Philippines steps up push for MSMEs to adopt AI

THE Philippine government is intensifying efforts to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) adopt artificial intelligence (AI), as most remain slow to embrace the technology despite widespread computer ownership and internet access.

- By Edg Adrian A. Eva Reporter

Only 14.9% of local firms use AI tools, according to a September study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies.

The report cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showing that 90% of companies own computers and 81% have internet connections, suggesting that the challenge lies in digital readiness rather than access.

The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) said several initiatives are under way to close this gap and help small firms integrate AI into their operations.

"We have been funding many MSMEs, some of which already use AI in their work," DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of the National AI Stakeholders Conference last week.

"Even those that need it in