‘AI will enhance Philippines economics’

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May 2, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —  Projects related to science, technology and innovation (STI), such as the development of artificial intelligence or AI, are the “very engines” that will drive the Philippines in its quest to attain higher-income status, the Department of Science and Technology asserted yesterday.

Science Secretary Renato Solidum said the government should harness the potential of AI, which has revolutionized various sectors, including agriculture, disaster reduction, education and health care.

He urged middle-income countries like the Philippines to “build an enabling environment” well equipped to handle emerging technologies.

Solidum, during a panel discussion at the High-Level Conference of Middle-Income Countries on Tuesday, said the potential of STI would “transform our economies as MICs (middle-income countries).”

The Philippines abandoned its aspirations to attain upper-middle income status this year due to the repercussions of tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.

Secretary Arsenio Balisacan of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development said the country might reach the status next year if the economy expands by at least six percent in 2025 and 2026.