DOST, AAP Sign MOU to Strengthen Use of Analytics and AI in PH

(From left) DOST ASTI Dir. Franz De Leon, DOST Sec. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., AAP President Michelle Alarcon and AAP Secretay Lee Carlo Abadia. 

29 June 2026 – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate the development, adoption, and responsible use of artificial intelligence and data analytics across the nation.

Held at the DOST Central Office in Bicutan, Taguig, the signing establishes a framework for collaboration among government, academia, and the private sector to strengthen the country’s digital and scientific ecosystem.

The partnership directly supports the implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the Philippines (NAIS-PH), which was approved by the President in May 2025. This framework serves as a blueprint to guide coordinated efforts across government, academe, industry, and civil society in advancing local AI innovation.

By combining public-sector research capabilities with private-sector industry insights, the collaboration aims to bridge the gap between high-level policy and real-world execution.

"DOST's partnership with the AAP is built on years of trusted collaboration. Through this MOU, we reaffirm our shared commitment to ensuring that the Philippines keeps pace with the AI revolution…As we enter a new era of purpose and possibility, this partnership will bridge scientific innovation and societal transformation. AI will not replace human intelligence—it will amplify it, enabling us to solve problems faster, make better decisions, and create greater impact”, said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.

AAP President Michelle Alarcon emphasized the strategic alignment between the two organizations: “The country already has its direction: the NAIS-PH. A strategy gives us the map, but a map needs two things to become real—the reach to carry it across the country, and the connection to the people who will actually use it. Neither of us can supply both alone. That is the whole point of this MOU…DOST brings what only DOST can: the rigor of science and the reach of government. AAP brings what we are built to bring: the practitioners who work with these tools every day, and the stakeholders who have a direct stake in how this strategy unfolds. Put those together and you get implementation that is both serious and grounded.”

Under the newly signed framework, DOST will provide overarching policy direction and strategic guidance. Its research and development arm, the DOST–Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), will serve as the primary technical and implementing partner, leading AI research and development initiatives.  On the other hand, AAP will mobilize its vast network of professionals, academic institutions, enterprises, and technology partners. The association will provide industry use cases, drive cross-sector collaboration, support workforce upskilling, and promote the responsible development and adoption of AI technologies.

This strategic alliance marks a pivotal milestone in positioning the Philippines as a competitive hub for big data, data science, and artificial intelligence.