As the Philippines moves toward wider adoption of artificial intelligence, Filipinos must ensure that technology does not diminish the hospitality that defines their national identity, Malacañang said on Saturday, Nov. 14.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that while the Marcos administration was pushing digital transformation, it remained committed to ensuring that technological progress would be human-centered and preserve the values that make Filipinos distinct.
“Ang bagong Pilipino ay isinasabuhay ang tunay na depinisyon at kahalagahan ng salitang hospitality,” Castro told reporters in a briefing, stressing that the tradition of welcoming others from the heart must endure “even if the entire citizenry becomes tech-savvy.”
(The new Filipino embodies the true meaning and importance of hospitality.)
Filipino hospitality is often cited by foreign visitors as one of the defining experiences of their stay in the country.
Castro’s remarks came two days after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 131, adopting the Artificial Intelligence Governance Framework and establishing the National Artificial Intelligence Council.
She said the executive order underscored that AI should improve people’s lives, rather than simply advance technology, by ensuring that its benefits reach Filipino workers, businesses and communities.
“Layunin nitong tiyakin na ang AI ay maipapatupad ng responsable, ligtas, ethical at may sapat na proteksyon upang mapanatili ang tiwala ng publiko. Mahalaga rin ito para sa mga manggagawa, sa negosyo, sa publiko, sa bansa at sa lipunan,” she said.
(Its objective is to ensure that AI is implemented responsibly, safely and ethically, with adequate safeguards to maintain public trust. This is important for workers, businesses, the public, the country and society.)
Castro said the order also seeks to establish a clear direction and governance framework for the development and use of AI in the Philippines.
“Nais magtakda ang Pangulo ng iisang direksyon at malinaw na pamamahala sa paggamit at pagpapaunlad ng AI sa Pilipinas,” she said.
(The President wants to establish a unified direction and clear governance for the use and development of AI in the Philippines.)
