PLDT and Smart turn over an AI-in-a-Box kit to the Cagayan de Oro City Government, equipping the local government with AI tools, connectivity, and training to support the adoption of artificial intelligence for more efficient, responsive, and digitally enabled public services.
AI-in-a-Box program equips local government employees with AI tools and training to improve public service operations and digital capabilities.
The Cagayan de Oro City Government is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into daily government operations through PLDT and Smart’s AI-in-a-Box program, helping employees use AI tools for tasks such as drafting memoranda, preparing communications, and creating office documents.
The initiative follows the city’s participation in an AI for LGUs training conducted by PLDT and Smart, where government employees learned practical, safe, and responsible ways to apply AI in the workplace.
AI training improves government productivity
According to MJ Meca, Assistant Department Manager of the City Management Information Systems and Innovation Department (CMISID) of the Cagayan de Oro City Government, one of the key lessons from the training was the importance of writing effective prompts to achieve better AI-generated results.
The program helped employees understand how to communicate with AI systems, evaluate generated outputs, and use AI responsibly for government-related work.
Launched in 2025, AI-in-a-Box is a PLDT Group initiative designed to make AI more accessible to communities by combining digital tools, connectivity, and skills training.
LGUs receive AI technology kits
As part of the program, PLDT and Smart, supported by the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), provided AI-in-a-Box kits to the local government units of Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental.
Each kit includes:
- Laptop
- Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi
- Mobile phone
- Smart Prepaid load cards
- Premium access to AI tools
The equipment aims to help LGUs integrate AI into everyday operations and improve efficiency in public service delivery.
“The goal is to help LGUs use AI effectively and responsibly, while showing how it can empower government offices to serve their communities better,” said Roby Alampay, Head of PLDT and Smart’s Public Engagement Group.
Building AI-ready local governments
The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental also highlighted the importance of AI skills development, noting that better prompting techniques helped employees produce more accurate and useful work outputs.
Through AI-in-a-Box, PLDT and Smart are supporting local governments as they adopt emerging technologies, strengthen digital capabilities, and explore AI-powered solutions for more efficient and responsive public services.
The initiative supports PLDT and Smart’s #KonektedforEducation advocacy and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
