AICON Manila 2026 is set to bring together business leaders, educators, policymakers, technology professionals, and AI practitioners to discuss how artificial intelligence can be developed and adopted in ways that reflect Filipino values and priorities.
Scheduled for August 25 at SPACE @ One Ayala Mall in Makati City, the conference will center on the theme, “Human by Design: Building the AI Future We Choose.”
Organized by the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP), the annual conference aims to move conversations beyond emerging technologies and focus on how AI can address real-world challenges in education, business, government, and society.
Rather than simply adopting global AI trends, organizers encourage Filipinos to take an active role in shaping how AI is implemented and governed in the country.
Building an AI future around Filipino needs
The central message of AICON Manila 2026 is that artificial intelligence should be designed to serve people. This year’s theme emphasizes that AI development should align with the country’s unique social, economic, and cultural realities rather than relying solely on solutions developed elsewhere.
According to AAP, the conference will encourage discussions on responsible AI adoption, ethical governance, workforce transformation, and practical implementation across industries.
By bringing together stakeholders from different sectors, the event aims to promote collaboration in creating AI systems that improve lives while maintaining public trust.
The conference also highlights the importance of giving Filipinos a stronger voice in determining how AI is used in schools, workplaces, businesses, and government institutions.
Practical learning through real-world AI applications
Unlike traditional technology conferences that focus primarily on emerging trends, AICON Manila 2026 will emphasize practical learning through real implementation experiences.
Participants can expect keynote addresses, panel discussions, case studies, demonstrations, and interactive workshops designed to provide practical insights for organizations starting or expanding their AI initiatives.
AAP Board members gathered during the media launch of AICON Manila 2026. From left: Joey Gurango, Sonny Carlos, Michelle Alarcon, Lee Abadia, and Norman Lapid.
The event will feature three plenary keynotes, two panel discussions, and 24 breakout sessions covering topics such as enterprise AI, AI governance, AI safety, analytics, education, and workforce development. Attendees will also have opportunities to engage with exhibitors, technology providers, and fellow professionals through the conference’s ecosystem hub.
By focusing on practical applications rather than theory alone, AICON seeks to help organizations better understand both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with AI adoption.
Strengthening the Philippine AI ecosystem
AICON Manila 2026 reflects the continued growth of the country’s AI community. This year’s conference is expected to welcome around 800 participants, building on the success of the 2025 edition, which gathered more than 600 attendees representing 126 organizations across 25 industries.
Among the confirmed speakers are Michelle Alarcon, President and Co-Founder of AAP; Anton Reynaldo Bonifacio, Chief Intelligence and Trust Officer of Globe Telecom; Dr. Sherwin Pelayo of the Commission on Higher Education; Derick Ohmar Adil of the International AI Safety Commission; Pam Cabudoy of RCBC; and Jenny Echevarria of Globe Telecom.
Through its annual conference, AAP continues to strengthen collaboration among businesses, educators, government agencies, technology providers, and AI practitioners to support the country’s growing artificial intelligence ecosystem.
Choosing the AI future Filipinos want
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, AICON Manila 2026 aims to encourage meaningful conversations about how technology should be designed, governed, and applied in the Philippines.
The conference underscores that AI is not only about technological innovation but also about making deliberate choices that prioritize people, trust, and long-term societal benefit.
By combining practical learning, industry collaboration, and discussions on responsible AI, AICON Manila 2026 seeks to help shape an AI future that reflects Filipino values while preparing organizations and communities for the opportunities ahead.
