Taguig City, July 23, 2025 — The SMX Convention Center Aura was abuzz with energy as industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and media converged for AICON PH 2025. This year’s event, organized by the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP), went beyond exploring the possibilities of AI to address a more critical question: How do we make AI matter for every Filipino?
Under the theme “Making AI Real. Making AI Matter,” the conference resonated across all sectors. Key discussions focused on the future of AI governance, ethical innovation, and the urgent need to upskill the Filipino workforce. AICON PH 2025 was more than a technology conference; it was a powerful call to action, setting the stage for a nationwide movement to integrate AI responsibly and inclusively into the country’s future.
Building an Inclusive, AI-Ready Digital Economy
The Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) positions its commitment to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into governance systems to boost productivity and improve public services. The announcement highlights the government’s focus on building a future-ready, inclusive digital economy powered by AI.
“Our national approach rests on three pillars: building an AI-ready workforce, expanding inclusive digital infrastructure, and establishing a forward-looking regulatory framework,” said Sec. Arsenio Balisacan of DEPDev. “For these plans to become a reality, our strategies must be anchored in timely policy development, robust infrastructure, and a future-ready workforce.”
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of deploying AI with fairness and sustainability at its core. As countries worldwide develop their national strategies, the Philippines is well-positioned to benefit—but only with decisive action.
“AI is a matter of choice,” said Edwine Carrie of UNDP. “And the choices we make today will determine whether AI uplifts or divides.”
PH readiness for Sovereign AI, Championing homegrown AI
A key theme at the learning event plenary session was the importance of Sovereign AI—a nation’s ability to independently develop, deploy, and govern its own artificial intelligence systems. This approach ensures a nation’s control over data, models, infrastructure, and regulations, keeping its unique needs at the forefront.
“As we adopt AI, you’re helping to build our nation,” said AAP President Michelle Alarcon. “When we discuss sovereign AI in the Philippine context, we need to consider both the opportunities and the limitations. We might not build our own large language models overnight, but we can make smart, strategic choices. That means investing in local data, supporting Filipino talent, and making sure AI tools reflect our laws, languages, and our unique realities.”
Beeinfotech President and CEO Win King Cheung echoed his sentiment, “With data and AI everywhere, our cities are on the verge of being completely redefined. The concept of a “smart city” is more than just a buzzword; it’s about building a new ecosystem that seamlessly connects businesses and consumers.” Cheung further stressed that digital infrastructure companies must be committed to delivering better outcomes and providing an effective platform for individuals who believe in the power of sovereign AI perspective.
AI disruption amplifies human connection
As AI continues to disrupt industries and redefine work, experts emphasize that human connection and purpose will remain at the core of all we do. According to LTP labs Partner Pedro Campelo, the rise of AI will not replace the human elements but rather enhance it.
“AI is coming to disrupt. It is already disrupting the way we are doing things and the way we are working together, but it is not going to replace the human aspect of everything that we do because AI is still about human purpose,” Campelo stated. He explained that as AI becomes integrated into daily tasks, individuals will need to learn how to effectively use these new tools and systems, shifting their roles from simple execution to strategic oversight.
This integration is already redefining how organizations view their teams. The automation and augmentation provided by AI are freeing up employees from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more complex, creative, and collaborative work. This shift underscores the growing importance of skills like critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal communication, ensuring that human ingenuity and connection continue to drive progress.
A Whole-of-Society Movement and Industry Lead in Workforce Development
AICON PH 2025 concluded with a powerful message: the integration of artificial intelligence is not merely a technical challenge, but a “whole-of-society” movement that requires collective action. The conference emphasized that while the demands of AI adoption can be daunting, greater collaboration between the government, industry, and academia can create a more aligned and effective approach to frameworks, programs, and AI literacy initiatives.
A central theme of the event was the urgent need to equip Filipinos with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital age. This emphasis on human development is a vital component of successful AI adoption. “…we must equip our workforce with the skills needed for a changing labor market,” stated Sec. Balisacan. He highlighted that while AI creates new opportunities, it also threatens many jobs through automation. The Secretary stressed that reskilling efforts are essential in sectors where AI poses a threat, while the focus should be on expanding opportunities where human-AI collaboration can flourish
“We are committed to arming every Filipino with the know-how and mindset to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence. I am proud to announce that the National AI Upskilling Roadmap has been approved by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., with the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines (AAP) taking the lead from the private sector, in strong partnership with CHED and TESDA as the co-leads from the government,” announced AAP President Michelle Alarcon. “This National AI Upskilling Roadmap is a bold step toward inclusive digital transformation,”.
During his closing remarks, AAP Board Trustee Joey Gurango emphasized the importance of the event’s theme, “Making AI Real. Making AI Matter.” He called it “more than just a slogan. It’s a challenge. A call to action.” Gurango urged attendees to collaborate as a community, as professionals, and as a country to bridge existing gaps and ensure that AI becomes more useful, inclusive, and meaningful for the Philippines. y
To continue the momentum, the first-ever AICON PH Cebu will be happening on November 27, 2025. AI Innovators are encouraged to attend in order to shape a future where AI truly serves the Filipino people.
About AICON PH 2025 Collaborators and Supporters
AICON PH 2025 in Manila was proudly organized by the Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP), together with co-organizers Alibaba Cloud and BeeinfotechPH, and co-presented by JP Morgan & Chase, LTP Labs, and SGV & Co.
The summit also featured the support of our official ambassadors: Acer, AMD, Ayala, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Google, and PMI—organizations that champion innovation and inclusivity in tech.
Key session sponsors included Accenture, AWS, Eskwelabs, GCash, Globe, and Káyana; while De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde, Emerson, Insight, KPMG, Multisys, N‑PAX, Philtech, and Stratpoint showcased their work as featured exhibitors. Special thanks as well to QBE Insurance, Reyes Tacandong & Co., San Miguel Corporation, and ST Telemedia Global Data Centres for helping bring this initiative to life.
The event was also amplified by our media partners: NEN Digital, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Business Mirror, Business World, Malaya Business Insight, VRITimes, Philippines Graphic, Kwento Co, WhenInManila.com, Out of the Box, and Village Connect Magazine.
About AICON PH:
AICON PH is the premier AI learning conference in the Philippines, focused on promoting inclusive, accessible, and practical AI knowledge across sectors.
Follow AICON PH for the latest updates: aicon.ph
About AAP:
The Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP) is the enabling organization formed to take the lead in driving the growth and evolution of all Analytics-enabled fields and AI-enabled fields and technologies in the Philippines. For more information, visit aap.ph
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES
