Philippines Launches NAICRI: National AI Center for Research & Innovation

February 27, 2026 David Kessler - News Editor News

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is taking deliberate steps to harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) with the launch of the National AI Center for Research and Innovation (NAICRI), a government program spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Officially unveiled on February 26, 2026, NAICRI aims to unify and streamline the country’s AI efforts, moving away from fragmented, project-based initiatives toward a more coordinated and scalable approach.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. Emphasized that the Philippines isn’t falling behind in AI adaptation, but rather proactively positioning itself to benefit from this transformative technology. He likened the impact of AI to that of electricity and the internet, highlighting its potential to reshape industries, government services, and national competitiveness. NAICRI, he stated, is the mechanism to translate this recognition into tangible operational capabilities.

Addressing Critical Gaps in the Philippine AI Ecosystem

The establishment of NAICRI responds to several key challenges currently facing the Philippine AI landscape. Officials identified a shortage of skilled AI professionals, a lack of sufficient computing infrastructure, and the need for updated governance frameworks as primary obstacles. A significant concern is the current “compute divide,” with the country needing a “26-fold increase” in nationwide compute power by 2028 to remain competitive globally.

This compute capacity isn’t simply about acquiring more hardware. DOST-ASTI Director Franz de Leon explained the department’s cautious approach to hardware procurement, aiming to avoid investments in quickly outdated technology. Instead, they are exploring partnerships with both global and local firms, and even investigating the potential for designing and building computer chips domestically, leveraging expertise from institutions like the University of the Philippines’ Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute. Currently, the Philippine semiconductor industry primarily focuses on chip assembly, testing, and packaging, as noted by the ASEAN-BAC.

NAICRI’s Core Programs: GATES, ACABAI, and PROPEL

NAICRI’s strategy is built around three core programs: GATES, ACABAI, and PROPEL. GATES (Geospatial Analytics and Technology Solutions) focuses on harmonizing fragmented geospatial datasets – data related to location and mapping – to improve insights for disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, and agricultural planning. ACABAI (Advanced Computing, Analytics, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence in the Philippines) represents the largest investment in AI infrastructure, consolidating platforms and engineering capabilities under a single umbrella.

PROPEL, the third pillar, serves as the commercialization arm of NAICRI, ensuring that research and development efforts translate into practical applications and benefits for the Filipino public. This focus on commercialization is crucial, as Secretary Solidum stressed the importance of moving research “beyond the laboratory” and into real-world impact.

Early Innovations Showcased at the NAICRI Launch

Several AI-powered innovations were showcased at the February 26th launch, demonstrating the potential of NAICRI’s approach. These included:

  • vBantai: A vehicle recognition model designed to accurately identify local vehicles like jeepneys and tricycles, improving the accuracy of traffic analysis for agencies like the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
  • Mus3o: An AI-enabled digitization system for cultural and natural heritage assets, using computer vision and 3D reconstruction to preserve historical artifacts and animal specimens.
  • AI4RP (Project Gabay): An AI-powered weather forecasting system that provides forecasts at ten times higher resolution and significantly reduces forecast generation time.
  • ROAMER: A prototype autonomous ground vehicle designed for surveying and mapping banana farms, optimizing resource management.

Financial Resources and Future Plans

NAICRI is currently operating with a budget of P2.6 billion (Philippine News Agency), which officials acknowledge is “relatively meager.” However, they hope to leverage the program’s success to attract additional funding, potentially through grants from institutions like the World Bank. DOST-ASTI Director de Leon indicated that discussions regarding potential grants are underway, though specifics remain undisclosed.

Looking ahead, NAICRI plans to conduct a national survey to assess the country’s AI compute needs, develop a comprehensive AI training catalog, and provide training programs for MSMEs and regional institutions. The goal is to empower a wider range of stakeholders to utilize AI technologies effectively.

The Broader Context: Global AI Strategy Landscape

The launch of NAICRI places the Philippines within a growing global trend of nations developing national AI strategies. According to the World Privacy Forum, 95 countries and jurisdictions currently have a national AI strategy in place, while 139 do not. This demonstrates a widespread recognition of AI’s strategic importance and the need for coordinated national approaches.

Erika Legara, chief AI and data officer at the Center for AI Research, underscored the importance of focusing AI development on addressing specific needs. “We are not building AI for the sake of building AI,” she stated. “AI is really a tool, so it’s important we identify first where it can help best.”

– Rappler.com