The Philippines is aiming to reposition itself from its long-held reputation as the world’s “Texting Capital” into a regional hub for artificial intelligence and next-generation connectivity, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said.

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the DICT said the government is now targeting to make the country an AI and 6G hub of Asia, signaling a strategic shift in national digital ambitions. The announcement comes ahead of the 2026 Philippine Telecom Summit, scheduled for February 5, 2026, at the Newport Dome in Pasay City, with live coverage to be streamed on DICT’s official platforms.

The summit, organized by the DICT, is expected to bring together policymakers, telecom operators, technology companies, and digital infrastructure stakeholders to discuss the future of the country’s connectivity and digital economy.

The agency framed the move as part of its broader Digital Bayanihan agenda, which focuses on expanding access to connectivity, strengthening digital infrastructure, and positioning the Philippines to compete in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced telecommunications, and data-driven services.

While 6G technology is still in early research stages globally, governments and industry players are already exploring potential applications ranging from ultra-low-latency communications to advanced AI integration. By signaling interest early, the DICT appears to be positioning the Philippines to participate in regional discussions, standards development, and future investment flows tied to next-generation networks.

The announcement also builds on recent policy reforms aimed at improving the country’s digital competitiveness, including measures to expand broadband access, encourage infrastructure sharing, and modernize telecommunications regulation. These efforts are seen as foundational steps toward supporting more advanced technologies that require reliable, high-capacity networks.

Details of specific AI or 6G initiatives have yet to be disclosed, but the DICT said the upcoming telecom summit will offer a clearer view of how the government plans to translate its ambitions into concrete programs and partnerships.

For now, the message from the agency is clear: the Philippines is seeking to move beyond legacy digital milestones and stake a claim in the next wave of technological development shaping the region.

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