TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Benitez hailed the Albay Institute for Artificial Intelligence as a model for national artificial intelligence upskilling programs and vowed TESDA’s continued support for its work.
AI4AI is the country’s first local government unit-driven artificial intelligence institute. It was funded by an initial endowment from former Congressman Joey Sarte Salceda and created under Ordinance No. 69 of the Sangguniang Bayan of Polangui.
AI4AI operates as a flagship program of Rep. Raymond Adrian E. Salceda, who is also the principal author of House Bill No. 57, or the proposed National Artificial Intelligence Code of the Philippines.
During his May 21 visit to Albay, Benitez also said that “Congressman Adrian Salceda is one of the original pioneers through House Resolution No. 498, asking the national government to create an artificial intelligence upskilling and transition roadmap.”
He also said that “the national government has begun work on an artificial intelligence upskilling roadmap, and TESDA is the Technical Working Group head.”
Benitez has also tapped the AI4AI team to provide inputs to the national artificial intelligence upskilling roadmap and other TESDA initiatives, citing the institute’s experience in delivering practical artificial intelligence training at the local level.
Benitez reaffirmed TESDA’s commitment to the institute’s programs and future projects, saying, “We will continue to support your initiatives on artificial intelligence.”
TESDA has funded AI4AI’s microcredential training program, providing scholarships to around 1,840 scholars. The TESDA-funded scholarships come with three days’ worth of training allowance.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Bicol Region, under Regional Director Archie Grande, also granted approval to AI4AI’s microcredential programs, making them the country’s first artificial intelligence-related microcredentials under TESDA.
The four approved microcredentials are Basic Correspondence with Artificial Intelligence, Technical Writing with Artificial Intelligence, Analytical Notetaking with Artificial Intelligence, and Integrative Briefs with Artificial Intelligence. The programs were designed primarily for virtual assistants and office workers, but are also applicable to entrepreneurs, local government personnel, students, freelancers, and other workers who need practical artificial intelligence tools for everyday professional tasks.
This year, TESDA upgraded Albay’s artificial intelligence-related skills full-year training target to almost 4,000 in recognition of AI4AI’s potential. The institute has almost completed this target as early as mid-year.
Outside its TESDA scholarship program, the institute has trained around 2,280 individuals this year, including students, workers, government employees, entrepreneurs, and jobseekers.
All AI4AI training programs continue to be offered to the public free of charge.
AI4AI carries out its training, product development, and technical assistance programs through Kidlat CivicLabs Inc., which serves as the institute’s corporate partner and implementing arm. Kidlat CivicLabs is responsible for training delivery, product development, and technical assistance for AI4AI’s programs.
TESDA Albay, under Provincial Director Mariglo Sese, and AI4AI are also developing locally relevant and responsive cybersecurity training programs to help workers, local governments, schools, and small enterprises respond to emerging digital risks. The initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that workforce development keeps pace not only with opportunities created by artificial intelligence, but also with the cybersecurity challenges that accompany rapid digitalization.
The institute has set a target of training at least 15,000 people this year as part of its effort to democratize access to artificial intelligence skills and prepare local communities for the opportunities and disruptions associated with the technology.
Kidlat CivicLabs has also obtained provisional approval as a Continuing Professional Development provider, allowing the institute to offer accredited training programs for professionals seeking Continuing Professional Development units.
Beyond training, AI4AI is also working with public institutions to accelerate digital transformation. The institute is currently assisting the Manito Local Government Unit and the Department of Public Works and Highways Region V in developing digital tools and strengthening institutional capabilities.
On June 16, AI4AI will launch two of its flagship products, Aggri and Alice, during its AI for the Countryside Fair, which will be graced by Secretary Benitez.
Aggri is the institute’s Sagip Saka platform, designed to help connect farmers, buyers, institutions, and local governments through a more organized digital ecosystem for agricultural support and market access.
Alice is an artificial intelligence assistant for Alternative Learning System teachers. It is designed as a chatbot that students can interact with between learning sessions, especially because Alternative Learning System learners do not meet their teachers as often as students in regular schools. The chatbot uses these conversations to help teachers prepare draft teaching plans that are more responsive to each learner’s needs.
The AI for the Countryside Fair will bring together local governments, educators, entrepreneurs, workers, students, farmers, technology practitioners, and development partners to showcase practical applications of artificial intelligence for rural and local development.
In July, AI4AI will also host a national side event to the United Nations consultations on artificial intelligence governance, further positioning Albay as a local government leader in practical, inclusive, and community-based artificial intelligence development.
The institute was established on the belief that artificial intelligence should not be confined to large corporations and major cities, but should also be accessible to local governments, rural communities, students, workers, and small enterprises seeking to improve productivity and service delivery. Through its partnership with TESDA and other institutions, AI4AI aims to demonstrate that the benefits of artificial intelligence can be brought directly to ordinary Filipinos and local communities.
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