Cabanatuan City is taking a major step toward smarter and more responsive governance through PLDT and Smart Communications’ AI-in-a-Box program, which will help the local government develop its own artificial intelligence-powered solution for public services.
Under the initiative, the city plans to create a centralized query platform designed to receive citizen concerns and automatically route them to the appropriate government office.
“We see artificial intelligence as a practical tool for improving governance and delivering better outcomes for our people,” said Cabanatuan City Mayor Myca Elizabeth R. Vergara.
“We are committed to institutionalizing this initiative and integrating it into our operations. This is part of our broader vision of building a smarter, more responsive city government that listens, acts, and serves more effectively,” she added.
Making AI more accessible to communities
Supported by the PLDT-Smart Foundation and Microsoft Philippines, AI-in-a-Box is a PLDT Group initiative designed to make artificial intelligence more accessible to communities.
The program combines digital tools, connectivity, training, and mentorship to help organizations and local governments transform emerging technologies into practical solutions for everyday challenges.
Each AI-in-a-Box kit includes a laptop, smartphone, connectivity device, and premium access to AI tools.
“AI-in-a-Box is about helping communities turn innovation into tangible benefits for the people they serve,” said Roby A. Alampay, FVP and Head of Public Engagement at PLDT and Smart.
“By giving local governments access to practical AI tools and training, we hope to support more responsive public services, strengthen digital capabilities, and create more opportunities for Filipinos to thrive in an increasingly digital world,” he added.
AI platform to streamline citizen concerns
Key personnel from various Cabanatuan City government offices are participating in the program’s AI mentorship and acceleration initiative.
Over the next few months, the LGU team will develop a centralized AI-powered query platform that can manage citizen concerns and direct requests and inquiries to the proper city office.
The system is expected to streamline public feedback management and help reduce response times. Cabanatuan City also plans to integrate the solution into its existing “MyCabanatuan” application.
More LGUs explore AI-powered governance
Cabanatuan City joins a growing number of local governments exploring how artificial intelligence can improve the accessibility and responsiveness of public services.
Baguio City, Cebu City, and the province of Lanao del Sur have also partnered with PLDT and Smart to develop AI-enabled solutions for local governance.
Through AI-in-a-Box, PLDT and Smart provide participating communities with digital tools, training, and mentorship as they create technology solutions tailored to local concerns.
The initiative forms part of the PLDT Group’s broader efforts to promote digital inclusion and innovation while supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
