(From L to R: DTI Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut, DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba, rinna Global Business Director Alex T. Lagata Jr., rinna PH Lead Aston Santos)

As part of the government’s objective to upskill the workforce, empower industries, and support the economy by advancing AI in the country, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) alongside rinna Co., Ltd. on 22 March 2024 at the Board of Investments Building.

DTI Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) Rafaelita M. Aldaba highlighted that the partnership will help to promote AI adoption, create an enabling environment for innovation, and drive growth in trade, industry, and economic development.

“Through our collaboration with rinna Co., Ltd., we’re not only pioneering innovative solutions but also investing in the future by training the next generation of Filipino AI developers. At the heart of our partnership is the development of AI skills and making them more accessible to young people from diverse backgrounds, which is a key component of our nation’s strategic vision for the future, as encapsulated in the National AI Roadmap,” Usec. Aldaba said.

This collaboration supports the National AI Strategic Roadmap, positioning the Philippines prominently in the global AI landscape. By leveraging rinna’s expertise, the DTI expects the partnership to explore broad areas to support the development of the local AI ecosystem. These include addressing the lack of AI understanding through their AICademy, a service that allows AI system development to be integrated into the curriculum of local academic institutions to produce an AI-trained workforce. The collaboration will also enable the showcasing of established use cases from the already provided AI services to local industries, helping other local enterprises and startups grasp the benefits of utilizing AI. The collaboration will also expand the country’s pool of AI experts and make AI technologies more accessible. This is particularly significant as DTI plans to organize tradeshows, exhibitions, hackathons, boot camps, symposiums, and mentorship programs.

Moreover, this partnership is expected to provide valuable insights as the country formulates its National AI Governance Framework, integrating AI solutions across sectors such as manufacturing, social services, and agriculture, which can improve productivity and enhance competitiveness. This will open more opportunities that can accelerate AI. This collaboration can foster innovation and create a vibrant AI ecosystem. Ultimately, the DTI and rinna’s united efforts signify a commitment to AI-driven growth, knowledge sharing, and sustainable development, paving the way toward a more innovative and resilient Philippines. ♦

Date of release: 27 March 2024

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