AI for better public service: PLDT and Smart empower CDO and MisOr public servants

More than 40 public servants from the City Government of Cagayan de Oro and the
Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental recently enhanced their digital capabilities
through a hands-on AI training workshop designed to strengthen public service delivery,
organized by PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

Part of PLDT and Smart’s AI in a Box digital empowerment initiative, the activity was

supported by the PLDT-Smart Foundation, PLDT Enterprise, and the Lifelong Learning

and Professional Development Office of the City College of Cagayan de Oro.

“We are thankful for the full support of our partners and active participation of the local

governments of Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental. Through initiatives like this, we

aim to advance digital inclusion by equipping communities with the tools and knowledge

to thrive in an AI-enabled future,” shared Smart Mindanao Relations Head Judee

Chaves.

Participants from various LGU offices—including human resources, information

technology, and health—gained hands-on experience in Artificial Intelligence and

Generative AI through a session facilitated by Limitless Lab. They learned practical

applications such as prompt engineering, AI-assisted writing for policy and citizen

communications, and designing LGU chatbots to streamline processes and improve

citizen engagement.

Louie Gie Lusdoc, Administrative Officer from the Provincial Government of Misamis

Oriental, said, “AI tools can significantly improve efficiency in drafting reports, creating

presentations, and organizing data, allowing public servants to focus more on strategic

and people-centered functions. By streamlining inquiries and supporting data-driven

decision-making, AI helps deliver more responsive government services to the

community.”

“Thank you for this meaningful activity that empowers the public servants of the City

Government of Cagayan de Oro and the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental as

we begin embracing the future with AI. May what we learned from this workshop inspire

us to use AI to make our work more efficient while always keeping humans at the center

of public service,” said Mary Joy Meca-Villarin, Assistant Department Head of the City

Management Information System and Innovation Department.

This initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9:

Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, promoting the adoption of innovative

technologies to strengthen public institutions and enable smarter, more resilient

communities. pr