In a bid to make government services more accessible, the Philippines’ Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) launched artificial intelligence (AI) features on the eGovPH superapp.
The new AI features, dubbed eGovAI, were developed by DICT in-house, powered by Google Gemini.
“We are bringing government services together in one digital platform and with the launch of eGovAI, we are taking another step forward,” DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said during the platform launch.
Within eGovAI is a virtual assistant called “Kuya A,” which as of initial launch offers 11 main services. Kuya means “brother” in Filipino.
AI tools
Among the capabilities of eGovAI are an AI assistant for questions about government services, a document extractor, a speech maker, a language translator, a coder/ programmer, an image identifier, a Laws and Regulations assistant, a Health AI assistant, and an identity verification tool.
There is also an eTourism feature, meant to direct users to nearby tourist spots in the Philippines, as well as an eAgri capability, which will assist farmers in seeking cropping assistance.
The eGovAI feature is free to use, and is already available for verified users of the eGovPH app.
Meanwhile, Aguda vowed to implement strict governance policies, following data privacy concerns.
“As we move forward into the era of artificial intelligence, we must also ensure that progress remains responsible and inclusive. Privacy and security must be protected, accessibility and accountability must remain part of the process and public trust must always be earned,” he said.
Inclusivity push
In a speech read by Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Filipinos must be able to access emerging technologies in order to gain better opportunities.
“We live in a time when technology is transforming how we learn, work, and do business. Artificial intelligence, or AI in particular, offers new ways of solving problems and making everyday tasks more efficient. Hence, the government must be ready to make these technologies work for the Filipino people,” he said.
Marcos cited a 2024 study showing that only 14.9% of firms in the country use AI tools, with adoption concentrated among larger, technology-related companies in urban centers.
Structural barriers and connectivity also affect businesses’ ability to adopt emerging technologies, he noted.
He stressed that AI development must also be anchored on accountability, security, and public service.
“That is why this administration is championing the ethical and responsible use of AI as a means to improve our services to Filipinos and create opportunities for them,” he said.
The President also urged Filipinos to use AI “wisely, responsibly, and ethically,” stressing that technology should complement, not replace, human judgment.
“Always remember that technology should sharpen our judgment, not replace it. Let us use AI as a tool to make well-informed decisions without surrendering our own capacity to question, discern, and decide,” he said.
Criticisms
Not even a day after launch, netizens started tinkering with the new AI tool, posting their experiences on social media platforms.
One user asked the AI assistant who “Kuya A” was. The user was surprised that the AI does not recognise who it is. Only when it was given further context did it begin to understand the query.
Meanwhile, another user asked the AI who the current president is. Instead of saying “Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” Kuya A answered “Donald Trump.”
Under eGovAI’s terms and conditions, it said “AI-generated responses may be incomplete, inaccurate, or unsuitable for a particular purpose. Outputs do not automatically constitute an official government record, decision, legal opinion, medical advice, or binding agency guidance.”
It also reminded government agencies to “apply appropriate human review before relying on output for decisions, public communications, or actions that affect rights, benefits, safety, or access to government services.”
As more users get to try out the new AI tool, the verdict on whether or not it actually works has yet to be decided.
