Cagayan de Oro City — May 28, 2025 — Officials from the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur (PLGU-LDS) are ramping up efforts to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into local governance following their participation in two key events that promote digital transformation and responsible AI use in public service.
Staff from the Provincial Information Office — including Admin Officer IV Abdul Mikael Balindong, Information Officer III Zhayrah Ampuan, Public Relations Officer I Mohaniza Hadjimalik, and Admin Assistant Alanis Ansari — joined the “AI in the Newsroom: Productivity, Ethics & Combating Misinformation” workshop held at Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan. Organized by PLDT-Smart in partnership with the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, the session aimed to equip government communicators and media practitioners with the skills to responsibly leverage AI in content creation and public information.
The workshop is part of the broader “AI in a Box” initiative — an advocacy program by PLDT-Smart that focuses on building digital literacy and fostering ethical AI use among communities and local governments. The initiative underscores the role of AI in increasing productivity, enhancing content quality, and combating the spread of misinformation — all crucial in a time of information overload and fast-paced communication.
Complementing this training, a preparatory meeting was also held between PLGU-LDS officials and PLDT-Smart representatives at Sentro 1850 in Cagayan de Oro. The session, led by PLDT First Vice President for Public Engagement Roby Alampay and journalist-digital transformation advisor Jaemark Tordecilla, introduced AI-powered tools that LGUs can adopt to improve the efficiency of public service delivery.
The “AI in a Box” package includes essential digital tools such as a laptop, smartphone, PLDT Home WiFi with prepaid load, and a one-year ChatGPT Plus subscription. It also offers training and mentorship tailored to support AI integration into the day-to-day operations of local government units.
PLGU-LDS officials — including Provincial Information Officer Salma Jayne Tamano, PDRRM Officer Shaminoden Sambitory, PENRO Pili Papandayan, ICT Officer Mahid Macadato, and Aliyusoph Guro from the Provincial Administrator’s Office — expressed full support for the initiative. The team committed to piloting at least one AI-powered solution in the coming months as part of their broader digital transformation agenda.
The integration of AI into basic social services holds significant promise for improving governance. From streamlining communication workflows to enabling data-driven decision-making, AI can enhance transparency, responsiveness, and service efficiency. With tools like ChatGPT, government offices can automate routine tasks, generate accurate reports, and deliver timely information to constituents — ultimately bridging service gaps in underserved areas.
As AI continues to reshape the landscape of governance, initiatives like “AI in a Box” demonstrate how technology, when responsibly applied, can empower communities and build a more informed, inclusive, and effective public service system.