MANILA — The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) shared its early artificial intelligence (AI) practices and digital transformation journey during the MAKI+Fiesta 2.0 festival at the University of the Philippines Diliman on December 11, 2025.

PDIC Vice President Jose G. Villaret, Jr. discussed the role of AI in improving efficiency and responsiveness to the state deposit insurer’s stakeholders, particularly in corporate communication and media monitoring, during the forum attended by students, educators, communication professionals, and media practitioners.

Representing the PDIC as a panelist in the event’s AI in Public and Development Communication breakout session, Villaret highlighted the recent launch of POLA, or the PDIC Online Assistant, an AI-driven chatbot designed to provide the public with key information about the PDIC and its operations, including deposit insurance.

He also discussed how the PDIC uses AI and other digital tools for media content analysis to measure the impact of its communications and public awareness initiatives and campaigns.

Villaret further shared the corporation’s efforts to transform the PDIC into a more agile, efficient, and innovative financial regulator, noting that these initiatives are expected to result in more efficient public service through streamlined processes, data-driven decision-making, and predictive analytics.

Now in its second year, MAKI+Fiesta is a collaboration among the UP System, Quezon City Government, PumaPodcast, FYT Media, and Probe Productions. The media and communication festival aims to explore the role of creativity and innovation in empowering individuals and communities.

This year’s festival featured speakers from the PDIC, the Presidential Communications Office, the Philippine Information Agency, and the Quezon City Government.