Agentic AI Takes the Stage: 8 Key Lessons from the 8th GAIN National Convention

Agentic AI, the form of artificial intelligence that can perform tasks independently without constant human oversight, is quickly gaining traction in the Philippines.

At the 8th GAIN National Convention in Manila, industry leaders, educators, and policymakers came together to map out its impact on business, education, and society.

Here are eight standout insights from the event:

1. Healthcare shows early adoption
JL Botor of the Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines explained how overseas healthcare firms already use agentic AI to automate patient monitoring, clinical support, and documentation.

2. Banking gains stronger safeguards
According to Ida Tiongson of Fintech Alliance.Ph, AI has boosted customer experience while helping banks detect fraud more effectively.

3. BPOs move faster than the world
Doc Ligot of the Philippine AI Business Association revealed that 11% of local BPOs fully use agentic AI—triple the 4% global rate reported by Deloitte.

4. Education needs a creative reset
SEAMEO Innotech’s Kochakorn Khattapan-Acidre urged schools to shift learning priorities toward creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

5. Misalignment slows progress
CCAP president Haidee Enriquez stressed that while industries adapt quickly to new tech, the education system struggles to keep pace.

6. Universities must rethink their role
USHER Technologies’ Francis Aldrine Uy called for schools to embrace outcomes-based education and integrate AI into teaching models.

7. Graduates must be workforce-ready
Accenture’s Mike Lao emphasized the demand for technical and AI-driven skills in preparing future workers for new industry roles.

8. Human touch is non-negotiable
GAIN President Monette Iturralde-Hamlin reminded participants that ethical standards and human values must guide AI adoption.

The convention underscored one truth: the Philippines’ success in harnessing agentic AI will depend on how well government, academia, and industries collaborate.