Government officials, lawmakers, regulators, and technology executives have expressed support for the wider adoption of blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) during the opening forum of Philippine Blockchain Week 2026.
The “Future of Trust: A Leaders Forum on Technology and Governance” brought together representatives from government and the private sector to discuss the use of blockchain, AI, digital identity, cybersecurity, and governance technologies in public services and industry.
Sen. Bam Aquino said emerging technologies could help accelerate national development, while emphasizing the need for policies that encourage innovation.
“When we leverage technologies like blockchain and AI, we have a rare opportunity to leapfrog our nation’s progress and development,” Aquino said.
Aquino also acknowledged the Blockchain Council of the Philippines for supporting the proposed Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act, which seeks to institutionalize blockchain-based budget transparency.
Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Nicolas Torre III said the agency is evaluating how blockchain could be used in its operations, adding that any technology deployment must improve public service while safeguarding data privacy.
“We’re studying whether blockchain has applications within MMDA’s operations,” Torre said.
He noted that the MMDA already uses AI to improve traffic monitoring and frontline services and is assessing other technologies based on their operational value.
The forum also featured international and industry perspectives on blockchain adoption.
Dr. Kamal Anand, founder and CEO of Bigod Group, said the Philippines has made significant progress in adopting blockchain technologies compared with other countries.
“We work with many countries around the world, and I believe the level of adoption here is remarkable, especially in Southeast Asia,” Anand said.
“The key now is trust. When trust is supported by clear regulations and strong collaboration between government and industry, innovation can move forward much faster. The market is already growing, blockchain adoption is booming, and I believe the Philippines is well positioned to lead in this space.”
Beyond government services, speakers also discussed blockchain’s potential in the real estate sector.
Josemari Cuervo, president and managing director of Cuervo Appraisers, said real-world asset tokenization could broaden investment opportunities but would depend on reliable data and valuation systems.
“Tokenization could open real estate investment to more Filipinos across different income levels. But before we can unlock that opportunity, we need trusted data and trusted valuations. That’s the foundation that allows investors to participate with confidence,” Cuervo said.
Organizers said discussions throughout the forum underscored that the next phase of digital transformation will depend not only on technological advances but also on establishing trusted, transparent, and accountable digital systems.
