Even in 2026, artificial intelligence shows no signs of slowing down.
About two years ago, AI language models became a hot topic. From the one-size-fits-all answer of SimSimi in the early 2000s, users were introduced to the highly sophisticated ChatGPT in 2022. This is not just a typical chatbot, it also generates text and visuals with some written instructions called prompts.
Just last year, there was a boom in image and video production, and portraits emerged in large numbers. transformed Disney or anime style. Deepfakes are also spreading like wildfire online, with the technology being used to spread propaganda and propaganda. false information.
The conversation has now fundamentally shifted to the further integration of AI into our daily lives, especially through near-self-aware virtual assistants, independent robots, and even self-driving cars.
But how can we make sense of the ever-changing AI landscape in 2026 and beyond? philstar life spoke to five technology experts and asked them for their predictions for this year.
Spread of AI in the Philippines
According to 2026 report According to Meltwater and We Are Social, Filipinos are among the top users of AI platform ChatGPT. The Philippines (42.4%) ranked sixth after Kenya (49.5%), Brazil (49.1%), Israel (49%), Malaysia (48.4%) and the United Arab Emirates (44.7%).
“Almost everyone is already using some form of their own AI,” said Dominique Rigot, founder of Data Ethics PH, noting that most Pinoys are using generative AI.
“The majority of the use cases will probably be content-related,” he continued, adding that most Filipinos are taking advantage of the commercial AI services available.
“So the technology is out there, and I think the question is whether people are already using it for actual production work and increasing their productivity,” Riggott said. “Although the adoption rate of AI tools is high in the Philippines, there is a lack of maturity or readiness.”
According to 2024 report According to JobStreet, 46% of Filipinos use generative AI at least once a month in their work and personal lives. This is higher than the global average of 39%.
“Siglo Lang Ang Isan Calangan does not let the public realize that we are using it more than we appreciate it,” said Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technologies Research and Development (DOST-PCIERD) Secretary-General Enrico Paringit. “All of these AI tools have the potential to support the work we’re doing.”
“All of these AI adoptions will ultimately lead to new forms of work and income that are often digital, flexible, and globally accessible. At YGG, we see this as a huge opportunity for Filipinos,” said Trish Rosal, Head of Future of Work at Yield Guild Games (YGG).
She added that Filipinos need to improve their skills in preparation for the emergence of more AI models. Regarding YGG, we are already conducting the necessary training.
On the government side, e-government PHis a mobile app that integrates most government services for public accessibility and incorporates an AI chatbot for ease of use, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology said. Shared by Henry Aguda life!.
For digital bank Maya, AI is also embedded in key parts of the business, including risk modeling, credit decisions, customer support, and fraud monitoring.
“The impact is very real: faster approvals, more secure transactions, and smoother interactions with our millions of users,” said Alfred Lo, Maya Group Chief Technology Officer.
“Looking ahead, we see AI as an opportunity to help Filipinos feel more confident with their money, including by guiding better financial habits, improving access to credit, and simplifying everyday decision-making.”
inevitable AI
The possibilities are endless as AI emerges in new shapes and forms, and the future of 2026 is anything but bleak.
For Pierre Galla, electronics engineer and founder of Democracy.net, the growth of AI is inherently unpredictable.
“Given the variety of potential use cases for AI, it is safe to say that we have not yet explored the limits of its potential uses,” he said.
For Ligot, interactions with AI may become different and more personal starting this year.
“In some ways, we’re seeing more people having a relationship with artificial intelligence. In the same way that people had a relationship with Siri and Alexa, it’s a more primitive version of the AI that we have now,” Riggott said.
Meanwhile, Lo sees AI becoming the “silent engine behind smarter, more personal financial services.”
“From building savings habits to accessing fairer credit, it will help Filipinos manage their money more stress-freely, while making real-time transactions more secure.”
Rosal said the rise of AI makes workforce transformation inevitable.
“Some roles will inevitably be disrupted, especially in process-driven industries like IT-BPM and global capability centers, which have long been a strength of the Philippine economy. But at the same time, AI is also creating entirely new categories of jobs,” she said.
“My hope is that the Philippines will become an AI-enabled global capability center of choice, a place where AI can augment human workers rather than replace them, and where higher-value jobs can thrive,” she added.
According to Aguda, as digitalization expands, the Philippines has the potential to become a major AI user in Southeast Asia.
“In 2026, we will see a significant increase in connectivity, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged regions, because that is where the need for digitalization will really be felt,” he said.
“I think by the end of the ASEAN summit, we will be number one, and we will see AI become more pervasive and mainstream in our use,” he added.
The Philippines is the chair of ASEAN 2026, and this year’s summit emphasizes the ethical and responsible use of emerging technologies such as AI.
Using AI responsibly and what else needs to be done
Much of AI (the good, the bad, and the ugly) is still uncharted territory due to the lack of laws regulating its use. Deepfake porn has become more dangerous over the past year affected Celebrities, celebrities, and AI fakes refueled Propaganda, misinformation and disinformation.
Recently, Aguda’s DICT blocked Issues surrounding inappropriate AI-generated images of women and minors stripping of their clothing. that was later rear AI chatbots are working on safety fixes.
For Ligot, properly using AI requires the three E’s: Enforcement, Education, and Engineering.
“Enforcement can’t be everything, but the focus is there. We want to have penalties for abuse, but we have to balance that with incentives for development,” he said.
“We need to recognize that data and AI are part of everyday life and start cracking down on misuse, but we also need to encourage appropriate use.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Aguda shared that the Philippines needs to have a proper regulatory framework for social media platforms to promote ethical and sustainable use of AI. Because these companies have their own AI.
“We all support freedom of expression. Unfortunately, it is being abused.” [a lot] Because of technology. We missed an opportunity to create harmonious regulation of social media. When AI arrives, we need to stay ahead of the curve,” he said.
“We need to be aware of the harm that comes from using technology, the harm that comes from fraud, the harm that goes wrong with social engineering, and the potential harm caused by the amplification of fake news.”
For Rosal, the ethical use of AI requires education and dialogue between all sectors. “These conversations are essential to ensure that ethical AI frameworks are based not only on policy ideals, but also on practical experience and real-world constraints.”
“Individuals need to be proactive in learning about AI. The more we understand how AI works, the more ethically we can practice it and protect ourselves from fraud. When people are educated, they can approach AI with confidence and without fear,” she added.
Gala agreed, saying that thinking at the grassroots level is essential to using AI properly.
“Encouraging the development of critical thinking and a healthy degree of skepticism will help protect us from any pitfalls in using AI.”
