ILOILO CITY — Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking center stage once again in Western Visayas as more than 1,000 innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, students and government leaders prepare to converge at the Iloilo Convention Center for AI Fest 2026 beginning 3 August.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition last year, the weeklong festival has grown into one of the country’s biggest regional technology gatherings, reflecting the region’s rising role in artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and emerging technologies.

Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. will keynote the opening program, joined by Undersecretary Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang. DoST-Western Visayas Regional director engr. Rowen Gelonga said preparations are in full swing, with several activities already underway ahead of the festival’s official opening.

One of the highlights held in advance was the AI in Motion Technical Conference, which explored the expanding role of artificial intelligence in robotics and automation. Organizers have also begun evaluating entries for the SineAI, AI Hackathon and AI Game On! competitions, while registration for the AI Technical Conference has already reached full capacity with more than 500 participants expected.

This year’s edition has expanded significantly from four sub-events in 2025 to nine major events: AI Technical Conference, AI Hackathon, PGDX-AI Expo, SineAI, AI Game On!, AI in Motion, AI Speaks, AI Connect and AI Policy Lab. More than 15 local and international experts are expected to discuss AI applications, digital transformation, emerging technologies, and policy development.

Launched in 2025, AI Fest has become an annual platform for showcasing cutting-edge artificial intelligence research, technology-driven solutions, and innovations developed by startups, academic institutions, government agencies and global technology companies.

Beyond the exhibitions and competitions, organizers see AI Fest 2026 as a catalyst for collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and the academe, further positioning Western Visayas as one of the country’s emerging hubs for artificial intelligence and digital innovation.