At the second AI Horizons PH conference, University of the Philippines President Angelo Jimenez emphasized that artificial intelligence must empower everyone, not only the privileged. He highlighted how AI now plays a vital role in addressing the country’s most urgent challenges across industries, governance, and education. The University of the Philippines continues to lead conversations on ensuring technology serves the public good.
Speaking before more than 300 participants from academia, business, government, and civil society, Jimenez said that progress demands determination. He explained that political will is needed to expand digital infrastructure, educational will must drive curriculum reform, and economic will should promote local innovation. He urged a collective will to make AI serve all people rather than a select few.
Held in UP Cebu on October 16 and 17, the conference fostered collaboration between sectors and communities most affected by AI transformation. Cebu, known as the country’s leading outsourcing hub outside Metro Manila, provided a fitting backdrop for discussions on AI’s economic and social impact.
UP Cebu Chancellor Leo Malagar reminded attendees that innovation loses meaning when it overlooks the people it was designed to benefit. He said that no algorithm can be considered ethical if it favors only those in positions of power. His remarks reflected the University of the Philippines’ commitment to human-centered innovation.
Over two days, the event explored four major sectors where AI is reshaping society. These included creative industries and business process outsourcing, public governance and disaster management, social progress and inclusive development, and cybersecurity and national defense. Each session emphasized the University of the Philippines’ role in connecting academic research with practical solutions.
Michelle Alarcon, president of the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines, led the session on creative and outsourcing industries. She introduced the Philippine Skills Framework for Analytics and AI, stressing the need to cultivate a strong national workforce. She said that achieving technological independence requires a robust local ecosystem because no one else will build it for the Philippines.
Another session focused on how AI can support governance and disaster management. The topic gained importance after the recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu and ongoing corruption issues in infrastructure projects. Discussions underscored how AI could enhance transparency and accountability in public service.
Professor Czar Jakiri Sarmiento of the UP National Engineering Center said that technology in governance should strengthen values such as empathy, fairness, and accountability instead of focusing solely on efficiency. His perspective echoed the University of the Philippines’ principle that technology must always serve humanity.
Dr. Johanna Patricia Cañal of the UP Philippine General Hospital delivered a keynote on AI’s role in radiology and medical imaging. She explained that these advancements create new opportunities for research and collaboration between medical experts and software developers. She added that clear communication between scientists and doctors ensures AI technology meets patient needs effectively.
The final session addressed cybersecurity and national defense. Rowen Gelonga, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology Region VI, presented the AI Development Action Plan for Western Visayas. He called for more regional participation and fairer resource distribution to help marginalized groups access AI-driven solutions.
Throughout the event, speakers shared a unified vision of the University of the Philippines as a driving force for ethical and inclusive AI. The conference reinforced the belief that innovation must reflect empathy, equality, and accountability so that artificial intelligence becomes a tool for collective advancement.
