With artificial intelligence rapidly evolving, organizations must go beyond simple AI use cases and instead rethink workflows, reimagine organizations, measure ROI based on business outcomes that matter, and lead and govern for AI risk management, architecture and security.

This was among the key insights discussed at the 20th Annual Corporate Governance Enhancement Session (ACGES), themed “The Next Advantage: Driving Strategic Business Growth Through AI,” where global AI thought leader Dr. Ayesha Khanna, CEO and Co-Founder of ADDO AI and Founder of Amplify, highlighted the emergence of the Agentic Era and the growing role of autonomous AI agents in transforming how businesses operate.

Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan joined more than 500 directors, advisory board members, and executives from across the ACGES participating companies at the annual governance session held on October 2, 2026 at Makati Shangri-La. Attendees represented a broad cross-section of the Group's businesses, including publicly listed companies, PLDT Inc. (PLDT), Manila Electric Company (Meralco), Philex Mining Corporation, PXP Energy Corporation, Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad), and Roxas Holdings Inc. (RHI); as well as public companies Digital Telecommunications Phils, Inc. (Digitel), Asian Hospital, Inc., Medical Doctors, Inc. (Makati Medical Center), Lucena United Doctors, Inc., Diliman Doctors Hospital, Inc., and Davao Doctors Hospital (Clinica Hilario), Inc., and registered issuers NLEX Corporation and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC). Other attendees were from Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), Multisys Technologies Corporation (Multisys), ePLDT, Inc., VITRO Inc., PLDT Global Inc., Maya Philippines, Inc., Voyager Innovations, Inc., Kayana Solutions Inc., Metro Pacific Health Corporation, Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation (mWell), Cignal TV, Inc., TV5 Network, Inc., and MediaQuest Holdings, Inc.

‘Bet on humanity’

In his welcome address, PLDT Director, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez, Jr. drew from his own experience using AI to support decision-making and enterprise transformation, citing AI's potential to enhance productivity and accelerate innovation while emphasizing the importance of retaining human judgment in an increasingly AI-enabled world.

“What if AI stops the next generation from learning how to think? What if they stop because something else is doing the thinking for them? So that’s something to be concerned about,” said Jimenez, underscoring the need to preserve critical thinking and accountability and ensure responsible adoption to better navigate both opportunities and risks presented by emerging technologies. “Between betting on AI and betting on humanity, I will bet on humanity. We’ll figure it out eventually.”

Workflows, not just AI use cases

In her keynote address, Dr. Khanna urged companies to move beyond AI use cases and focus instead on transforming workflows to drive growth, especially as industries enter the next era of AI, where AI agents are expected to lead.

“To succeed in the agentic era, we must stop using old school words like ‘use case’. This notion of specific small AI achievements is no longer how people are thinking. It has failed. People now think of entire workflows,” she said, adding that organizations that successfully scale AI will be those that align technology investments with strategy while building the talent, governance frameworks, and operating models needed to thrive in the AI era.

The session also featured a fireside chat moderated by PLDT and Smart Public Engagement Group Head Roby Alampay, with Dr. Khanna and PLDT Independent Director Dr. Erika Fille T. Legara.

The discussion emphasized that successful AI transformation starts with clear business and customer outcomes, supported by the right technology, data and redesigned workflows. Panelists also stressed that human accountability must remain central as AI gains greater autonomy, making AI fluency and the ability to bridge technology and business increasingly important skills.

For the Philippines, this shift presents an opportunity to strengthen its position in the emerging AI economy. “We are fast learners. We are digital natives,” said Dr. Legara, adding that there is need to fundamentally rethink the current Philippine curriculum to be able to produce the workforce of the future and develop Filipino professionals who can combine AI expertise with business strategy. “What we need for organizations to transform are people who understand both worlds, and who can translate the language of business and the language of tech,” she said.

The Annual Corporate Governance Enhancement Session is a flagship program of the PLDT Board, in collaboration with other ACGES participating companies, that brings together Group directors and officers to strengthen governance practices and explore emerging trends shaping business leadership. Now in its 20th year, ACGES continues to serve as a strategic platform for governance learning and collaboration among the companies.