PLDT, Smart push ethical AI use among young researchers

Insider Spotlight

• PLDT and Smart promote accountability in AI use
• Engagement reaches 1,000 student researchers nationwide
• Initiative aligns with broader digital upskilling push
• Media literacy framed as key defense vs misinformation
  
  
  

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications are stepping up efforts to shape responsible artificial intelligence use among the next generation, positioning digital ethics as a core pillar of the country’s evolving knowledge economy.

At the recent De La Salle University–Dasmariñas High School Research Conference, the telco giants engaged around 1,000 senior high school students in discussions on research integrity, media literacy, and the risks tied to unchecked AI adoption.

Why it matters

As AI tools rapidly become embedded in academic and professional workflows, the risk of misuse—from plagiarism to misinformation—continues to rise. PLDT and Smart are framing accountability as non-negotiable in this new landscape.

Roby Alampay, PLDT and Smart first vice president and public engagement head, emphasized personal responsibility in using AI tools.

“For me, accountability is very important, especially now in the age of AI. All of us must have a sense of accountability,” Alampay said in a press statement on April 17, 2026. “You can use AI all you want, but in the end, you must be accountable. If you have that mindset, it will keep you responsible, and that will make you a better professional,” he added.

The bigger picture

The initiative ties into the group’s broader digital empowerment strategy, particularly its AI-in-a-Box program launched in 2025. The platform provides organizations and communities with tools, training, and connectivity to adopt AI in practical, everyday applications.

This signals a shift beyond infrastructure—toward shaping how technology is used, not just accessed.

Driving behavior change

The conference session was delivered alongside MediaQuest’s #ThinkAMuna Pilipinas campaign, which promotes critical thinking, respectful online engagement, and responsible content consumption.

Speakers from media and communications sectors reinforced the need for students to question sources, verify information, and navigate an increasingly complex digital environment.

Bottom line

PLDT and Smart are leveraging their scale and influence to address a growing gap in AI adoption: ethics. As AI becomes more democratized, the companies are betting that long-term value lies not just in access—but in accountability. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma