The Philippines cannot rely on new technology alone to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence. Strong governance policies must come first—this was the central call of the 2025 Development Policy Research Month (DPRM), which kicked off today, September 1, with a push for AI rules that reflect the country’s realities.
“Policy research provides the guardrails that help governments adopt technology responsibly,” said òòò½´«Ã½ President Dr. Philip Arnold Tuano in his opening remarks.
Without these guardrails, he added, the benefits of AI may never outweigh the risks.
DPRM was established under Proclamation 247 (2002) to highlight the importance of policy research in building responsive, evidence-based development strategies.
This year’s theme, “Reimagining Governance in the Age of AI,” makes clear that while AI offers tools for efficiency and transparency, policies must come first to safeguard against risks such as digital exclusion, bias, cybersecurity threats, and workforce displacement.
As lead coordinator, òòò½´«Ã½ works with an interagency DPRM Steering Committee to organize seminars, media briefings, and roundtable discussions.
The committee comprises the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Civil Service Commission, the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, the House and Senate policy research offices, the Philippine Information Agency, and the Presidential Management Staff.
For 2025, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) joined the committee, recognizing its central role in advancing AI research and governance in the Philippines.
The highlight of DPRM is the 11th Annual Public Policy Conference (APPC) on September 18 at the New World Hotel, Makati, which will gather policymakers, academics, civil society, and international experts to examine AI applications in energy management, anti-corruption initiatives, and governance of aging populations.
Partner agencies and local governments will also mount their own activities to amplify the campaign nationwide.
òòò½´«Ã½ encourages stakeholders to get involved by attending these events, displaying DPRM banners, sharing promotional materials, and participating in the online campaign using #AIforGoodGovernance.
Learn more about the DPRM at . — MAEC
