OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental (October 3) — Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Northern Mindanao are set to benefit from artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-10) positioning innovation as a key driver of regional and national growth.
At the opening of the 2025 Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) on Wednesday, DOST-10 Director Romela Ratilla said AI-powered business solutions can help grassroots enterprises scale up and become more competitive.
“We make sure these innovations are economically viable so we can support them up to the level where they can be brought to the market — to generate jobs, employment, and income for mentors, innovators, and even the community,” Ratilla said.
Northern Mindanao, a hub for agriculture, agribusiness, and food processing, relies heavily on MSMEs for jobs and growth. By equipping enterprises with AI-driven analytics, process automation, and digital tools, Ratilla said traditional industries can modernize and access new markets, including e-commerce and digital trade.
The RSTW showcased prototypes designed to streamline operations and cut costs for small businesses. In an open forum, three enterprises pledged to adopt technologies presented by innovators, signaling rising private sector confidence in science-based solutions.
The initiative also aligns with national policy. The Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Information and Communications Technology have been pushing the Philippine AI Roadmap, launched in 2021, which envisions the country as an “AI Center for Excellence” in the region. Part of that strategy is ensuring that MSMEs — which make up 99% of Philippine enterprises — are not left behind in the digital transformation.
Regional officials see Northern Mindanao’s adoption of AI as both an economic necessity and an opportunity. By strengthening local value chains and embracing innovation, the region hopes to attract investments, create higher-quality jobs, and serve as a model for inclusive growth in Mindanao and beyond.
