Vice Governor Nathalie Ann Debuque Champions Ethical and Inclusive AI for Iloilo Province

ILOILO, Philippines — Vice Governor Nathalie Ann Debuque delivered a compelling address on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern governance, highlighting both its transformative potential and the urgent need for responsible stewardship. Speaking from a provincial standpoint, Debuque offered a clear and grounded vision for AI adoption that places people—and ethics—at the center of technological progress.

A Tool for Modern Governance and Development

Debuque welcomed AI as an indispensable tool for 21st-century governance, economic development, and public service delivery. She emphasized how AI can revolutionize public healthcare, streamline bureaucratic processes, and significantly enhance agricultural productivity in Iloilo Province.

"AI is not just a technological trend—it is a bridge between science and society," she declared, positioning it as a means to connect sectors, break silos, and inspire collaboration.

Risks of Misuse: A Call for Caution and Regulation

While optimistic, Debuque did not shy away from addressing the darker side of AI. She warned that without proper regulation, AI could pose ethical, social, and security threats. From data privacy concerns to algorithmic bias and surveillance, she urged stakeholders to recognize the consequences of unchecked innovation.

Three Guiding Values: Ethical, Transparent, Inclusive

Central to Debuque’s speech were three guiding principles for AI governance: Ethical, Transparent, and Inclusive. She urged developers, lawmakers, and industry leaders to embed these values in every AI initiative.

“These values are not optional—they are essential. If AI is to serve the people, it must be built on trust,” she stated.

Bridging the Gap Between Tech and the Public

A strong advocate for public engagement, Debuque called for wide-reaching efforts to demystify AI. She proposed public awareness campaigns, training programs, and community dialogues to ensure that understanding of AI is not limited to experts and the tech-savvy elite.

"Every citizen, regardless of background, should have a say in how AI is used in their community," she said. "AI must not be the privilege of the few—it must be the empowerment of the many."

Building Partnerships for the Greater Good

To ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI, Debuque called for strong partnerships between government, academia, and industry. She stressed that no single sector can navigate AI’s complexities alone and that cooperation is key to harnessing AI for the greater good.

Key Message: AI Must Serve the People

Vice Governor Debuque’s central message was clear and powerful: AI must serve the people—not overpower them. It should enhance lives, create new opportunities, and build trust through its ethical use.

Her speech laid out a roadmap not only for Iloilo Province but for any region seeking to embrace AI with integrity and foresight. By anchoring AI development in shared values and inclusive governance, Debuque is helping to shape a future where technology uplifts rather than divides.

𝐊𝐖𝐅, 𝐍𝐚𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐰𝐚 𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐚 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐲𝐚 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐚 𝐃𝐁𝐌

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Nagsagawa ng Seminar sa Korespondensiya Opisyal ang Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) sa 28 kawani ng Kagawaran ng Badyet at Pamamahala na nagmula pa sa mga tanggapan nitó sa NCR, Rehiyon III, V, at IX kasama ang mga kawani sa sentral na tanggapan ng ahensiya mula sa Tanggapan nina OUSEC Libiran – MACRO, OUSEC Salcedo, OASEC Dela Vega, ACTS, BILS, OADC, BMB-E, LGRCB, at OCIO. 

Ang pagpapadala ng DBM ng mga kalahok na may ranggo na mulang Administrative Assistant III-V, Information Officer 1-IV, Acting Chief Budget and Management Specialist, Budget and Management Specialist I, Administrative Officer III, Senior Budget and Management Specialist, at Executive Assistant II-III ay patunay lámang na seryoso itó sa pagbibigay espasyo sa Atas Tagapagpaganap Blg. 335 na pormal na nag-aatas sa paggamit ng Filipino sa mga opisyal na trasaksiyon, komunikasyon, at korespondensiya sa mga ahensiya at lokal na yunit ng pamahalaan. 

Nagbigay ng oryentasyon hinggil sa Kautusang Tagapagpaganap Blg. 335 si G. Jomar I. Cañega at nagsilbing tagapanayam sina Dr. Duclay para sa Patnubay sa Paghahanda ng Korespondensiya; Dr. Lamarca sa Ortograpiyang Pambansa, at Komisyoner Mendillo Jr. para sa Introduksiyon sa Pagsasaling Pampamahalaan.

Personal na sinaksihan at nagbigay ng hámon at inspirasyon sa mga kalahok hinggil sa halaga ng Filipino sa serbisyo publiko ang bagong hirang na Tagapangulo ng KWF na si Atty. Marites A. Barrios-Taran. Binigyang-diin din sa kaniyang talumpati ang hinggil sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika ngayong Agosto. Ang SKO sa DBM ang unang pormal na pagharap sa publiko ni Atty. Taran bílang tagapangulo ng KWF.

Youth Power Ignites Change: International Youth Day 2025 Champions Environmental Action in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Manila, Philippines — In a world battling the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, a powerful movement is rising from the hearts of the youth. On August 11, 2025, more than 200 passionate young leaders gathered at De La Salle University for International Youth Day 2025, determined to be the generation that transforms urgency into action.

Themed “Mobilize & Ignite Youth Action: Advancing Sustainable Solutions for the Triple Planetary Crisis Through Innovation and Partnership,” the event was organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in partnership with Clean Air Asia and BAN Toxics. It served as both a rallying cry and a blueprint for how youth can take decisive steps toward a sustainable future.

Youth as Heirs and Architects of Change

“Young people are experiencing firsthand the impacts of the triple planetary crisis,” declared Teddy Monroy, UNIDO Country Representative. “We need the younger generation, as both inheritors and architects of the future, to take decisive action in steering the world toward a sustainable path.”

The event was a living testament to this vision. Youth leaders and changemakers shared stories, launched initiatives, and inspired others to act through interactive talks and workshops. In the ‘Youth Talks’ segment, speakers like Ramyr Angelo, co-founder of Mobility Vision+, and John Sherwin Felix of Voices Unplugged showcased innovations addressing urban mobility, sustainability, and environmental education.

Solutions in Action: The ‘Solutions Lab’

A highlight of the day was the Solutions Lab, featuring two groundbreaking workshops:

Solutions Lab 1: Harnessing the Potential of Youth in Promoting and Advancing E-Mobility – Participants explored how education, research, and career-building can accelerate the adoption of electric mobility in the Philippines. Industry experts and advocates shared pathways for youth to shape the future of sustainable transport.

Solutions Lab 2: Mobilizing Youth for Healthcare Waste Awareness – With healthcare waste posing severe risks to human health and the environment, this workshop challenged participants to create impactful campaigns. Using TikTok-style advocacy videos, they tackled issues like hazardous waste segregation and the dangers of dioxins and furans.

BAN Toxics Executive Director Reynaldo San Juan Jr. emphasized, “The youth, with their creativity and energy, can make a real difference by sparking change in healthcare facilities and communities.”

Launching the Future: New Youth-Led Initiatives

Two major initiatives were unveiled:

E-Mobility Idea Competition – Open to youth aged 18–24, this competition seeks innovative solutions for accelerating electric mobility. Winners will present at the 2025 Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit and the 2026 Better Air Quality Conference in Bangkok, Thailand.

#GenZeroPh – A nationwide campaign to engage youth organizations in promoting environmental responsibility and community-based actions for a toxics-free, waste-free future.

A Pact for the Planet

The celebration concluded with a youth pact ceremony. Participants tied ribbons representing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to an SDG tree and placed written pledges into a symbolic time capsule. It was a vivid reminder that this generation is not just talking about change—they are committing to it.

The Urgency of Now

The 2025 UN Sustainable Development Goals Report reveals a sobering truth: only 35% of targets are on track, while nearly half lag dangerously behind. The triple planetary crisis threatens to overwhelm progress unless systemic changes are urgently made.

Addressing the youth, Monroy stressed:

“Young people must be at the forefront—as leaders, innovators, and partners—in driving the systemic changes needed to secure a sustainable future.”

From electric mobility to healthcare waste reduction, from grassroots campaigns to global platforms, International Youth Day 2025 proved that the youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the warriors of today. Their battle cry echoes beyond the walls of De La Salle University, reaching every community, every policymaker, and every citizen: The future will be sustainable, because we will make it so.