Agentic AI is gaining traction across industries in the Philippines, with experts stressing that early adoption and skills training are essential to maximizing its benefits.
This was the main takeaway from the 8th GAIN National Convention held last August 29 at the AIM Conference Center Manila. The event, organized by the Government-Academe-Industry Network, Inc. (GAIN), gathered leaders from the public and private sectors, as well as educators, to discuss how agentic AI is shaping industries.
Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence that goes beyond generating content. It can perform tasks and make decisions without direct human oversight.
Case studies highlighted during the convention showed how this technology is transforming business processes, education, and healthcare. JL Botor of the Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines said global healthcare firms now use agentic AI in automating patient monitoring and clinical support. Ida Tiongson of Fintech Alliance.Ph noted that AI has improved customer experience and strengthened fraud detection in banking.
In the BPO sector, adoption rates are surging. Doc Ligot of the Philippine AI Business Association shared that 11% of local BPOs have fully integrated agentic AI into their operations, compared to the global adoption rate of only 4%. Another 56% are actively adopting the technology.
Rex Wallen Tan of Southville Global Education Network emphasized that agentic AI is expected to evolve rapidly, similar to how generative AI did in recent years. He noted that early adopters will have an advantage as the technology becomes mainstream.
The convention also tackled the need for stronger alignment among government, academe, and industries. SEAMEO Innotech Deputy Director Kochakorn Khattapan-Acidre called for a shift in education priorities, with more focus on creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. However, Dr. Raymundo Arcega of the National Network of Quality Assurance Agencies pointed out that misaligned goals and bureaucracy continue to slow progress.
Business and academic leaders agreed that schools must prepare graduates for emerging roles in an AI-driven economy. This includes revising the General Education curriculum and promoting outcomes-based education, as suggested by Francis Aldrine Uy of USHER Technologies.
GAIN President Monette Iturralde-Hamlin highlighted the importance of balance. She noted that while agentic AI holds promise, ethical use and the human touch must remain at the core of its adoption.
GAIN has been promoting collaboration across sectors for years. Its initiatives include the Southville Reading Program for Grade 5 students, free open educational resources, and an English course for Tagalog speakers on Duolingo.
