LEGAZPI CITY – Albay will partner with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to establish the Philippines’ first local Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness institute, expected to launch before October.

Albay 3rd District Rep. Raymond Adrian Salceda on Friday said the institute would equip workers, students, and entrepreneurs with the skills to thrive in an economy increasingly shaped by AI.

"It will initially focus on the province’s large virtual assistant workforce, particularly those based in the 3rd District. The institute will cover TESDA assessment fees for its free online programs to ensure that certifications remain accessible," Salceda said in a statement.

Over time, the institute will expand AI applications in agriculture, government service delivery, public safety, disaster response, and basic health services.

Salceda, who chairs the House Special Committee on Food Security, added that these areas are crucial for both economic growth and the quality of life in the province.

In a meeting with TESDA Secretary Francisco Benitez, Salceda said they discussed measures to boost rice productivity in the province's third district, which has long been recognized as the province’s rice granary.

"Plans include targeted farmer training, the introduction of AI-assisted crop management tools, and expanded access to TESDA’s agricultural mechanization and precision agriculture courses,” Salceda said.