PDIC shares early AI journey at UP forum

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation showcased its early use of artificial intelligence and broader digital transformation efforts during a public communication forum at the University of the Philippines Diliman, highlighting how technology is reshaping government communications and public service.

PDIC Corporate Affairs Group Vice President Jose G. Villaret Jr. shared the state deposit insurer’s nascent AI practices with students, educators, communication professionals and media practitioners during the MAKI+Fiesta 2.0 festival held on Dec. 11, 2025.

Villaret underscored the importance of AI and digital tools in improving efficiency and responsiveness to PDIC stakeholders, including their use in media monitoring to strengthen the corporation’s communication initiatives.

Representing PDIC, Villaret discussed how artificial intelligence supports the agency’s communications and public awareness programs, positioning digital innovation as a key component of effective public sector engagement.

As a panelist in the forum’s AI in Public and Development Communication breakout session, Villaret highlighted the recent launch of POLA, or the PDIC Online Assistant, an AI-driven chatbot designed to provide faster and more efficient access to information about PDIC and its operations, including deposit insurance.

He also explained how PDIC maximizes AI and other digital tools for media content analysis to measure the impact of its communications and public awareness initiatives and campaigns.

Villaret shared the corporation’s broader journey to transform PDIC into a more agile, efficient and innovative financial regulator, with digitalization efforts expected to lead to streamlined processes, data-driven decision-making and predictive analytics.

Now in its second year, MAKI+Fiesta is a collaboration among the UP System, the Quezon City government, PumaPodcast, FYT Media and Probe Productions, and aims to explore how creativity and innovation empower individuals and communities.

For this year’s edition, the festival featured speakers from PDIC, the Presidential Communications Office, the Philippine Information Agency and the Quezon City government, reflecting a growing focus on innovation in public communication.

Established on June 22, 1963 through Republic Act 3591, PDIC is mandated to protect depositors and help maintain stability in the financial system, and is an attached agency of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.