MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the Philippines will harness artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate economic growth as he led the launch of the Department of Education’s Project Accelerating Governance and Adaptive Pedagogy through Artificial Intelligence (AGAP.AI).

“At the national level, we are leveraging AI as an engine for development. We are establishing the Philippine AI Program Framework for the future-proofing of our economy,” Marcos said during the launch held at the Quezon City Science High School.

The President said the national framework focuses on building robust infrastructure, including high-performance computing systems, as well as upskilling workers and educators.

“Through investment in AI research and development, we ensure that this technology delivers real benefits while remaining ethical and responsible,” he stressed.

Marcos said that as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, the Philippines is also working to build a harmonized and human-centered AI ecosystem across Southeast Asia, focusing on finance, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and education.

“Indeed, we are taking the lead in building an innovative environment for Filipinos, as well as for our ASEAN brothers and sisters,” he said.

The President also said the current generation is fortunate to live in a time when information and tools are readily available. Describing himself as a tech enthusiast, Marcos said AI can help address more complex challenges but cannot replace essential human qualities.

“You have in your hands an extraordinarily powerful tool. But you must use it to help you think and support your learning. It should never replace your drive, your creativity, and grit to learn about our world,” he said.

“There are still some things that technology cannot do for us. Technology cannot replace discipline. It cannot replace effort. It cannot replace the habit of showing up prepared and ready to learn. It cannot replace hard work.”

Marcos said these principles are key to nation-building.

“That is how we build a Bagong Pilipinas, one that is enabled by technology and powered by Filipinos who choose to learn, to work and to aspire for a better future for all,” he said.