ILOILO City – Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Western Visayas are being pushed to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their daily operations to reduce costs, improve productivity and remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.
The call highlighted “AI Connect: Empowering MSMEs through Artificial Intelligence,” held on August 4 in Iloilo City as part of the Department of Science and Technology Region 6’s AI Fest.
Organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 6 in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Western Visayas (PCCI-WV) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DT), the event introduced entrepreneurs to practical AI applications in marketing, customer service, inventory management and other business functions.
Kristel Villanueva-Libunao, executive director of SmartCT, urged entrepreneurs to treat AI not simply as a technological trend but as a business tool that can complement human capabilities.
She said AI could handle repetitive and time-consuming tasks, allowing business owners and workers to devote more attention to creativity, decision-making and strategic planning.
“Start small,” she advised, urging businesses to identify where AI could add immediate value in areas like marketing, customer service, and inventory management.
PCCI-WV regional governor Engr. Fulbert Woo, meanwhile, stressed that cooperation among government, industry and the academe is necessary to make AI accessible and useful to Filipino entrepreneurs.
“Collaboration is key to creating solutions that promote inclusive and sustainable growth,” Woo asserted, setting the stage for a rich exchange of ideas.
Industry specialists and representatives of government and technology organizations also discussed the potential of AI to improve business operations.
“AI can drive efficiency, cut costs, and elevate customer engagement,” emphasized panelist Garry Balinon of DOST Western Visayas.
Participants were introduced to the “Triple A Framework” — Augment, Automate and Abandon — which guides enterprises in assessing their processes and determining how AI could be integrated thoughtfully and responsibly.
Under the framework, businesses may use AI to augment human capabilities, automate repetitive processes or abandon practices that no longer provide value.
Hands-on workshops covered AI fundamentals, prompt engineering and applications for sales and marketing, providing participants with practical knowledge on the effective use of AI tools.
DOST-6 also reaffirmed its commitment to assisting local enterprises through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program, while DTI-6 emphasized the need for businesses to identify their operational challenges and equip employees with the skills required in a digital workplace.
AI Connect formed part of the government and private sector’s broader effort to move AI beyond technical discussions and turn it into an accessible tool for the growth and competitiveness of Western Visayas enterprises./PN
