SEOUL, 9-10 July 2026 — The Philippines showcased its growing leadership in the practical and inclusive application of artificial intelligence (AI) during the 16th FEALAC Cyber Secretariat Workshop and the 2026 FEALAC Future Dialogue: AI for All, held in Seoul from 9 to 10 July 2026. The workshop was convened as an inter-sessional platform for promoting policy dialogue and practical cooperation among FEALAC member countries in response to the rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

Dr. Franz De Leon, Director of the Department of Science and Technology–Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), presented the country’s approach to building an AI ecosystem centered on public service, institutional capacity, and inclusive development. Rather than competing to develop frontier AI models, Dr. De Leon underscored that emerging economies can maximize AI’s benefits by strengthening digital infrastructure, governance, research capability, and human capital while accelerating the responsible deployment of AI solutions. 

Drawing from Philippine experience, Dr. De Leon highlighted AI initiatives supporting cervical cancer screening, early diagnosis of childhood diseases, and improved weather forecasting for disaster preparedness. He also proposed closer FEALAC cooperation through public-sector AI exchanges, transparent knowledge-sharing networks, and collaborative applied research in disaster risk reduction, healthcare, agriculture, and local language technologies. 

The meeting acknowledged two significant initiatives undertaken by the Philippines in its capacity as a member of FEALAC. The Philippines' additional contribution of US$10,000 to the FEALAC Fund in May 2026, reflecting its continued commitment to advancing FEALAC's objectives and activities, and its successful hosting of the 6th Philippine Academic Consortium for Latin American Studies (PACLAS) International Conference in 2025. END