The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), together with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the country’s largest tech talent platform, StackTrek, formally unveiled the Philippines’ pioneering government-led Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tech Academy, situated in Mandaue City, Cebu.

PEZA director general Tereso O. Panga led the launch on 16 January, reflecting the agency’s strong alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a digitally empowered, innovation-led, and globally competitive Philippines.

Multipartite agreement

PEZA will initiate a multipartite agreement with TESDA, StackTrek and IT & Business Process Association Philippines (IBPAP) for the nationwide roll-out of the AI Tech Academy, in partnership with the LGUs hosting ecozones, KIST (Knowledge, Innovation, Science and Technology) park developers, and colleges and universities, to ensure the steady flow of AI-proficient workforce in support of the ecozone industry.

Philippine AI Program Framework

The initiative is also envisioned to complement the Philippine AI Program Framework (national level) — a government strategy to leverage AI for economic growth, focusing on high-performance computing, worker upskilling, and R&D, with a strong emphasis on ethical AI.

Situated at the ETO Building in Cebu, the Academy will deliver practical, industry-driven training in AI, data science, fintech, blockchain, and other emerging technologies that will help bridge the skills gap and support the shift toward smart manufacturing and digital services.

The flagship program aims to develop a strong pool of experts capable of supporting smart manufacturing, advanced services, and the modernization of ecozones nationwide.

Through the partnership, PEZA-registered workers can now access upskilling and reskilling programs free of charge, boosting employability and future-readiness. Supported by various industries, StackTrek CEO Billy Yuen reaffirmed their long-term commitment to sustaining the Academy’s mission.

First batch of learners’ training

The first batch of learners from PEZA locators has already begun their training — showing strong industry uptake from day one.

As AI continues to reshape industries worldwide, the PEZA AI Tech Academy stands as a strategic investment in the Filipino workforce — ensuring that PEZA ecozones remain globally competitive and that no Filipino is left behind in the age of intelligent technologies.