The Philippines wants in on the artificial intelligence (AI) trend.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced the establishment of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR), the country’s first central hub for AI research for tackling industrial challenges, stimulating economic growth, and fostering inclusive development.
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual wants CAIR to be a Center of Excellence for multi-sector AI research and development. Meanwhile, DTI’s Competitiveness and Innovation Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba expects CAIR to achieve self-sustainability within three years through a business model designed for income-generating projects. These projects may involve research contracts with private businesses across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, urban planning, and disaster resilience.
In its 2024 budget, the DTI has been granted an additional Php350.5 million to fund CAIR, which will initially operate with government subsidies totaling Php70 million for its first two years. To further enhance its capabilities, CAIR will relocate from its present DTI offices to the National Innovation Gateway in Manila, funded by a Php400 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
CAIR will additionally function as an educational institution to enhance the workforce’s AI skills and preparing them for future employment needs.