The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Google Cloud have announced an expanded multi-year partnership aimed at accelerating the Philippines’ shift toward AI-driven public services, stronger cybersecurity, and improved national digital infrastructure.
The collaboration centers on embedding enterprise AI into government operations to make public services faster, simpler, and more secure for Filipinos, aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and DICT’s digital transformation roadmap.
AI Agents to Transform Public Service Delivery
Under the “AI Agents for Public Sector” program, DICT will deploy Gemini Enterprise and Google Workspace tools to government agencies through the PS-DBM eMarketplace. Built on Google Cloud infrastructure, the platform will allow secure procurement and deployment of enterprise AI tools across the public sector.
The initiative will enable citizens to access government services through conversational AI systems that can respond in local languages. These AI agents are designed to simplify processes such as business registration, health service inquiries, and disaster assistance guidance by replacing complex documentation with real-time, interactive support.
DICT also plans to onboard more than 50,000 public servants initially to the Gemini Enterprise platform, with a target of 200,000 users within 18 months, enabling AI-assisted workflows across agencies.
For example, government personnel will be able to query systems for permit tracking, generate policy reports, or analyze market trends through natural language prompts, with AI agents synthesizing data from multiple government sources.
Productivity Gains Through AI and Cloud Integration
The Gemini Enterprise system integrates with Google Workspace tools such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, and Chat, allowing government outputs generated by AI to be instantly converted into collaborative documents and presentations.
According to DICT, the goal is to improve efficiency, reduce bureaucratic delays, and enhance decision-making across agencies while tracking measurable outcomes such as productivity gains, cost savings, and user satisfaction.
Strengthening Cybersecurity with AI-Driven Defense
To reinforce digital trust, DICT’s Cybersecurity Bureau has partnered with Google Cloud to establish a cross-agency cyber defense alliance using Google Cloud Cybershield, an AI-powered security platform supported by threat intelligence and Mandiant expertise.
The system is currently deployed at the National Security Operations Center (NSOC) and has already onboarded 56 government agencies, with plans to expand to 90 agencies by June 2026.
The platform enables centralized monitoring of cyber threats across government networks, improving response times and protecting critical infrastructure, including systems supporting national events such as ASEAN Summits hosted in 2026.
Expanding National Digital Infrastructure
The partnership also supports the Philippines’ broader digital infrastructure strategy, including subsea cable systems such as the Taiwan-Philippines-U.S. (TPU) and Apricot networks.
These high-capacity fiber systems are designed to support the increasing data demands of AI applications while improving internet speed, reliability, and affordability. Combined with domestic infrastructure like the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure (LBI), the initiative aims to expand connectivity, reduce network congestion, and strengthen nationwide digital access.
DICT officials said these upgrades will help expand free public Wi-Fi coverage in schools, hospitals, and community centers while supporting the growth of AI-enabled government services.
Building an AI-Driven Digital Government
DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda emphasized that digital transformation goes beyond software adoption, focusing instead on systemic efficiency and inclusive access to services through what he called “Digital Bayanihan.”
Google Cloud Philippines Country Manager Jennifer Ligones said the collaboration aims to democratize AI, enabling public servants to solve complex problems faster while improving access to essential government services.
The initiative positions the Philippines toward a more AI-powered, cyber-resilient, and digitally connected public sector, with enterprise AI at the core of future government operations.
