Private-Public collaboration vital for digital transformation in PH

CEBU CITY – A strong and solid collaboration from among the technology sector and the government is crucial for the digital transformation of the Philippines with the emergence of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), The Internet of Things, Hyper-connectivity.

 

“In the past years, I’ve been exploring technologies around the world that can be adapted and brought to the Philippines. As I traveled, I learned one hard truth: the Philippines is truly behind. While other countries are racing ahead with AI and automation, we are struggling to keep pace. Technology is not slowing down—and we need to catch up, fast,” Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy told the members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) as he hosted a Partners’ Night on April 7 being this year’s chair to talk about the upcoming 51^st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBCE). 

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda recognized that the government cannot do this alone and this year mark a stronger public-private partnership as DICT pushes forward the priority pillars under DICT—Digital Economy, Infrastructure, Championing Data Privacy and Security, and Transparency in Government.

Aguda echoed Uy’s emphasis on the importance of robust infrastructure and meaningful connectivity. “There can never be digital transformation without strong infrastructure. And you can’t adopt AI and other digital solutions without reliable connectivity. Our bold aspiration is that, as we work together—whether it’s through fiber, mobile, low Earth orbit satellites, or high-altitude platforms—no nook or cranny in the country will be left unconnected."

According to Aguda that the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBCE), organized by the PCCI, is held on October 20–21, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center Manila. The event is expected to gather over 3,000 participants from across the Philippines to experience the latest in technological solutions for all types of businesses.

The 51^st PBCE is expected to bring together key government officials and global technology and business leaders, including Google, Cisco, AWS, Fortinet, Nokia, Huawei, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Salesforce, KT Satellite, BPI and others to showcase technologies and innovations that today’s SMEs can benefit from—such as cloud services, IT infrastructure management, and automated business processes.

“I enjoin our partners in the technology industry to come together and help us accelerate the country’s digital transformation. As the chairman of PCCI’s 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBCE) we will use the event as a catalyst for digital adoption and national progress,” Uy added.

Uy underscored the importance of partnerships with government agencies—particularly the DICT, DTI, and the DOST - in ensuring that an AI policy framework is established to help the Philippines leapfrog and remain globally competitive.

Uy also shared aspirations that align with the government’s goals around connectivity and digital information security, including the establishment of a sovereign cloud infrastructure to ensure that Filipino data remains within the country.

According to PCCI President Consul Enunina Mangio, the upcoming 51^st PBCE will serve as a powerful platform to accelerate technological advancement and inclusive economic growth across the nation.

“This demands collective action among all stakeholders—particularly government, business organizations, private enterprises, academic institutions, donor agencies, media, and civil society. The challenges we face require a unified approach. By working together, we can overcome them more efficiently and effectively,” Mangio said.

Lending support to the event are newly appointed Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST). (Photos: Converge/Rose Ann Respicio)