Artificial Intelligence (AI) Training for Government Workforce Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) '25 JUL -3 P4:01 SENATE TIMe--.. - S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT TO PROVIDE AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE GOVERNMENT WORKFORCE, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Article XIV, Section 10 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that "Science and technology are essential for national development and progress. The State shall give priority to research and development, invention, innovation, and their utilization; and to science and technology education, training, and services. It shall support indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, and their application to the country's productive systems and national life."

Section 12 also provides that "The State shall regulate the transfer and

promote the adaptation of technology from all sources for the national benefit. It shall encourage the widest participation of private groups, local governments, and community-based organizations in the generation and utilization of science and technology." Article XIII, Section 3, however, states that "The State shall afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all."

The debate and conversation around artificial intelligence (AI) have been everywhere whether it really helps people in their everyday lives or it is simply a threat to the global workforce. Al refers to technology that can perform tasks similar to those of humans. John McCarthy first coined the term "Artificial Intelligence" in 1955, describing it as the science behind creating intelligent machines. Prime examples of AI for business include process automation, sales, business forecasting, and virtual assistants. Furthermore, Al is an algorithm programmed to complete tasks and actions in a human-like fashion. AI really has a lot of potential-from automating tasks to making it easier for complex questions to be answered in just a matter of seconds. Several companies worldwide have already adopted and integrated AI in their operations. According to IBM, 77% of companies globally are exploring the use of AI, with 35% already using AI in their operations and 42% in their planning stage for future implementation!. Government agencies globally are acting now to understand AI and its impact to the public workforce. As early as 2020, at least 150 federal government programs in the United States used Al to assist with decision making and to make predictions based upon vast amount of data and algorithms. Federal states and municipalities are also adopting AI in law enforcement, public benefits distribution, fraud detection, permitting, employment, and housing, among others.? 1 "Using Al & Big Data To Solve Business Problems: Strategies & Benefits." https://devsu.com/sprint/ai/using- ai-and-big-data-to-solve-business-problems# 2 "Artificial Intelligence: Responsible Al Use In Local and State Government." American Association for the Advancement of Science. https://www.aaas.org/programs/epi-center/Al

Skills gap is one of the chailenges of the workforce, especially with the rise of generative AI. In this light, it is important to train the Filipino government workforce in AI in order for them to understand these technologies, maximize its potential and eventually integrate this sophisticated technology in state operations that would result in improved productivity and accelerated services for the people. Government agencies must therefore start training and enhancing the capabilities of civil servants when it comes to Al. While there is an urgent need to develop an agile and resilient workforce on the back of technological advancements, the government must also strike a balance between leveraging Al's benefits, managing its risks and capitalizing on the opportunities that it provides. It is important to leverage Al to better serve the public and future-proof the government workforce. For these reasons, approval of this measure is earnestly sought. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL -3 P4:01 N... SENATE ------ S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT TO PROVIDE AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE GOVERNMENT WORKFORCE, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Artificial Intelligence

(AI) Training for Government Workforce Act".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Science and technology are essential for

4 national development and progress. The State shall give priority to research and 5 development, invention, innovation, and their utilization; and to science and technology education, training, and service. It is hereby declared the policy of the 7 State to harness the potential of artificial intelligence to create in-demand jobs, empower industries, spur economic development, and improve the life of every Filipino through technological advancements. The State shall adopt a human- centered approach for the future of work that focuses on increasing investment in people's capabilities, strengthening the institutions of work, and promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, and decent work for all.

Sec. 3. Objectives. - This Act has the following objectives:

a) To harness the potential of Al as a positive and innovative approach to help the government workforce in accomplishing tasks for a more efficient public service; b) To understand the rigors of Al, machine learning, and associated technologies; c) To prevent and detect possible fraud that may affect the bureaucracy; d) To reskill, support and develop the workforce and prepare them for the future of technology; e) To establish a resilient workforce that values agility and continuous learning; f) To integrate the operations of AI into government service and utilizing its benefits;

Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, artificial intelligence (AI)

refers to: a) Any artificial system that performs tasks under varying and unpredictable circumstances without significant human oversight, or that can learn from experience and improve performance when exposed to data sets; b) An artificial system developed in computer software, physical hardware, or other context that solves tasks requiring human-like perception, cognition, planning, learning, communication, or physical action; c) An artificial system designed to think or act like a human, including cognitive architectures and neural networks; d) A set of techniques, including machine learning, that is designed to approximate a cognitive task; e) An artificial system designed to act rationally, including an intelligent software agent or embodied robot that achieves goals using perception, planning, reasoning, learning, communicating, and decision making.

Sec. 5. AI Training Program. - The term "AI Training Program" means the

training program established under this Act to be designed by the respective government agencies.

formulate the Al Training Program and shall be the lead agency to implement this program. It shall also involve other experts from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to enhance and develop the training program.

Sec. 7. Topics. - The Al training program shall include information relating

to: a) The science underlying AI, including how AI works; b) introductory concepts relating to the technological features of artificial intelligence systems; c) The ways in which Al can benefit the national government; d) The risks posed by AI, including discrimination and risks to privacy; e) Ways to mitigate the risks described in subparagraph (D), including efforts to create and identify Al that is reliable, safe, and trustworthy; and f) Future trends in Al, including trends for national security and innovation.

Sec. 8. Time Period. - Not less frequently than once every two (2) years,

the DICT shall update the Al training program to: a) Incorporate new information relating to AI; and b) Ensure that the Al Training Program continues to be relevant to the times.

Sec. 9. Covered Workforce. - The term "covered workforce" means:

a) Employees of a government agency who are responsible for: i. program management; ii. the planning, research, development, engineering, testing, and evaluation of systems, including quality control and assurance; ili. procurement and contracting; iv. logistics; or v. cost estimating; and b) Other personnel of a government agency designated by the head of that agency to participate in the Al Training Program.

Sec. 10. Appropriations. - The amounts necessary for the implementation of

this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 11. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any chapter, section, or

provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional, illegal, or invalid, such parts not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 12. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,

proclamations, and administrative regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation. Approved,