PLDT and Smart Support Palawan’s Drive for More Responsive Public Services Through AI Capability-Building

Technology creates the greatest value when it helps address the everyday needs of communities.

In Palawan, efforts to build a more responsive and citizen-centered government are being supported by continued investments in digital skills and innovation, including an AI capability-building session conducted by PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) for provincial government employees.

More than 50 employees from various offices of the Provincial Government of Palawan participated in the AI upskilling session for the LGU under PLDT and Smart's AI-in-a-Box initiative. Designed to complement the provincial government's ongoing digitalization efforts, the session provided participants with additional insights into AI tools and applications that could help streamline and improve workflows and support more responsive citizen services.

The engagement also included the turnover of an AI-in-a-Box package containing a Smart 5G WiFi device, Smart prepaid load cards, and an AI tool subscription. The initiative forms part of PLDT and Smart's broader efforts to make emerging technologies more accessible through a combination of connectivity, digital tools, and learning opportunities.

Opening the session on behalf of Palawan Gov. Amy Alvarez, Provincial Administrator Atty. Jefrie Sahagun emphasized that the province's adoption of emerging technologies like AI should be ultimately anchored on improving the lives of the people it serves.

‘A better government enabled by AI’

"Our goal is not simply to have an AI-enabled government. Our goal is to have a better government enabled by AI," he said, noting that while citizens may not always see the technology supporting government operations, they directly experience the quality of the services they receive. “Our people’s needs are simple: Fast service, clear answers, and fair and just treatment. In the end, they want a government that listens to them and speaks their language.”

Atty Sahagun noted that technologies such as AI should serve as tools that help public servants become more effective, while preserving the human qualities that form the heart of public service. "If AI can help us deliver those things, then we should welcome it. But technology must never replace human judgment, compassion and accountability," he stressed.

The session provided participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of AI and explore how emerging technologies may be applied responsibly in government settings, particularly in functions involving research, content development, administrative work, and public engagement.

For Christian Anthony T. Villon, Supervising Administrative Officer and Data Protection Officer at the Palawan Provincial LGU, the excitement among his fellow government employees about AI is heartening. “We look forward to exploring the use of AI to help us do our tedious day-to-day tasks, such as transcribing meetings and other administrative activities,” he said, adding that he is also hopeful about the potential of AI to speed up delivery of government services as well.

“As we invest in these AI tools, we hope to be able to give back to the people. I hope our government offices will learn how to use AI, and eventually automate our manual processes, so we can expedite some of our services to the people,” he said.

The engagement reflects PLDT and Smart's commitment to supporting local government units as they continue building digital capabilities that can contribute to more effective and citizen-focused public service.

By bringing together connectivity, digital tools, and learning opportunities, PLDT and Smart, through their AI-in-a-Box initiative, support local governments such as Palawan as they continue exploring how emerging technologies can strengthen governance and enhance service delivery. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that innovation remains focused on improving outcomes for the communities they serve.

AI-in-a-Box is also aligned with the PLDT Group’s broader efforts to expand digital inclusion and encourage innovation in line with the UNSDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.