President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has created a national council to fast-track artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, coordinate government initiatives, and attract investments in the emerging technology, while addressing risks to jobs and workers.
An executive order signed on Nov. 12 establishes the National Artificial Intelligence Council (NAIC), which will oversee implementation of the country’s AI Governance Framework and coordinate policies across government agencies and the private sector.
The move gives the government a central mechanism to push AI development beyond policy formulation and into implementation, including investments in computing infrastructure, research, workforce training, and digital capabilities.
The council will be chaired by the Executive Secretary, with the secretary of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) as vice chair. Its members include the heads of the departments of information and communications technology, science and technology, trade and industry, finance, education, labor and employment, and budget and management, along with the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
A private sector representative appointed by the President will also sit on the council for a three-year term, renewable once. The DEPDev will serve as its secretariat.
Among its key tasks are eliminating duplication in government AI programs, clearing regulatory and institutional bottlenecks, coordinating agency action plans, and mobilizing private investments and international partnerships.
The council may also recommend fiscal, regulatory, policy, and legislative measures to accelerate AI adoption while protecting workers and learners affected by technology-driven changes.
Five technical working groups will focus on institutional capacity, data and research, workforce capabilities, infrastructure, and demand generation. Their work includes developing secure data systems, expanding AI education and digital skills, building computing capacity, and promoting public-private partnerships and financing for startups and small businesses.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology will establish a digital monitoring platform requiring agencies to report progress quarterly. The council must submit implementation reports to the President within 30 days after each quarter.
The framework will be reviewed at least every two years to keep pace with technological, market, and regulatory developments.
The order takes effect upon publication.
