Marcos tells MSMEs to be ready in using artificial intelligence

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MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said he wants micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to be ready to use artificial intelligence (AI)- powered systems.

In a sectoral meeting with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Marcos said that MSMEs must be ready to use AI to keep up with physical and online demands.

READ: President: AI is a double-edged sword, it can swing in a way it will help us

“We are not teaching them to be engineers, AI engineers. We’re not teaching them to be blockchain engineers. We’re teaching them how to use the system that we have provided. That, I think, we have to be clear about that,” President Marcos said.

“Don’t teach the theory that goes on behind it, but just teach what it is that they need to use the AI. That’s the whole point of AI, you just talk, that’s where we want to get them to,” Marcos added.

During the World Economic Forum roundtable in March, Marcos expressed similar sentiments regarding AI use in the Philippines.

READ: PH must keep up with evolution of AI — Marcos

Marcos said that the Philippines is still trying to keep up.

“We have to act very swiftly to be able to adjust to whatever occurrences there are. But again, I think, I need not explain how the AI can also work against you. But we must, but it is very clear understanding on our part that we must be part of that,” said Marcos in March.