Makati City, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) emphasized the importance of responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) development during the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) General Membership Meeting held last 23 April 2025.

Speaking before an audience of financial executives, corporate leaders, and government partners, DTI – Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head Nylah Rizza D. Bautista shared the Department’s ongoing efforts to build a future-ready Philippines driven by innovation and digital transformation. The meeting centered around the theme “How to Have an AI Edge: Driving Innovation, Growth, and Investment for Philippine Companies.”

“AI isn’t just transforming industries—it’s also driving serious economic growth,” Asec. Bautista remarked. “Effectively leveraging the transformative potential of AI can be our gateway towards accelerating business growth and attracting foreign investments while taking care of risks with careful planning and an inclusive approach.”

Asec. Bautista acknowledged the growing global investments in AI, noting that while the Philippines is still in the early stages of widespread adoption, the country is well-positioned to benefit from this technological shift. She highlighted the DTI’s role in fostering an enabling environment for responsible innovation through key programs that support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and digital upgrading initiatives in alignment with the Secretary’s Five-Point MSME Agenda.

“Through DTI’s strategic initiatives, strong partnerships, and continuous innovation, we aim to address challenges, enhance capabilities, and maximize the potential of these transformative technologies,” Asec. Bautista said. “That’s where collaboration between the government, private sector, and groups like FINEX becomes critical—to co-create policies and programs that strike the right balance between AI innovation and responsible AI adoption.”

She also introduced the DTI Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace, the biggest Business-to-Business e-commerce platform to connect MSMEs with global buyers and expand their market reach. This complements broader DTI efforts to promote locally made products and support digital commerce.

In her closing remarks, Asec. Bautista reaffirmed the DTI’s resolve to work hand-in-hand with industry leaders in shaping a digital economy that uplifts communities, supports sustainable growth, and makes the Philippines a leader in ethical AI and innovation. “Together, we can unlock new opportunities, foster inclusive growth, innovate, and drive digital transformation that benefits both the Philippines and our global partners,” she emphasized.

The FINEX meeting served as a strategic platform for dialogue and partnership, reinforcing the shared vision of building a more competitive and digitally empowered Philippines. ♦

Date of Release: 28 April 2025

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