DOST to tap AI for disaster preparedness

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said on Monday that it plans to launch next year an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled platform aimed at helping the public prepare for possible disasters.

“Siguro by next year, ilo-launch natin yung tinatawag nating ‘Plan Smart Ready to Respond,’ para makita ng ating mga kababayan ano ba yung problema ngayong araw—may bagyo ba? Sama ng panahon? At ano ang gagawin? Ito ay AI-enabled,” DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said in an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

(Maybe by next year, we will launch what we call ‘Plan Smart Ready to Respond,’ so our fellow citizens can see the problems of the day—is there a typhoon? Bad weather? And what should be done? This is AI-enabled.)

The DOST chief, however, did not provide further details on the upcoming project.

Meanwhile, Solidum said the department has been assisting Filipinos in adapting to AI technologies, emphasizing that the Philippines remains competitive in AI adoption.

“Kung titignan naman natin ang ating bansa, hindi tayo napag-iwanan. Lagpas tayo sa gitna. Pero marami pa tayong pwedeng gawin: pataasin ang compute power, at siyempre i-upskill ang kakayanan ng mga Pilipino para gumamit ng AI,” he said.

(If we look at our country, we are not being left behind. We are above the middle [of the pack]. But there is still much we can do: increase our computing power, and of course, upskill Filipinos to use AI.)

“Pagdating sa compute power, may plano po ang DOST na taasan pa ‘yan. Meron na pong pondo sa pagtaas ng compute power, pero makikipagtulungan tayo sa private sector,” Solidum added.

“Magtatayo din ng sariling data center ang DOST para lahat ng datos ng departamento ay ma-secure natin at maging sovereign tayo diyan,” the DOST chief said.

(When it comes to computing power, the DOST has a plan to boost it further. There is already funding for this, but we will collaborate with the private sector. The DOST will also build its own data center to secure all departmental data and ensure data sovereignty.)

The DOST also aims to develop AI experts in the country, including engineers, Solidum said.

“Ang DOST ay tutulong sa pag-develop ng AI talent, mga inhinyero through masters and PhD,” Solidum said.

(The DOST will help develop AI talent, including engineers, through Master’s and PhD programs.)—MCG, GMA Integrated News