Scaling Digital Transformation for the Philippines’ Future - Day 1 of the 52nd AIBP Conference & Exhibition
The AIBP Conference & Exhibition Philippines 2025 opened with a strong call for collaboration, innovation, and responsible adoption of emerging technologies. Leaders from government, enterprises, and the technology community gathered in Manila to exchange perspectives on how digital transformation can strengthen competitiveness, enable citizen-centric services, and accelerate sustainable growth. Setting the tone, David L. Almirol, Jr., Undersecretary for e-Government, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), shared the government’s progress in building foundational platforms for inclusive and efficient digital governance.
From E-Government to Digital Citizenship
In his keynote address, David L. Almirol, Jr., Undersecretary for e-Government, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), highlighted the DICT’s flagship initiatives designed to simplify access to public services. The E-Gov Super App, now processing over 550 million transactions, is consolidating multiple services into a single user-friendly platform. Complementing this is the Data Exchange Platform for seamless interoperability, the E-Gov Cloud for secure infrastructure, and the integration of the Philippine Digital National ID into the Super App. Blockchain adoption for data security and transparency was also presented as a milestone. While celebrating achievements, Almirol was candid about challenges such as workforce skills, bureaucratic inertia, and cybersecurity risks. He underscored the government’s focus on simplifying processes, investing in in-house capabilities, and ensuring that technology translates into real convenience for citizens.
Scaling AI for Enterprise Competitiveness
The discussions then turned to how Philippine enterprises can scale artificial intelligence from pilot projects to measurable transformation. Moderated by Monchito B. Ibrahim, Executive Member, National Innovation Council, the panel brought together voices including Tina Alvarez, Chief Information Officer and Chief Digital Officer, JG Summit Holdings, Inc., alongside David L. Almirol, Jr., Undersecretary for e-Government, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Speakers emphasised that AI adoption must be tied to strategic priorities, supported by clear governance, and scaled through industry partnerships. Infrastructure, workforce readiness, and robust policies were highlighted as essential enablers. By aligning AI investments with operational optimisation and revenue generation, panellists stressed that the Philippines can position itself as a leader in global digital innovation.
From Tools to Transformation: Realising ROI in AI
A second panel explored how organisations can ensure that AI delivers productivity, resilience, and customer value. Moderated by Elbert Guintivano, Country Director, Philippines, Tricentis, speakers included David Sample, Senior IT Specialist – Finance and Budget, Asian Development Bank; Jek De Chavez-Hermida, Director – Data Services, Cebu Pacific Air; and Dr. Donald Patrick Lim, President and Chief Operating Officer, DITO CME Holdings Corp; Chief Innovation Officer, Udenna Corporation. Practical applications ranged from agentic AI for workflow automation to content personalisation and disruption management. A key theme was the balance between quantitative ROI efficiency and cost reduction, and qualitative value such as customer trust and employee adoption. The panel urged enterprises to move beyond siloed projects, build standard frameworks for data use, and measure AI success against both operational and strategic goals.
Digital Transformation for ESG Impact
The final session of Day 1 addressed how digital solutions can power sustainability and ESG outcomes. Moderated by Jed Llanes, Chief Product Officer and Head of ESG & Sustainability, Komunidad Global, the panel featured Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, Globe Telecom; Albert Padin, Chief Innovation and Product Officer, mWell; and Arlene Romasanta, IT Director and Chief Information Officer, Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Discussions covered the use of AI and data platforms for carbon tracking, supply chain transparency, and digital healthcare. Beyond technology, speakers stressed cultural change, individual responsibility, and education as critical drivers of sustainable transformation. The session reinforced that ESG must be embedded into digital strategies to create long-term impact, from regulatory compliance to community well-being.
Defining the Philippines’ Digital Path Forward
Day 1 of the AIBP Conference & Exhibition Philippines 2025 made clear that the country stands at an inflection point in its digital journey. With government platforms delivering unprecedented access to services, enterprises exploring AI-powered innovation, and cross-sector collaboration advancing sustainability goals, the momentum is undeniable. Yet success will require overcoming legacy systems, investing in talent, and ensuring security and trust. As the Philippines strengthens its role in ASEAN’s digital economy, the focus must remain on scaling responsibly, embedding inclusivity, and ensuring that transformation delivers measurable outcomes for citizens, businesses, and the environment alike.
For AIBP, these conversations are part of a long-standing commitment to track, convene, and shape Southeast Asia’s enterprise transformation. Each year’s dialogues add to a growing body of knowledge that not only records progress but also anticipates the next wave of innovation.
Join us for our activities in the Philippines and the region at www.aibp.sg/upcoming
