maintain sovereign control of government data.
“Magtatayo din ng sariling data center ang DOST para lahat ng datos ng departamento ay ma-secure natin at maging sovereign tayo diyan,” he said.
On developing local AI expertise, Solidum said the agency will support advanced training for Filipino engineers.
“Ang DOST ay tutulong sa pag-develop ng AI talent, mga inhinyero through masters and PhD.”