MANILA — The government has brought artificial intelligence (AI) directly into its online public services with the launch of an AI assistant in the eGovPH Superapp, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pushed for wider access to the technology amid its still-limited adoption among Philippine businesses.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) unveiled eGov AI on Monday at The Manila Hotel, featuring an AI assistant called “Kuya A” that will provide real-time guidance to verified users accessing government services through the platform.
In a message delivered by Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos, Marcos said emerging technologies should not be confined to large companies and digitally advanced communities but must be harnessed to improve services and opportunities for Filipinos.
“We live in a time when technology is transforming how we learn, work, and do business. Artificial intelligence, or AI in particular, offers new ways of solving problems and making everyday tasks more efficient,” Marcos said.
“Hence, the government must be ready to make these technologies work for the Filipino people,” he added.
Marcos cited a 2024 study showing that only 14.9 percent of Philippine businesses were using AI tools, with adoption concentrated among larger, technology-oriented companies in urban areas.
The study also identified structural barriers, including inadequate digital infrastructure, limited awareness of emerging technologies, skills gaps and insufficient funding, that have hindered wider AI adoption.
“These realities tell us where our work must continue. We must make innovation more accessible and equip our people with the skills to use it,” Marcos said.
Under eGov AI, “Kuya A” can assist users in navigating government services and perform functions such as extracting information from documents, identifying images, interpreting forms, translating content and generating speech.
Users can also obtain information on tourism as well as government laws, policies and guidelines.
The system incorporates electronic Know Your Customer or eKYC technology for identity verification and enhanced liveness checks aimed at preventing fraud and unauthorized access.
Its real-time translation capability is designed to reduce language barriers that could prevent Filipinos from fully accessing digital government services.
Marcos stressed, however, that expanding the use of AI must be accompanied by safeguards to ensure the technology is used ethically and responsibly.
“That is why this administration is championing the ethical and responsible use of AI as a means to improve our services to Filipinos and create opportunities for them,” he said.
“Every technology we introduce must ultimately serve public interests,” Marcos added.
The President also cautioned against allowing artificial intelligence to replace human judgment, saying the technology should instead help people make better-informed decisions.
“Always remember that technology should sharpen our judgment, not replace it. Let us use AI as a tool to make well-informed decisions without surrendering our own capacity to question, discern, and decide,” he said.
The launch also featured the recognition of the Top 30 teams in the eGovPH Hackathon 2026, which showcased digital projects supporting the government’s modernization and digital transformation efforts.
Marcos thanked government agencies, private-sector partners and other stakeholders involved in developing the platform, saying technological progress must expand opportunities and ensure that “no Filipino is left behind” in the country’s digital transition./PN
