Businesses are entering a new phase of artificial intelligence adoption as so-called “agentic AI” systems move beyond generating text and begin performing tasks autonomously, according to recent industry data and government figures.

The Salesforce Agentic Enterprise Index shows that the creation and deployment of AI agents worldwide rose by 119 percent in the first half of 2025, while employee interactions with such agents grew by about 65 percent month on month.

These systems are designed not just to respond to prompts but to take action — handling workflows, coordinating processes and supporting decision-making alongside human workers.

In the Philippines, AI adoption has picked up pace since 2023. Surveys cited by industry groups show about 60 percent of Filipinos have experimented with AI tools, while 46 percent of workers report using them monthly at work. The government has earmarked P2.6 billion for AI-related projects through 2028, signaling official support for wider deployment across sectors.

Analysts say the rise of agentic AI presents a potential leapfrogging opportunity, particularly for companies without heavy legacy systems. Instead of gradual digitization, firms can integrate autonomous agents directly into customer service, marketing and supply chain operations, allowing smaller teams to operate at scale.

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which account for more than 99 percent of Philippine businesses, stand to gain the most. Limited manpower and resources often constrain growth, but AI agents can take on routine, labor-intensive tasks, narrowing the gap between MSMEs and larger firms. This could also lower barriers for entrepreneurs launching new business models with minimal upfront investment.

Geography may matter less as connectivity improves. While AI use remains concentrated in urban centers, the Department of Information and Communications Technology has expanded its Free WiFi for All program, activating nearly 18,000 sites nationwide as of March 2025. Improved access could allow businesses in so-called next-wave cities to deploy AI tools and compete beyond their local markets.