ILOILO CITY – The Research and Development, the Regional Research, Development and Innovation Committee (RRDIC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) VI launched on Friday, February 14, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development Action Plan of Western Visayas which serves as a strategic roadmap to leverage AI for regional development and innovation.

Established by the RDC through Resolution No. 160 (s. 2023), the Technical Working Group (TWG) on AI spearheads its crafting and implementation, focusing on nine (9) key areas: Governance and Ethics, Talent Development, R&D on AI, Application in the Industry, Partnerships and Linkages, Data Sharing and Access, AI Infrastructure Development, AI Startup Development, and Awareness, Acceptance, and Use of AI.

Present during the press conference at District 21 Hotel are TWG representatives from its nine (9) key areas from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) VI, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) VI, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) VI, Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), West Visayas State University (WVSU), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U). The launch aims to foster awareness, build capacity, and strengthen partnerships essential for sustainable AI adoption by bringing together key stakeholders from the academe, government, private sector, and media.

Through its unveiling to the public, the region affirms its readiness for AI integration, reaffirming its commitment to advancing AI for an innovative and progressive Western Visayas by implementing the AI Development Action Plan.

DOST VI Regional Director and RRDIC VI Chairperson, Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga said, “We have seen the potential very deep impact of AI and we would like Western Visayas to be ready. Whether we like AI or we hate AI, we have to address it and ensure that we optimize the benefits we can get from AI and minimize the possible ill effects of AI in the region.”