The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has launched the National Artificial Intelligence Center for Research and Innovation (NAICRI), a hub that will lead research on artificial intelligence (AI) and help carry out the National AI Strategy for the Philippines (NAIS PH).
The center aims to help more companies and organizations adopt advanced AI technologies, particularly outside major cities.
According to DOST, more than 80% of Philippine companies already have basic digital systems such as internet connectivity and data platforms. However, only about 15% are using advanced AI tools, and most of these are large companies based in urban areas.
DOST STII
“The country faces structural challenges, including limited advanced computing power, a shortage of specialized AI talent, uneven adoption across regions, and governance frameworks that have yet to catch up with the pace of technology,” said DOST Secretary Renato Solidum. “If these gaps are not addressed, they will constrain our ability to compete in an increasingly AI-driven global economy.”
The NAIS PH outlines the country’s roadmap for AI development through 2028. It provides a framework for how AI will be developed, used, and governed, focusing on improving infrastructure, building a skilled workforce, supporting technology development, and strengthening policies.
NAICRI aims to create a shared computing infrastructure that researchers, government agencies, and private companies can use to develop AI applications. This will allow them to train AI models, run large simulations, and test new technologies without needing expensive computing resources of their own.
DOST said this shared system will make advanced AI tools more accessible across the country, giving universities, startups, and regional organizations a chance to participate in AI innovation.
Solidum said the center will also help coordinate AI efforts nationwide. Many AI projects already exist in the Philippines, but they often operate independently.
NAICRI will also guide how AI is used in important sectors such as finance, health care, transportation, and government services. The center also aims to create clear policies while encouraging investment and public trust.
“If they are addressed strategically, they become the very foundations of our next phase of national development. That is what NAICRI is for,” Solidum said.
