The Philippines must establish strong governance policies before fully embracing new technology to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
This was the central message delivered at the start of the 2025 Development Policy Research Month (DPRM), which began on Monday, Sept. 1, with a call for AI regulations that are tailored to the country’s unique realities.
“Policy research provides the guardrails that help governments adopt technology responsibly,” said Dr. Philip Arnold Tuano, president of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), in his opening remarks.
He stressed that without these foundational policies, the risks of AI, such as digital exclusion, bias, cybersecurity threats, and workforce displacement, could outweigh its potential benefits.
This year’s DPRM theme, “Reimagining Governance in the Age of AI,” highlights that while AI offers powerful tools for efficiency and transparency, policies must be in place first to ensure a safe and equitable transition.
Established by Proclamation 247 in 2002, DPRM underscores the vital role of evidence-based policy research in crafting responsive national development strategies.
As the lead coordinator, PIDS works with an interagency DPRM Steering Committee to organize a series of seminars, media briefings, and roundtable discussions throughout the month. This year, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) joined the committee, acknowledging its crucial role in AI research and governance.
