Historical Context

The National AI Strategy Roadmap 2.0 (NAISR 2.0) was officially launched in July 2024 by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Competitiveness and Innovation Group. This document represents the definitive evolution of the Philippines’ strategic approach to artificial intelligence, building upon a multi-year trajectory of industrial policy and stakeholder collaboration.

DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual delivering his keynote presentation at the NAISR 2.0 launch, July 2024

NAISR 2.0 launch event, July 2024

The 2019 Foundation

The roots of this strategy trace back to November 2019, when the DTI first initiated the formal process of crafting a national roadmap. During this foundational phase, the DTI focused on positioning the Philippines as a regional AI powerhouse, recognizing the urgency of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Holon IQ 50 National AI Policies as at February 2020

Key priorities established then, such as mitigating job displacement, fostering a “triple-helix” collaboration between government, industry, and academe, and enhancing manufacturing efficiency, remain the core pillars of the current 2.0 framework.

Progression to 2.0

NAISR 2.0 builds directly upon the first National AI Strategy Roadmap launched in May 2021 led by then-DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Launch of the first National AI Strategy Roadmap, May 2021. Due to the pandemic, the event was held online. Shown on screen are then Department of Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez, former Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña, former National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua, and DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez. The virtual launch was attended by 70 participants from various government agencies.

The development of NAISR 2.0 was grounded in a structured, multi-stakeholder consultation process that began as early as 2019. Government agencies, industry leaders, academic institutions, and civil society groups each contributed to shaping the framework, ensuring that the strategy reflects a broad, cross-sectoral consensus rather than a single institutional perspective.

A visualization of the strategic dimensions, pillars, and key action areas outlined in the 2021 National AI Strategy Roadmap.

While the 2021 roadmap established the country’s initial AI readiness, the 2024 update (NAISR 2.0) was developed to address the rapid acceleration of generative AI and shifting global governance standards.

A visualization of the four strategic dimensions and seven imperatives outlined in the 2024 National AI Strategy Roadmap 2.0.

The updated roadmap and the Center for AI Research (CAIR) were formally launched on July 3, 2024 at The Westin Manila Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, with DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual delivering the keynote. The launch drew messages of support from across government, including the heads of NEDA, DICT, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Philippine Space Agency, and the Department of Budget and Management, as well as Senator Sonny Angara of the Senate of the Philippines and UP President Angelo A. Jimenez. The Asian Development Bank co-supported the event, and technology partners including Google, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, IBM, Siemens, and Bosch Philippines expressed their endorsement. The frameworks and strategic directions presented that day have since been referenced by national and international organizations in monitoring AI development in the Philippines.

A Resilient Reference

As a comprehensive “whole-of-nation” blueprint for economic and industrial transformation, NAISR 2.0 serves as a resilient reference for stakeholders. It reflects the Philippines’ enduring commitment to responsible AI development, providing a technically robust and strategically sound framework that continues to guide the country’s path toward becoming a Center of Excellence in the region.