Marcos Pushes Accelerated AI Adoption Across Government, Education, and Economy
QUEZON CITY — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has called for the accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across government, education, and key economic sectors, as lawmakers simultaneously push for legal safeguards to manage the risks associated with the technology’s rapid expansion.
Marcos made the announcement during the launch of the Department of Education’s Project Accelerating Governance and Adaptive Pedagogy through Artificial Intelligence at Quezon City Science High School. He said the government intends to harness AI as a driver of economic growth, public service improvement, and education reform under a comprehensive national framework.
“At the national level, we are leveraging AI as an engine for development. We are establishing the Philippine AI Program Framework for the future-proofing of our economy,” Marcos said.
National AI Framework
According to the President, the Philippine AI Program Framework will focus on long-term deployment of AI technologies, prioritizing investments in high-performance computing systems, research and development, and workforce upskilling — including training for educators.
Marcos emphasized that while AI offers vast potential, its deployment must remain ethical and accountable.
“Through investment in AI research and development, we ensure that this technology delivers real benefits while remaining ethical and responsible,” he said.
As chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, the Philippines is also pushing for a harmonized and human-centered AI ecosystem across the region. Marcos said priority sectors include finance, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and education.
Lawmakers Push AI Bill of Rights
Parallel to the administration’s executive push, members of Congress are urging the passage of legislation to safeguard citizens as AI adoption expands.
Lawmakers from Camarines Sur have called on Congress to approve a proposed AI Bill of Rights, which seeks to set clear boundaries against misuse, including deepfakes and AI-driven deception.
The proposed measure outlines protections against unsafe or ineffective AI systems, algorithmic discrimination, and privacy violations. It also guarantees individuals the right to information, remedy, and appeal when AI systems significantly affect them.
The bill aligns with the National AI Strategy for the Philippines, approved by the President, which guides AI development, deployment, and regulation through 2028.
Rapid Growth in AI Use
Recent data highlight the Philippines’ growing engagement with AI technologies.
The country improved its ranking in the Government AI Readiness Index, rising from 65th place in 2023 to 56th last year among 188 countries.
Advocacy group Citizen Watch Philippines, citing data from Statista and We Are Social Meltwater, reported that the Philippines ranks sixth globally in ChatGPT usage. Approximately 46 percent of Filipino internet users engage with the platform — significantly higher than the global average of 26 percent.
In education, AI use has also surged. A 2025 State of Higher Education report by Instructure Holdings Inc. found that 63 percent of Filipino students use generative AI tools for writing, translation, and research.
Responsible Use in Education
While recognizing AI’s transformative power, Marcos cautioned against overreliance on technology.
“You have in your hands an extraordinarily powerful tool. But you must use it to help you think and support your learning. It should never replace your drive, your creativity, and grit to learn about our world,” he said.
The President stressed that technology cannot substitute for effort, preparation, or accountability, adding that the success of the country’s AI strategy ultimately depends on Filipinos using these tools responsibly.
As AI adoption accelerates nationwide, the government’s challenge will be balancing innovation with regulation — ensuring that technological progress strengthens, rather than undermines, the country’s long-term development.fe
