Metro Cebu Strengthens Push for Smarter Local Governance through PLDT, Smart’s AI-in-a-Box

Metro Cebu is taking a major step toward smarter and more responsive public service with the rollout of PLDT and Smart AI-in-a-Box (AIAB) program.

 

AI-in-a-Box is the PLDT Group’s initiative to make artificial intelligence (AI) more accessible to communities. The program combines digital tools, connectivity, training, and mentorship to help local government units turn emerging technologies into practical solutions. As part of the initiative, participating LGUs received an AI-in-a-Box kit that includes a laptop, a smartphone, a Smart connectivity device, and premium access to AI tools, including ChatGPT.

 

In a simple ceremony at the Cebu City Hall, Mayor Nestor Archival received the AI-in-a-Box package on behalf of the local government of Cebu City, from PLDT and Smart represented by Roby Alampay, FVP and Head of Public Engagement and Corporate Communications, and Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement.

 

The rollout successfully extends across Metro Cebu, including Lapu-Lapu City and Talisay City, which also received their respective AIAB packages.  Key personnel from all three cities have undergone specialized training to strengthen their internal AI capabilities and identify practical applications of AI in local government work.

 

“We at PLDT and Smart believe that technology should help enhance the delivery of public service. Through the AI-in-a-Box Program, we affirm our commitment in assisting LGUs level up service delivery through a more citizen-focused, practical, secure, and innovative technology," said Alampay.

 

As one of the four pioneer participant cities in the country, Cebu City proudly represents the entire Visayas region in a mentorship and acceleration program organized by PLDT and Smart, with support from the group’s social outreach arm, the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF). This mentorship program is specifically designed to help local offices transform conceptual ideas into practical, real-world AI solutions for faster, more responsive governance. Through the program, participating Cebu City personnel will receive guidance as they develop and deploy AI-enabled solutions that respond to specific needs in their communities.

 

In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Mayor Archival warmly welcomed the program, noting that it is heartening for Cebu City to be selected as a pioneer participant and the sole representative from the Visayas. He emphasized that through PLDT and Smart’s AI-in-a-Box program the city will strengthen its use of innovation and AI solutions to deliver faster, more efficient, and more compassionate service to the people of Cebu.

 

By bridging the gap between advanced technology and localized public service, this initiative underscores PLDT and Smart's broader commitment to fostering digital inclusion across the Philippines. As these local government units integrate AI into their daily workflows, the program aims to establish a scalable blueprint for digital governance that can be replicated in other provinces, ultimately driving nationwide development through shared technological progress. 

GCash Pushes Responsible AI as Key to Inclusive Growth at Philippine National Innovation Day 2026

Responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) is critical in driving inclusive and sustainable growth, as it can address persistent gaps in financial access and literacy, particularly in a mobile-first yet risk-exposed region like Southeast Asia. This was the key message of GCash, the country’s leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, as it joined policymakers and industry leaders at the 2026 National Innovation Day.

 

Held at the Diamond Hotel Manila, the event, organized by the Depdev National Innovation Council in partnership with ASEAN, brought together key stakeholders under the theme “AI for Growth, Opportunity, and Sustainability in ASEAN (AGOS)”, focusing on how emerging technologies can be scaled safely across the region.

 

During the discussions, Mynt chief data officer Sara Venturina highlighted how GCash is leveraging data and AI to help deliver equitable fintech access to Filipinos. “If we don’t use technology responsibly, it will lead to more inequality,” Venturina said. “At Gcash, we harness the power of data and AI to help move Filipinos toward financial progress, while ensuring that inclusion remains at the center of innovation.”

 

She emphasized that GCash’s AI strategy is grounded in improving customer outcomes while upholding strict standards for data privacy and protection. This includes carefully evaluating how technologies are deployed, ensuring efficiency without compromising accessibility or trust.

 

As conversations around AI governance continue to evolve, Venturina also pointed to the need for stronger industry-wide standards. “As AI scales, the question is not just how we build these systems, but how we ensure they remain fair, safe, and accessible,” she said, citing the importance of standardized testing and evaluation frameworks.

 

She added that accountability remains constant regardless of where data is stored, reinforcing GCash’s commitment to safeguarding user information.

 

“Whether the data resides locally or in a data center, the responsibility to protect that data remains with us, and we take that seriously.”

 

GCash also highlighted the growing role of emerging technologies that enable the safe use of data while preserving user privacy, allowing institutions to innovate without compromising trust.

 

The broader event featured discussions on national innovation policy and digital transformation, with key insights from government leaders, including Department of Science and Technology Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum, Department of Education Secretary Atty. Juan Edgardo Angara and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

 

As AI adoption accelerates across the Philippines and the ASEAN region, GCash reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside government and industry partners to advance responsible innovation—strengthening financial literacy, enhancing data governance, and expanding access to digital financial services for more Filipinos.

 

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.