THE Philippines championed the safe and conscientious use of artificial intelligence (AI) during the 3rd Summit for Democracy from March 18 to 20 in Seoul, South Korea.

Information, Communications and Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy was the country's representative to the summit's ministerial conference.

"For a democracy to be able to innovate and forge through the future, we must align emerging technologies such as AI with human values, ethics and principles," Uy told the delegates.

Uy reported on the Philippines' national AI strategy that seeks to enhance the country's digital infrastructure and literacy.

He said the Philippine government was aware of the threats posed by the misuse of AI.

Uy said the upcoming 2025 national elections in the Philippines are an opportunity to use the potential of AI with the help of international partners.

"We have recently awarded a contract to a South Korean company to provide our automated elections system for our upcoming midterm elections in 2025," he said.

The summit was attended by delegates from 28 countries, including host South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom and Ecuador.