A PHP248-million Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics training center and innovation hub is set to rise in Baguio City to strengthen its smart city program and equip residents with essential tech skills.
Daisy Bungallon, executive director of the Cordillera State Institute for Technology Education (CSITE) under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Cordillera (TESDA-CAR), said they are seeking the city government’s approval to use a 500-square-meter property beside the CSITE main campus.
“We hope to get the city government’s nod for the use of a 500 square-meter land adjacent to the CSITE main campus, which was the approved site when the proposal was submitted,” Bungallon said in an interview.
She explained that the facility ideally requires at least 2,500 square meters to house the training center, innovation hub, and spaces for equipment that will support the commercialization of innovations.
“We hope we are granted the space so that we can start construction and commence the AI and technology program,” she added.
Discussions with the city government are ongoing since the proposed site is currently an open area used by Quezon Elementary School pupils and serves as an evacuation center for nearby barangays.
A public hearing was held on Monday, where the Department of Education–Baguio Schools Division Office and concerned barangays were asked to submit their position papers.