ILOILO CITY, Philippines – The 2025 Artificial Intelligence Fest (AI Fest) is set to take center stage this August 11–13, 2025, at the Iloilo Convention Center, Megaworld Boulevard, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. Organized by the Department of Science and Technology Region VI (DOST VI), this nationwide initiative aims to strengthen AI development in the Philippines under the theme “Coding a Better Future: Responsible AI for Cities and Communities.”
The event will unite students, professionals, academics, LGUs, startups, and industry leaders from across the country to explore ethical, inclusive, and impactful AI solutions. NEN Digital joins as a proud media partner.
A Three-Day AI Experience
AI Fest 2025 features four major sub-events designed to engage the public and AI professionals alike:
1. SineAI: AI Meets Filmmaking
Co-organized with the College of Information and Communications Technology of West Visayas State University (WVSU), SineAI will introduce AI tools to the creative industry. It includes talks from renowned speakers such as Auraeus Solito, Daniel Enriquez, and Kristian Kabuay, plus hands-on workshops led by Gavin Lim and top local mentors. The SineAI Film Festival will be held on August 11, 3:00–5:00 PM at Festive Walk Cinema.
2. AI Hackathon
A nationwide challenge for student innovators, co-organized with UMWAD Western Visayas. Ten teams from across the Philippines will develop AI-powered solutions, with guidance from experts like Andres Montiel (Packworks) and Joshua Arvin Lat (NuWorks Interactive Labs). The hackathon kicks off on August 11 at the Richmonde Hotel and concludes with an awarding ceremony on August 13 at the Iloilo Convention Center.
3. AI Technical Conference
A three-day conference featuring plenary discussions, R&D presentations, and the latest AI trends. Co-organized with the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (RASUC), the conference runs from August 11–13 at the Iloilo Convention Center. Registration fee: PhP 5,000 per participant.
4. AI Exhibits
A free 3-day national and international showcase of AI innovations, co-organized with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) – Iloilo Chapter. Open to the public from August 11–13 at the Iloilo Convention Center.
Organizers and Partners
AI Fest 2025 is supported by:
- Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (RASUC)
- Unified Movement to Accelerate Startup and Spin-off Development in Western Visayas (UMWAD)
- Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U)
- West Visayas State University (WVSU)
- Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Iloilo Chapter
- Innovate Iloilo
- Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines (AAP)
- Developers Connect (DevCon) Iloilo
- Iloilo Business Club
Corporate sponsors include MORE Electric and Power Corporation, Amazon Web Services (AWS), PhilData, and Converge.
Why It Matters
“AI Fest is more than a technology event—it’s a collaborative platform for building a unified AI agenda for the Philippines,” says DOST VI, emphasizing the need for responsible AI adoption that directly benefits local communities.
Event Access & Contact
- Dates: August 11–13, 2025
- Main Venue: Iloilo Convention Center, Megaworld Blvd., Mandurriao, Iloilo City
- Tickets & Info: aifest.ph | facebook.com/aifestph
- Contact: ord@ro6.dost.gov.ph | connect@aifest.ph | (033) 320 0907
About AI Fest 2025
The 2025 Artificial Intelligence Fest (AI Fest) is a nationwide initiative of the Department of Science and Technology Region VI (DOST VI) dedicated to advancing AI development in the Philippines. Guided by the theme “Coding a Better Future: Responsible AI for Cities and Communities,” AI Fest underscores the importance of ethical, inclusive, and impactful AI solutions that address real-world challenges in urban and community settings.
Bringing together students, professionals, academics, local government units, startups, and industry leaders from across the country, AI Fest serves as a collaborative platform for sharing best practices and shaping a unified AI agenda for the nation. The three-day event features four major sub-events: the AI Hackathon, AI Technical Conference, SineAI (AI Filmmaking Masterclass and Festival), and AI Exhibits.
Follow AI Fest for the latest updates: https://aifest.ph
About DOST VI
The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VI (DOST VI) is one of 16 regional offices of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the country’s premier science and technology body. Tasked with providing leadership, coordination, and central direction for all scientific and technological activities in Western Visayas, DOST VI implements national S&T policies, programs, and projects while working closely with other government agencies and local government units.
At the forefront of advancing the S&T sector as a driver of regional socio-economic development, DOST VI champions initiatives that deliver maximum economic and social benefits to the people. Guided by its mission to direct, lead, and coordinate the country’s scientific, technological, and innovative efforts, DOST VI upholds its core values of Service, Commitment, Innovation, Ethics, Nurturance, Collaboration, and Excellence.
For more information, visit https://region6.dost.gov.ph