BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Innovation, collaboration, and artificial intelligence took center stage as TRAIN 2026: AI & Innovation Networking Week successfully brought together government leaders, industry experts, educators, entrepreneurs, startups, students, and technology advocates for a transformative multi-day gathering at the SMX Convention Center, Bacolod City.
Anchored on the theme “Knowledge is the New Currency,” the event became a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, building partnerships, and showcasing how AI and digital innovation can accelerate inclusive growth and regional development across the Philippines.
Building Connected Communities Through Innovation
The week opened with Day 1: Connected Communities & Innovation Ecosystems, highlighting the importance of collaboration in strengthening innovation ecosystems throughout Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, and the Negros Island Region.
The opening program featured welcome messages from Dr. Naomi Cosette R. Luis, Regional Director of DOST–Negros Island Region, and Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Convenor of TRAIN 2026, who encouraged participants to become active contributors to the country’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Key discussions explored digital infrastructure, connectivity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies, while government agencies, ICT councils, industry leaders, academe, and community partners emphasized the value of collaboration in creating jobs, attracting investments, and improving public services.
The afternoon breakout sessions allowed delegates to dive deeper into digital infrastructure, education ecosystems, AI adoption, and community-driven innovation, reinforcing the idea that meaningful transformation begins when knowledge is shared and partnerships are formed.
AI-Powered Enterprises Take the Spotlight
On Day 2, the focus shifted to AI-Powered Enterprises, showcasing how artificial intelligence is transforming businesses, empowering MSMEs, strengthening education, and preparing the workforce for an increasingly digital economy.
Industry experts and thought leaders from organizations including DILG, Digital PINAS, Pinnacle Technologies, and Ephraim Financials Group shared practical strategies on enterprise productivity, workforce transformation, business digitalization, and responsible AI adoption.
Specialized breakout sessions explored prompt engineering, AI tools for entrepreneurs and startups, the future of work, education ecosystems, and business digitalization—providing participants with practical knowledge they can immediately apply within their organizations.
Throughout the day, one message remained consistent: innovation succeeds when knowledge is transformed into action.
Advancing Digital Business and Sustainable Growth
The momentum continued on Day 3, where discussions centered on Digital Business & Sustainable Growth, demonstrating how digital transformation can strengthen industries, improve public services, and create long-term economic opportunities.
Opening the day was OIC Regional Director Jam Colas-Villaber of DEPDev NIR, followed by sessions highlighting the importance of digital infrastructure, AI-powered regional development, future-ready tourism, and disaster resilience through technology.
Speakers from Converge Global Business, JustPressOne, JayThree Information Technology, and Monday.com Foundation – ERT Asia presented practical applications of AI, connectivity, and digital innovation in strengthening businesses and communities.
An engaging panel discussion brought together leaders from government and industry to discuss digital literacy, finance, tourism, creative industries, and sustainable regional development.
Meanwhile, afternoon breakout sessions explored Smart City Solutions for local governments, AI-driven outsourcing, FinTech innovation, and AI tools for tourism, reinforcing that digital transformation goes beyond technology—it is about empowering people, industries, and communities.
DASIG.AI 2026 Showcases the Next Generation of Filipino Innovators
One of the week’s biggest highlights was the inaugural DASIG.AI Pitching Competition, a flagship event of TRAIN 2026 that celebrated the creativity and ingenuity of young Filipino innovators.
The competition gathered 29 finalist teams, representing 10 educational institutions, more than 100 student innovators, and 14 faculty advisers, all presenting AI-powered solutions addressing real-world challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education, accessibility, disaster resilience, transportation, governance, environmental protection, employment, and public health.
Inspired by the Visayan word “dasigay,” meaning to act fast, remain agile, and stay nimble, DASIG.AI challenged participants to create responsible, impactful, and sustainable AI solutions for communities.
The competition was evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges composed of Apple Manansala (The New Channel and KWC), Ralph Frondoza (CirroLytix Research Services), Claire Francis Tayco (CirroLytix Global Services), Haseeb Khursheed (J3 ICT Solutions), Pauline Oderon (Multimedia Arts Council of the Philippines), and Joey Roi Bondoc (Colliers Philippines).
Participants also drew inspiration from keynote speakers and industry leaders, including representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, DOST-TUPV HIVE, BUGLAS NIR Consortium, DITO Business, and Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, who encouraged students to continue building solutions that create meaningful impact.
As the competition concluded, Atty. Batapa-Sigue emphasized that the future of Philippine artificial intelligence is already being shaped by today’s students—young innovators who are no longer waiting for tomorrow but are actively building it.
Strengthening Partnerships for an AI-Driven Future
Across four days of learning, collaboration, and innovation, TRAIN 2026 successfully demonstrated how government, industry, academe, startups, and communities can work together to prepare the Philippines for an AI-powered future.
With inspiring keynote sessions, practical workshops, engaging panel discussions, innovation showcases, and the groundbreaking DASIG.AI competition, the event reaffirmed that technology alone is not enough. True innovation happens when people collaborate, share knowledge, and create solutions that improve lives.
As TRAIN 2026 concluded, organizers expressed their gratitude to all speakers, delegates, exhibitors, partners, volunteers, educators, mentors, judges, and participating institutions whose contributions made the event a success.
More than a conference, TRAIN 2026 became a movement—one that empowered participants to embrace digital transformation, strengthen regional innovation ecosystems, and continue building a smarter, more connected, and future-ready Philippines.
With knowledge as its driving force, TRAIN 2026 leaves behind a clear message: when communities connect, innovation thrives, opportunities grow, and the future becomes brighter for everyone.
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