ILOILO — The 2026 AI Fest formally opened at the Iloilo Convention Center on August 3, drawing over 1,000 participants for a three‑day exploration of how artificial intelligence can solve real‑world problems. The event positions Western Visayas as a rising hub for ethical and practical AI development.
A Call for Purpose‑Driven Technology
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. delivered the keynote address, challenging innovators to move beyond creating technology that is merely impressive. He stressed that the country needs solutions that directly address Filipino challenges such as agricultural inefficiency, disaster response, and gaps in healthcare. The focus must shift from novelty to necessity.
Solidum warned that AI without proper governance could deepen social divides rather than close them. He outlined four essential pillars—transparency, explicability, human oversight, and accountability—as the foundation of the country’s national AI strategy. These principles, he said, ensure that technological capability is matched by public trust and ethical responsibility.
Iloilo’s Vision for Inclusive Innovation
Representing Mayor Raisa Treñas‑Chu, Executive Assistant Jay Treñas III welcomed the festival as a platform for creating genuine opportunities. He emphasized that Iloilo City embraces innovation not for its own sake but because technology can make public services more responsive and inclusive. The city sees AI as a tool for improving governance and daily life.
Treñas reminded the audience that while machines can process data at incredible speeds, human leadership must guide their use with integrity and purpose. He called on developers and policymakers alike to ensure that AI adoption uplifts communities and strengthens the social fabric. The city’s support for the event reflects its ambition to be a smart, people‑centered urban center.
Western Visayas as a Regional AI Leader
Western Visayas has distinguished itself as the first region in the Philippines to adopt a dedicated AI Governance and Ethics Policy. The Regional Development Council has also launched an AI Action Plan running through 2030, targeting sectors like recruitment, lending, and public safety. These frameworks give the region a head start in attracting responsible tech investments.
The festival builds on that momentum, featuring nine major sub‑events that range from a technical conference and a hackathon to a game‑development jam and a policy lab. The AI Expo showcases local startups alongside enterprise tools, while robotics tracks offer hands‑on experience. This diverse programming ensures that participants from business, academia, and government find relevant pathways for collaboration.
Bridging Innovation and Local Needs
The AI Hackathon challenges multi‑disciplinary teams to prototype solutions for civic and economic issues specific to the region. Meanwhile, the AI Policy Lab convenes experts to draft regulatory guidelines that balance innovation with consumer protection. These practical activities underscore the festival’s core message that AI must be built to serve people, not the other way around.
With over 15 national and international speakers and hundreds of researchers presenting peer‑reviewed papers, the 2026 AI Fest reinforces Iloilo’s position on the national technology map. By connecting investors, policymakers, and innovators under one roof, the event accelerates the translation of ideas into viable business solutions that can scale beyond the region.
