MANILA, Philippines — During the recent “Kapihan sa Manila Bay” media forum with Marichu Villanueva, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda clarified the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) position on artificial intelligence, emphasizing that AI should not be feared but rather embraced as a tool for growth. This stance aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to leverage emerging technologies to strengthen the nation’s workforce, particularly in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry.

As part of the forum, DICT introduced Converge’s AI-powered robots—Convy, the humanoid robot boy, and Convo, the robot dog. These robots symbolize the readiness of AI to enhance innovation, improve service delivery, and create opportunities for upskilling in digital professions. Secretary Aguda highlighted that AI presents a “new frontier” that is ethical, transparent, and progressive, signaling a shift toward a connected, safe, and modern Philippines. The Department stressed that strategic investment in AI upskilling could strengthen the country’s competitive edge in the global BPO market, where efficiency and technological proficiency are increasingly critical. However, the growing presence of AI raises broader questions about the future of work, ethical deployment, and inclusivity: as technology reshapes industries, is the Philippines fully prepared to harness AI responsibly while ensuring that no workforce segment is left behind? (Larawan mula sa: DICT / Facebook)