Local government leaders, technology experts, policymakers, academicians, and industry stakeholders gathered at “AI in Action Forum: Empowering Smarter Governance for Digital-Ready LGUs” to discuss how artificial intelligence could be applied to real governance challenges, and sustained as part of everyday public service.
Hosted by PLDT and Smart, the event brought together leaders exploring how AI could support more effective, responsive, and citizen-centered governance.
As AI readiness emerges as among the key indicators of national competitiveness, local government units (LGUs) are now moving beyond AI exploration and developing solutions for local needs. Amid this fast-changing landscape, this forum provided a venue for sharing experiences, lessons, and implementation strategies. Through expert discussions and case presentations, participants examined how AI could help improve service delivery, streamline government processes, support decision-making, and address real world challenges.
“AI is opening new opportunities for government to improve the way services are delivered, but technology is not the goal itself,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, Assistant Vice President and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “What matters is how these tools are translated into practical solutions that respond to real community needs. Through AI in Action, we hope to foster meaningful conversations among government leaders, technology experts, and partners on how AI can be adopted responsibly, sustainably, and in ways that create tangible benefits for citizens.”
LGU showcase of actual AI projects
A highlight of the event was the showcase of AI-powered applications developed by partner LGUs Baguio City, Cabanatuan City, Cebu City, and Lanao del Sur Province through PLDT and Smart’s AI-in-a-Box program. These examples demonstrate how local governments are translating emerging technologies into practical solutions tailored to the needs of their constituents.
Speakers include Atty Jon Paulo V. Salvahan, Undersecretary for Plans and Programs of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), who opened the event; Elmer Peramo, Assistant Scientist at the Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), who presented the National AI Strategy of the Philippines; and Amil Azurin, Chief Commercial Officer of ePLDT, who discussed citizen-centered and resilient governance, connecting the AI conversation with the public service outcomes.
Peramo and Azurin also joined panelists in the forum’s Executive Discussion, which brought together leaders from government, industry, and technology to examine what it takes to move from promising demonstrations to sustainable implementation. Moderated by Roby Alampay, First Vice President and Head of PLDT and Smart Public Engagement Group, the discussions focused on identifying meaningful use cases, assessing readiness, preparing data and governance frameworks, securing leadership support, building organizational capability, and ensuring that innovation delivers measurable benefits for citizens, while balancing issues on AI adoption such as sovereignty, governance, privacy and cybersecurity, among others.
Other panelists included Anna Liza Bonagua of DILG; Blums Pineda, Head of Enterprise Business Group of PLDT and Smart and Chairman of ePLDT; and Lope Doromal of IBM Philippines, while representatives from the Anti-Red Tape Authority and Developmental Academy of the Philippines (DAP) also joined to share perspectives on AI’s role in advancing national development priorities and supporting broader adoption across local governments nationwide.
Designed as both a learning platform and a venue for collaboration, AI in Action seeks to strengthen connections among local governments, technology providers, academic institutions, and public sector stakeholders.
