The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reaffirmed its support for the Philippines’ pursuit of innovation and digital governance during the Government Experience Exchange Retreat held on September 17 in Makati.
The high-level forum brought together leaders from both nations to discuss how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain can transform public service delivery, strengthen transparency, and drive economic growth.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin urged Philippine agencies to embrace innovation as a standard practice. “Let us commit to building innovation into every agency, in making performance-excellence a standard rather than the exception,” he said. He stressed that AI should be harnessed to make governance “more efficient, responsive, and citizen-oriented.”
Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda highlighted the government’s efforts, unveiling the electronic Complaint Management System featuring Talk to T.A.L.A., an AI-powered officer available 24/7 and capable of handling concerns in 13 local languages. “AI and blockchain are not just technologies, they are enablers of good governance, economic growth, and citizen trust,” Aguda said.
Representing the UAE, Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness, underscored the partnership’s value. “The United Arab Emirates is here to support the Philippines in its big dreams to make things happen and to serve the people of the Philippines in the best way… it is not about one nation teaching the other. It’s about two partners learning from each other as equals,” Lootah said.
Also present were Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and other Philippine officials, who joined in affirming the country’s commitment to become a digital, transparent, and future-ready nation with the UAE as a steadfast partner.
