(DC file)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday called for broader and more inclusive access to artificial intelligence as the government launched a new AI-powered feature of the eGovPH Superapp.
In a message delivered by Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos during the ceremonial launch of eGov AI at The Manila Hotel, Marcos said emerging technologies should be made accessible to more Filipinos and used to improve the delivery of public services.
“We live in a time when technology is transforming how we learn, work, and do business. Artificial intelligence, or AI in particular, offers new ways of solving problems and making everyday tasks more efficient,” Marcos said.
He cited a 2024 study showing that only 14.9 percent of Philippine firms use AI tools, with adoption largely concentrated among bigger, technology-related companies in urban areas. Marcos said connectivity and other structural barriers continue to limit wider use of emerging technologies.
“These realities tell us where our work must continue. We must make innovation more accessible and equip our people with the skills to use it,” he said.
Developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology, eGov AI includes an AI assistant designed to guide users through government services, along with tools for real-time translation, document extraction, image identification and access to laws, regulations and tourism information. The official eGov AI platform also lists identity verification and other AI-assisted services among its features.
Marcos said AI development must remain anchored on accountability, security and public interest, stressing that technology should support human decision-making rather than replace it.
“Always remember that technology should sharpen our judgment, not replace it. Let us use AI as a tool to make well-informed decisions without surrendering our own capacity to question, discern, and decide,” he said.
The launch also included the eGovPH Hackathon 2026 awards, recognizing teams that developed digital solutions supporting the government’s digital transformation efforts.
Marcos thanked government agencies and partners involved in the initiative, saying technological innovation should create opportunities and help ensure that no Filipino is left behind in the country’s digital transition.
