By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — In a move to prepare micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for the era of artificial intelligence (AI), President Ferdinand Marcos “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has instructed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to facilitate the integration and advancement of AI technologies among MSMEs, enabling them to meet the demands of online markets amidst technological progress.

During a meeting held at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, Marcos emphasized the importance of ensuring that MSMEs are fully equipped with modern technology.

“We are not aiming to train them as AI or blockchain engineers. Our goal is to equip them with the necessary skills to utilize the systems we provide. It’s essential to maintain clarity on this point,” Marcos stated.

“We’re not delving into the underlying theories; rather, we’re focusing on practical applications. The essence of AI lies in simplicity and accessibility, and that’s what we aim to impart,” he added.

The President underscored that the government’s initiative to introduce AI systems to MSMEs is geared towards streamlining business processes and making them as user-friendly as possible.

(el Amigo/MNM)