The Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev) and the Philippine Artificial Intelligence Retreat (PAIR) are calling on technology leaders to invest in and champion Filipino-led artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives and to grow careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

During the inaugural US-Philippines AI Summit last month at Stanford University in San Francisco, California, PhilDev executive director Olivia De Jesus said the Philippines should not just be consumers of technology but should create it.

“This summit reflects our renewed mission to help Filipinos thrive as STEM builders and leaders, not only in the Philippines, but on the global stage,” she added.

Oliver Segovia, PAIR co-founder, said in his opening remarks that right now, they see many Silicon Valley startups piloting technologies in the Philippines, from small nuclear reactors to space-related innovations.

“But there are so many other challenges we can tackle as partners. Today is about highlighting those opportunities. AI can create meaningful solutions in the Philippines and maybe even launch something transformative,” he said.

The gathering brought together leaders from technology, research, and public policy to explore the future of AI and chart inclusive pathways for Filipino participation and leadership in the AI revolution.

Featured speakers included Sheila Lirio Marcelo (care.com and ohai.ai), Rey Banatao (Google X), and Raiza Martin (Huxe and formerly Google Labs).

They discussed AI ethics, data equity, frontier tech development, and how Filipinos can lead in building responsible, values-driven AI tools.

In her fireside chat, Marcelo said, "I've lived through Web1, Web2, blockchain, and now AI. What excites me most is how early we are. People want to be part of the journey. When you invite them in and say, 'Help us build,' they respond with ideas and feedback."

Raiza Martin added, “You can’t hold both risk and the dream, you must choose. If you try to hold both, you'll fail. You'll end up somewhere mediocre. If you only hold risk, you will probably end up somewhere safe, but not that exciting. But if you go for the dream, you’ll be surprised at the rate at which you can succeed. Even if it feels scary, the dream is worth it.”

The summit also spotlighted rising Filipino AI talent and made an early call to action for community members to mentor, invest in, and champion Filipino-led AI initiatives and STEM careers.

Cris Liban, PhilDev board chair, closed the summit with his thoughts on what makes the Filipino brand unique.

“The Filipino brand is resilience, compassion, and community. When we build, we carry with us our culture, our spirit of bayanihan, and our deep sense of kapwa. If we embed these values into the AI we create, we don’t just build technology, we make a difference. That’s the Filipino brand I want to share with the world.”

PhilDev’s partnership with PAIR marks a bold new chapter in its 15-year legacy of supporting Filipinos in science, technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship.