The Philippines aims to champion the ethical and sustainable use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Southeast Asia as it chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year.

"Under its Chairship next year, the Philippines will help lead ASEAN in building a future-ready community and bold in its embrace of innovation — where technology serves humanity, and where AI is safely, ethically, responsibly, equitably, and sustainably harnessed to secure a peaceful, prosperous, and people-centered region,” said Foreign Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Dominic Xavier Imperial on Thursday.

Promoting economic prosperity by utilizing emerging technologies such as AI is among the areas the Philippines is hoping to prioritize during its ASEAN hosting.

At the recent 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself recognized the role of AI in shaping economies and societies.

He acknowledged that it is an important tool that has the potential to enhance public services, streamline trade and boost micro, small and medium enterprises.

In October, the APEC leaders, including the Philippines, adopted the APEC AI Initiative 2026-2030 and agreed to advance AI innovation across the Asia Pacific.

They also agreed to strengthen capacity-building initiatives and encourage resilient AI infrastructure investment.