The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Education (DepEd) partnered in a landmark program to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) development into the country's education system. DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque led the DTI in donating 10 powerful computers to the DepEd. This is in line with supporting the DepEd in the development of advanced AI capabilities and endowing learners and educators with AI-driven tools, manifesting a whole-of-government commitment to spur educational technology development in the Philippines.
"Beyond a mere donation, this is sharing the government's limited resources for optimal use, with a very strong focus on delivering our collective purposes. This is an investment in our nation's future, a commitment to innovation, a push for progress, and a proof of the power of interagency collaboration", according to Secretary Roque.
She also reaffirmed the DTI’s continued commitment to fostering globally competitive and resilient industries by collaborating with other government agencies to equip the Filipino workforce with future-ready skills.
The DTI joins hands with our partners in education and workforce development in developing globally competitive Filipino human resources. Through this collaboration, we are developing human capital by making digital technologies a part of our education system bringing meaningful reforms to our schools and communities that will ultimately enhance our local industries", the trade chief underscored.
"Basing our strategy on this, our vision goes forward to leveraging the power of AI in solving actual problems, most especially those that confront our micro, small, and medium enterprises. Recalibrating our strategy as we do, we will continue to pursue the newer AI applications to further strengthen our local businesses and power innovation in all of our industries", she added.
The donated powerful computers, obtained by the Tatak Pinoy Strategy Program, will help achieve the complete transition and operation of the Education Center for AI Research (E-CAIR) system from DTI to DepEd.
As early as June 2025, the E-CAIR shall implement high-impact digital instruments aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness, maximizing the utilization of resources, maximizing the effectiveness of resource deployment, enhancing data-driven policy-making, and strengthening student support mechanisms.
With President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Bagong Pilipinas agenda, this collaboration seeks to instill in students a culture of innovation and to prepare them with the skill sets necessary to make Philippine industries competitive on the global stage.
