UP, MMSU among 4 innovation hubs groomed by gov’t

MANILA, Philippines  —The Department of Trade and Industry is currently looking at four local universities to host artificial intelligence (AI) research centers that will be funded by the $400-million project loan it is working out with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual mentioned the University of the Philippines (UP) in Quezon City as one of the potential sites, as well as the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Ilocos Norte.

Pascual also said that they have a candidate university in Cagayan de Oro but declined to name the academic institution, while the fourth and final one will come from either Cebu or Iloilo.

“These will host our industry 4.0 factories. These will also introduce new industry 4.0 technologies to our (micro, small and medium enterprises),” Pascual said during a roundtable discussion session with the Inquirer on Tuesday night.

Incubators, accelerators for tech startups

The trade secretary added that these planned technology hubs would also serve as incubators and accelerators for tech startups.

“AI really needs to be included in the operations of our companies,” said the trade chief.

Back in November last year, Pascual had said that the Philippines is positioning itself as a center of excellence in AI, noting the increasing use of this technology among startups, as well as the increasing number of Southeast Asian countries actively developing AI strategies.

He added that the Philippines’ national AI strategy is focused on improving the lives of the population, boosting enterprise productivity and enhancing economic competitiveness.

Pascual said they are banking on four pillars in the implementation of this strategy, focusing on digitalization and infrastructure, workforce development, regulation, as well as research and development.