Western Visayas Unveils Artificial Intelligence Action Plan and Ethics Policy
ILOILO CITY — The Western Visayas region has officially published an action plan and ethics policy for artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative aims to promote responsible AI usage while addressing potential risks associated with its application.
Formal Release of AI Initiatives
The Regional Development Council-6 has released copies of the AI Regional Development Action Plan and the AI Governance and Ethics Policy for the period of 2025 to 2030. These documents are designed to provide practical pathways for inclusive AI adoption across various sectors.
Goals of the Action Plan
Renato Solidum Jr., from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), emphasized that the primary objective is to explore sector-specific applications of AI in fields such as education, health, and energy. These applications are already yielding positive results and can serve as models for future initiatives.
“This is to identify practical pathways for inclusive AI adoption and examine sector-specific applications in education, health, and energy that are already delivering results,” Solidum stated during the turnover rites held on March 20 in Boracay Island.
Addressing Challenges and Aligning Policies
Solidum also pointed out the need to understand what factors facilitate the scaling of these innovations, while identifying existing obstacles that must be overcome. The aim is to align policy, investment, and partnerships to ensure that AI contributes positively to development without exacerbating inequality.
Collaboration Between Sectors
According to DOST-6 Regional Director Rowen Gelonga, both the public and private sectors in Western Visayas are committed to optimizing the use of AI while minimizing its potential misuse. The action plan and ethics policy will serve as essential guides for navigating the complexities of AI deployment.
Commitment to Responsible AI
Aklan Governor Jose Enrique “Joen” Miraflores, who serves as the public sector co-chairperson of RDC-6, highlighted the significance of this milestone. “This milestone reflects our commitment to innovation, responsible AI, and inclusive regional development for Western Visayas,” he remarked.
Notable attendees at the turnover included Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), RDC-6 private sector co-chairperson Jobert Peñaflorida, and local officials, who collectively underscored the importance of these policies in shaping the region’s technological future.
