While artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more accessible, most Philippine businesses still lack the infrastructure, skills and governance needed to use it effectively, according to TELUS Digital Philippines.

Citing a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the company noted that although 90.8 percent of businesses own computers and 81 percent have internet access, only 14.9 percent use AI tools, while overall AI adoption across industries remains at just 3 percent.

The study identified weak digital infrastructure, limited awareness, skills shortages and inadequate funding as the primary barriers to wider AI adoption, particularly among micro, small and medium enterprises.

TELUS Digital Philippines said organizations must move beyond simply providing AI tools by investing in employee training, governance and responsible AI adoption.

One example is the company’s AI hackathons, where employees collaborate on real business challenges while learning how to apply AI in practical settings.

The company has also developed AI-powered tools that support employee learning, performance management, and decision-making.

To address concerns over data privacy and responsible AI use, TELUS Digital created Fuel iX, its proprietary enterprise AI platform designed with built-in governance and security controls.

“What we’ve learned is that even with the right technology in place, adoption doesn’t happen on its own,” said Anne Munoz, country vice president of TELUS Digital Philippines.

“People need to understand why it matters, feel confident using it, and trust that it’s being used responsibly.”

Internally, the company has also used AI to analyze more than 15,000 employee survey comments, reducing analysis time by 70 percent and allowing teams to focus on action planning instead of manual data processing.

It has also introduced AI-powered simulations that help employees practice customer interactions through realistic voice and chat scenarios.

Beyond its own workforce, TELUS Digital Philippines has partnered with the Aboitiz Foundation and the Department of Education Schools Division Office of Manila to provide AI literacy workshops for teachers.

The company said improving the country’s AI readiness will require continued collaboration among government, industry, and the private sector to expand infrastructure, funding, and digital skills beyond large corporations.