AI Development in the Philippines: Enhancing Public Services
The Philippine government has recently focused its efforts on the utilization of Information Technology to help improve the lives of its citizens. In the past decade, a dedicated Department of ICT was created to focus efforts on digitalization through a National ICT Development Agenda. Currently in the works is an E-Governance Law that has been tagged as urgent by the current regime. With AI development and machine learning becoming more accessible, it is time to seriously consider these technologies and the advantages they may provide for e-governance systems be they at the local or national level. Advantages of AI and ML for e-government systems AI and ML applications in e-governance systems There are several AI and ML applications that can be incorporated into e-government systems that can be advantageous to Philippine LGUs and National Agencies. Some examples include: AI Development challenges and considerations There are a variety of challenges and factors to consider when choosing to implement AI and ML in e-governance systems in the Philippines. Perhaps the main point to consider is the effect of AI and ML on personal privacy. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in e-government systems necessitates the collection and analysis of citizen data. Selecting which data is deemed ‘acceptable’ to process and analyze should be done with transparency and with the citizen’s explicit consent. The security of the storage of sensitive personal data should also be taken into account and as much care as possible must be taken to avoid such data going into the wrong hands. Secondly, in the Philippines, not all citizens have access to technology, which can hinder the efficacy of e-governance systems that rely on AI and ML. It is imperative that any system to be developed should take into account how citizens can access it and ensure that citizens will not be left behind simply because they cannot afford a smartphone or Internet access. Implementing AI and ML in e-governance systems can be expensive, necessitating substantial investments in technology and training. This is particularly true if AI/ML would be dependent on third-party technologies from other countries. It is essential to justify the implementation of these systems by demonstrating that their advantages outweigh their expenses and that internal/local expertise in AI/ML technologies be encouraged and nurtured to allow the country to compete globally without dependence on other countries. Private companies in the Philippines, are working diligently to develop AI and ML-powered products and services that can be integrated with e-governance systems securely and transparently to allow the Philippines to benefit from this groundbreaking technology. Conclusion The implementation of AI and ML in e-governance systems in the Philippines can provide citizens and the government with significant benefits. These technologies can improve service delivery and citizen engagement by automating processes, enhancing accuracy and transparency, and providing data insights. However, when implementing these technologies, obstacles such as data privacy, access to technology, skills, and expertise, and cost must be considered. Contact us today and find out how EACOMM Corporation can help you leverage the power of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for your LGU or Government Agency or checkout the AI-powered products below: