The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 5, under the ICT Industry Development Bureau (iidb) through Stimulating the growth of Emerging Technologies in the Philippines (SET PH), hosted the AI.DEAS (AI for Developing Ethical and Applicable Solutions) for Impact 2025. The event brought together 10 colleges and universities from the Bicol region to showcase their innovative AI solutions at a pitching competition held on August 19-20, 2025 at the Lotus Blu Hotel, Naga City.
The AI.DEAS highlighted the significant roles and impacts of AI in ethics, privacy, and digital inclusivity, while cultivating creative AI-enabled solutions to community problems. It also aimed to enhance students' technical skills and knowledge through experimentation with AI technologies, frameworks, and tools.
“Masyadong malawak yung talagang mako-contribute ng AI sa atin. Sa simpleng mga speech pa nga lang, madali na tayong mag-edit, maiiwasan na yung mga wrong grammar, mai-improve yung mga pagsusulat natin. But, on the other hand, kailangan ma-emphasize natin yung ethical and responsible use of AI. Kailangan nating basahin at i-validate pa rin, importanteng gamitin natin yung AI para mag-produce ng mga reliable content at hindi yung mga misinformation,” shared DICT 5 Regional Director Rachelle Ann Grabador, on the attributes of using AI.
Asked about the essence of the hackathon to the participants, she said, “Kahit anong field ang kunin nila sa college, mage-encounter talaga sila ng mga ICT tools. So, very important itong event sa kanila while they are creating their future kasi alam na nila kung paano yung responsible use ng mga tools, and they are taking advantage of it.”
The Provincial Government’s Governor Mariano E. Villafuerte Community College – Tinambac was among the Top 10 Finalists of the AI.DEAS Hackathon with their proof of concept titled ULAN or Unified Level Automation Network. The project focuses on providing modern flood control, river monitoring, and public alert system in Camarines Sur especially that the province serves as a catch basin during heavy rains and typhoons. ULAN can help save lives, reduce economic losses, and strengthen community resilience.
Milbert Behande, one of the team members of GMVCC Tech Hub, shared, “Yung proposed project po namin aims to help the community. Nagtulong-tulong po kaming lahat, with our mentor Sir Hobert na magaling sa hardware, while kami po, as IS students, more on sa software po kami or the mobile development of the project. Very important po ang use ng AI to easily access the platform and para hindi na mahirapan yung mga tao dahil yung app na po mismo yung maga-assist sa kanila.”
Being the only Local University/College (LUC) to qualify for the hackathon, GMVCC Tinambac showcased its ability to keep pace with known colleges and universities in terms of educational standards. This achievement highlights the institution's commitment to delivering high quality education, evident in the technical proficiency, creative thinking, and innovative skills of its students during the AI.DEAS.
Under the visionary leadership of Governor Lray Villafuerte, students in all provincially-managed colleges are empowered with enhanced learning opportunities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in their future careers. The Provincial Government also supported the integration of AI where students can learn in a more effective and engaging learning experience.
The 2-day hackathon also included plenary sessions that explored key topics such as AI in the Philippines, Technology Commercialization and Intellectual Property Rights, and Careers in Analytics and AI highlighting career paths and required skills in the field, including the Philippine Skills Framework for Analytics.
