DTI launches AI-powered public service with Japan firm

The Department of Trade and Industry signed a memorandum of understanding on July 14 with Japan-based Rinna Co. Ltd. to launch its first artificial intelligence-powered public assistant.

The initiative aims to make government services faster, more accessible, and more inclusive for the public.

Called Project TRINA—short for Trade and Industry Assistant—the tool will feature a 24/7 conversational AI avatar on the DTI website.

The AI assistant will act as a one-stop support channel, reducing the need for in-person visits or manual website navigation.

It will respond to queries related to trade, MSME development, consumer rights, and investment policies.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, who led the signing, described the project as a pivotal step toward modernizing public service.

“With Project TRINA, we are introducing a new technology that allows people to access DTI services anytime, in a way that feels as natural as talking to a real person, breaking down barriers for users who may not be tech-savvy,” Roque said.

TRINA is designed to simulate human interaction in English and Tagalog, offering voice-enabled, emotionally intelligent responses—especially helpful for users with limited digital literacy.

In its next phase, the DTI plans to expand TRINA’s capabilities by enabling frontline offices to create their own specialized AI assistants.

These virtual tools will support interactive tasks such as license applications, business registration, or filing consumer complaints.

Roque said the project aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to use advanced digital tools to improve government services while ensuring ethical AI use, human oversight, and strong data privacy safeguards.

The MOU signing also marked the start of DTI’s nationwide campaign to raise public awareness about Project TRINA and its role in delivering more user-friendly services.