Las Piñas City is exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can support information management, project development, and public service delivery through PLDT and Smart’s AI-in-a-Box initiative.
The program aims to help local government units turn emerging technologies into practical solutions by combining digital tools, connectivity, training, and mentorship. For Las Piñas, the initiative provides an opportunity to better organize information on various city programs and identify ways to make services more responsive to residents’ needs.
“AI-in-a-Box helps us bring all our data together, from green card programs to services for women, the youth, and TUPAD beneficiaries,” said Las Piñas Mayor April Aguilar. “This way, we know exactly who we’ve helped and who still needs support. In the end, it’s about making sure our services reach the people who need them most.”
Through the support of PLDT-Smart Foundation, Microsoft, and HP Philippines, the Las Piñas City government received an AI access kit that includes an HP laptop, SmartBro 5G Max Turbo WiFi unit, smartphone, premium AI tool subscription, and Smart prepaid load cards.
“Through AI-in-a-Box, we want to give city personnel not just access to technology, but the confidence to explore how AI can address the needs of their own communities,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “When LGUs are equipped to make better use of their own information, they can begin finding new ways to make public services more responsive and accessible.”
HP Philippines Managing Director Ida Ong-Co also highlighted the growing adoption of AI in the country, noting that the technology can help organizations develop smarter workflows through the right combination of technology, security, visibility, and workforce capabilities.
Turning Ideas Into Practical Solutions
As part of the initiative, PLDT and Smart conducted an AI training session for Las Piñas LGU employees, with social innovation agency Limitless Lab facilitating hands-on activities. Selected personnel were introduced to “vibe coding,” an approach that uses natural-language prompts to build and refine software prototypes without requiring users to manually write code.
Staff from the City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) applied the training to develop a platform concept designed to consolidate beneficiary information, helping prevent duplicate entries and support more accurate distribution of assistance.
“Our team was able to create a simple wireframe for an internal database that could help one of our sections with profiling and encoding,” said Paul Cristian B. Bautista, CSWDO Media/IT staff. He noted that working on an actual office need helped the team visualize a potential solution and provided a practical starting point for future development.
Other frontline personnel also developed wireframes for a potential AI-powered chatbot that could answer frequently asked questions, reduce waiting times for simple inquiries, and allow staff to focus on more complex concerns.
Through AI-in-a-Box, PLDT and Smart are extending access to digital tools, connectivity, training, and mentorship to local government units across the Philippines. The initiative forms part of the PLDT Group’s broader efforts to promote digital inclusion and innovation, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
