ILOILO CITY, ILOILO -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Monday, 11 August, batted for the responsible and ethical use of artificial technology (AI) during the 2025 AI Fest.

Bannering the theme, "Coding a Better Future," the 2025 AI Fest is a nationwide initiative of the DOST Western Visayas to strengthen AI development in the country.

More than developing technologies, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum said the agency is aiming to "provide solutions and build ecosystems."

"Systems that turn discovery into deployment, ideas into industries, and sciences that are felt in everyday Filipino lives or Agham na Ramdam," Solidum said in his speech.

"And we are not just releasing technologies. We are intentionally curating and aligning them to real-world demand," he continued.

Through JuanaKNOW, an AI tool that connects ideas with healthcare gaps, market needs, and regulatory pathways, Solidum explained that DOST "transforms static research into dynamic, demand-ready innovation."

Another AI technology built to aid local government units (LGUs) is Innovation Hubs (iHubs) and the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP).

"We are empowering LGUs and communities to harness technology for local challenges, be it in energy, transport, agriculture, or disaster preparedness," the DOST chief said.

"In short, we are building a national innovation pipeline," he added.

To be able to compete locally and globally, Solidum said the Philippines needs to have a future-ready innovation ecosystem, which "requires robust digital infrastructure."

The three-day AI Fest brings together students, professionals, academics, LGUs, startups, and industry leaders, both local and international.

It will feature four major activities, namely, the Al Hackathon, Al Technical Conference, SineAl, and Al Exhibits.