MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Researchers from Bukidnon State University (BukSU) and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) presented studies on artificial intelligence (AI) applications in governance, agriculture, and forecasting during the 11th Mindanao Policy Research Forum (MPRF), held on October 21, 2025, at BukSU’s main campus in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

The forum, jointly organized by PIDS, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and BukSU, carried the theme “Harnessing AI in Mindanao: Pathways for People-Centered Governance.” The event gathered policymakers, researchers, and development stakeholders for in-person and online discussions on how AI can support inclusive development across sectors.

During the plenary session, Dr. Adrian Tamayo, Policy Formulation Division Chief of MinDA, represented Executive Director Undersecretary Janet M. Lopoz, CESO I. Tamayo discussed Mindanao’s socioeconomic landscape and presented a proposed policy direction to address regional challenges.

Dr. Adrian Tamayo, Policy Formulation Division Chief of MinDA, said, “Mindanao, the Philippines’ second-largest island group, grapples with issues ranging from a digital divide to human capital deficits, compounded by governance inefficiencies and growing climate and resource risks.”

According to Tamayo, Mindanao continues to face difficulties related to poverty, connectivity, and human capital gaps.

“To address this, the immediate priority is to strengthen Mindanao’s e-governance and data integration systems to make decision-making faster and more efficient; food security through promotion of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture, including predictive analytics, soil monitoring, and farm-to-market logistics; and, infrastructure modernization, ensuring that AI-enabled connectivity supports inter-island linkages and trade corridors,” Tamayo added.

BukSU President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol said the forum aligns with the university’s “Smart BukSU” vision, which promotes innovation, inclusivity, and resilience.

“This forum reflects that commitment by exploring how AI can serve Mindanao’s people — enhancing compassion in governance, agriculture, education, and public service — while ensuring that no community, especially those at the margins, is left behind,” Mirasol said.

Presentations from BukSU and PIDS researchers covered various studies on AI integration.

PIDS Senior Research Fellow Dr. Aubrey M. Tabuga discussed the importance of applying AI with fairness, inclusivity, and accountability to ensure equitable reforms and access to services.

BukSU Associate Professor Dr. Jovelin M. Lapates shared her study on developing an AI-based tool that detects corn crop diseases to support smart farming initiatives in Mindanao. She also discussed how her work has been used by local governments in the city and province.

BukSU Information Technology Department Head Dr. Sales G. Aribe Jr. introduced the PSO-RDV framework, an optimization method designed to improve the accuracy and speed of artificial neural networks for time-series forecasting.

More than 60 participants attended the event, including policymakers, academics, and students. Among the guests were Dr. Mark Lemuel L. Garcia, Vice President of the Development Academy of the Philippines–Mindanao, and Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali, Director General of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority. Both discussed the importance of inter-agency collaboration and the shared responsibilities of government and academia in building effective knowledge management systems to improve public service delivery.

For BukSU student Prayxis Krits Astin O. Egan, the discussions helped him understand that AI should connect and include people while promoting responsible technology use. “This forum is important because it lets me know that AI is not meant to exclude people but to include and connect us in better ways. The event also made me realize that while technology makes things easier, we should still be responsible and aware of its effects. As a student, it helped me understand how I can use technology properly and how it can create a positive impact on the community,” said Egan.

Meanwhile, media practitioner Jay Ar Hortilano, Program Director of Jaunder Radyo Malaybalay, said the dialogue on AI’s impact on employment is necessary, noting the role of educational institutions in preparing students and graduates for technological change. “We are currently seeing a negative side effect primarily concerning employment, such as job displacement and unemployment. This discussion is critical so that we can understand what steps need to be taken to mitigate these effects. One essential solution lies with the academe; they must adjust their curricula and implement effective programs that will future-proof the students and fresh graduates, ensuring they are not negatively affected by the rapid changes and impacts brought about by AI,” said Hortilano. (With a report from Genavev Labora, BS Development Communication)