ILOILO City – With an eye toward national leadership in artificial intelligence (AI), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 6 is positioning Western Visayas as a pioneering hub for responsible and inclusive AI development in the Philippines through the country’s first-ever AI Festival, set on August 11–13.
“This will be the first major AI event of its kind in the country,” said DOST-6 regional director Engr. Rowen Gelonga, chair of AI Fest 2025. “It’s not just for Western Visayas. We are bringing together partners from all over the Philippines — from government, academia, and the private sector — to push a unified AI development agenda.”
Organized in partnership with the Unified Movement in Western Visayas to Accelerate Startup and Spinoff Development (UMWAD), Regional Association of State Colleges and Universities (RASUC), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), West Visayas State University (WVSU), and Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U), the festival will showcase how AI can drive talent development, public sector innovation, creative industries, and economic growth.
Anchored on the theme “Coding a Better Future: Responsible AI for Cities and Communities,” the event aims to foster ethical and human-centered AI practices that benefit learners, businesses, local governments, and communities. It will also provide a platform for cross-sectoral dialogue and the formulation of AI governance frameworks in education, health, and digital industries.
The three-day festival will include four major events: the AI Hackathon, the AI Technical Conference, an AI-focused short film competition called SineAI, and an exhibition of AI-powered solutions. These are designed to spark innovation, strengthen regional tech capacity, and attract national and international collaborators.
Last year, DOST-6 launched the region’s first Artificial Intelligence Action Plan, culminating in the successful 2024 AI Hackathon that drew over 500 participants and resulted in innovative projects such as AI chatbots and recommendation engines.
According to Gelonga, Western Visayas remains the only Philippine region with a formal AI development strategy.
“AI is already embedded in our daily lives. This festival highlights its importance not just in specific sectors but across all dimensions of personal and professional life,” he said.
DOST and its partners also emphasized the importance of cultivating a culture of responsible AI use. While acknowledging the risks of misuse, they stressed the need for awareness, education, and ethical implementation to maximize AI’s benefits in sectors like healthcare, digital content creation, the blue economy, and entrepreneurship.
“By showcasing regional leadership and consolidating fragmented efforts, AI Fest 2025 can catalyze a cohesive national AI movement,” DOST-6 said in a statement.
The event is expected to draw participation from students, researchers, tech developers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers nationwide./PN
