PH Advances ASEAN AI Agenda at AI Impact Summit 2026 in India
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New Delhi, India – Reinforcing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to place artificial intelligence (AI) at the core of the Philippines’ digital transformation, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) advanced the country’s regional AI priorities at the AI Impact Summit 2026, held February 18–20 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India.
Hosted by India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITy), the summit convened ministers, global technology executives, and policymakers to strengthen international cooperation in AI governance, workforce transformation, sustainable digital infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth.
The Philippine delegation was led by DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda and Assistant Secretary Luis Miguel B. Planas, in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in India under Ambassador Josel F. Ignacio. Consul Melissa Anne Telan provided on-site support throughout the summit.
Strategic, Outcome-Driven Participation
Secretary Aguda emphasized that the Philippines’ participation was deliberate and results-oriented, anchored on the Philippine AI+ Masterplan and the development of the ASEAN AI MSME Hub in New Clark City. The hub is envisioned as a premier AI infrastructure and innovation destination in Southeast Asia.
Drawing inspiration from India’s globally recognized digital public infrastructure model, Secretary Aguda outlined the Philippines’ own digital direction.
“If India has India Stack, the Philippines will build its own stack anchored on Digital Bayanihan,” he said. “Bayanihan has always meant community effort. In the digital age, it must mean shared infrastructure, shared opportunity, and shared intelligence.”
During the Inaugural Session and Leader Plenary, Secretary Aguda engaged fellow ministers and technology leaders in discussions focused on practical cooperation in AI deployment, skills development, and cross-border innovation.
One of the summit’s key outcomes was Oman’s offer to host up to 20 startups per ASEAN member state for three years, fully subsidized by the Omani government. This initiative opens zero-cost access to Middle Eastern markets for Filipino AI startups and provides immediate pathways for international expansion.
The Philippines also co-chaired the Human Capital Working Group, successfully advancing three major proposals that were adopted in the summit’s official outcomes:
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Digital Public Infrastructure for Skills – Expanding government-led AI literacy and nationwide upskilling platforms.
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Employer-Led Reskilling – Mobilizing private sector leadership in AI executive programs and technical bootcamps.
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AI Observatories – Establishing real-time monitoring systems to assess AI’s impact on employment and guide responsive policymaking.
These initiatives align with the President’s directive to ensure AI drives job creation, strengthens micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and expands opportunities for Filipino workers.
On the sidelines of the summit, DICT secured and advanced several high-impact collaborations aimed at accelerating the Philippines’ AI ecosystem.
India Digital Cooperation. Bilateral engagements with the Government of India and key institutions opened pathways for joint AI and cybersecurity training, semiconductor workforce development, and mutual recognition of digital certifications boosting the global competitiveness of Filipino talent.
Global-Scale Skilling Access. Discussions with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) unlocked potential access to large-scale AI, semiconductor, and cybersecurity training platforms. Plans are being explored for a joint AI learning center in the Philippines.
Grassroots AI through the U.S. Peace Corps. Engagements with the Peace Corps focused on integrating AI literacy, telehealth solutions, and digital enablement programs for MSMEs in underserved communities.
Cloud and Infrastructure Investments. Meetings with global technology firms strengthened interest in hyperscale cloud investments, renewable-powered data centers, and AI safety collaboration in New Clark City—reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a cost-efficient and sustainable AI infrastructure destination.
The outcomes of the summit directly support the Philippines’ roadmap as ASEAN Chair, including the formalization of the National AI Infrastructure Masterplan, the advancement of the ASEAN AI MSME Hub, and consensus-building toward the ASEAN AI Declaration later this year.
Secretary Aguda underscored the urgency of collective action.
“History does not wait for countries that hesitate. India did not hesitate. ASEAN cannot hesitate. And the Philippines will not hesitate,” he said.
“As directed by President Marcos Jr., we are not merely adopting AI we are building the ecosystem that will allow Filipinos to lead in it,” he added. “Our engagements in India bring home concrete opportunities that will power inclusive growth for the Philippines.”
DICT is set to formalize the agreements initiated during the summit in the coming weeks, ensuring sustained partnerships, strengthened investment pipelines, and measurable progress toward positioning the Philippines as a leading AI hub in Southeast Asia.
