Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan joined more than 500 directors, advisory board members, and executives from across the Group’s businesses at the 20th Annual Corporate Governance Enhancement Session (ACGES), held on October 2, 2026, at Makati Shangri-La.
Organizations must move beyond simple artificial intelligence (AI) use cases and redesign entire workflows to unlock business value, manage risks, and drive strategic growth, according to insights shared at the 20th Annual Corporate Governance Enhancement Session (ACGES) held on October 2, 2026, at Makati Shangri-La.
Themed “The Next Advantage: Driving Strategic Business Growth Through AI,” the session featured global AI thought leader Dr. Ayesha Khanna, CEO and Co-Founder of ADDO AI and Founder of Amplify, who discussed the emergence of the Agentic Era and the growing role of autonomous AI agents in business operations.
Khanna urged organizations to focus on transforming workflows rather than pursuing isolated AI applications. She emphasized that companies seeking to scale AI successfully must align technology investments with business strategy and develop the talent, governance frameworks, and operating models needed to support adoption.
“To succeed in the agentic era, we must stop using old school words like ‘use case’,” Khanna said, stressing that businesses must rethink entire workflows to realize AI’s potential.
Balancing AI innovation with human judgment
PLDT Director, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez Jr., in his welcome address, highlighted AI’s potential to improve productivity, accelerate innovation, and support enterprise decision-making. However, he cautioned against allowing technology to weaken critical thinking and human accountability.
“What if AI stops the next generation from learning how to think?” Jimenez asked, emphasizing the importance of responsible AI adoption.
“Between betting on AI and betting on humanity, I will bet on humanity. We’ll figure it out eventually,” he added.
The event also featured a fireside chat moderated by PLDT and Smart Public Engagement Group Head Roby Alampay, with Khanna and PLDT Independent Director Dr. Erika Fille T. Legara.
The discussion highlighted the importance of defining clear business and customer outcomes before adopting AI, supported by appropriate technology, reliable data, and redesigned workflows. Panelists also stressed that human accountability must remain central as AI systems become more autonomous.
Building an AI-ready Philippine workforce
For the Philippines, the shift toward agentic AI presents an opportunity to strengthen its role in the emerging AI economy. Legara underscored the need to rethink the country’s education curriculum to prepare workers for evolving industry demands.
She said organizations need professionals who can connect technical expertise with business strategy and translate between the two disciplines.
The annual session gathered Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and more than 500 directors, advisory board members, and executives from participating companies across the Group, including PLDT, Smart Communications, Meralco, Maynilad, ePLDT, VITRO, Multisys Technologies, Maya, and other businesses.
Now in its 20th year, ACGES is a flagship program of the PLDT Board that brings together directors and officers to strengthen corporate governance practices and examine emerging trends shaping business leadership.
